Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-TREK 2020 Review

The Nissan Pathfinder might be a big, practical seven-seat family SUV, but now it can be had in a darker and more menacing flavour.

Essentially a cosmetic upgrade in the same vein as the X-TRAIL and Navara N-TREK variants, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder N-TREK differs in its availability – the dark N-TREK treatment is offered across both 2WD and 4WD ST+ and ST-L variants.

Here we’re testing the 4WD ST-L variant, which sits one rung below the range-topping 4WD Pathfinder Ti and competes head to head with the similarly priced Toyota Kluger GXL AWD, Mazda CX-9 GT FWD and the Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander V6 FWD.

Originally launched as special-editions in February, Nissan Pathfinder N-TREK models add unique black-and-silver 18-inch alloy wheels and other visual upgrades including black styling accents.

But as we’ve reported, Nissan’s N-TREK onslaught is here to stay and Australian buyers are now spoilt for choice with a total of 12 Pathfinder variants now available.

I’ve been a little guilty of picking on the ‘SUV’ term applied to many big family wagons without much 'sport' or 'utility', but the Pathfinder certainly has the latter covered in spades.

And after a week at the wheel, Nissan might not be exaggerating too much when it comes to the sport part either...

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-TREK hits showrooms at $60,640 plus on-road costs. That’s $1500 over the standard 4WD ST-L.

For your money you get the big-ticket unique black and silver 18-inch alloys wheels with 20mm wider tyres over standard.

Also included are black door-handles, black roof-rails, black license plate trim, black front grille, black wheel-arches and a silver lower bumper.

Colours are limited to four options – Caspian Blue, Diamond Black, Ivory Pearl and, as tested, Gun Metallic.

Powering this more aggressive new look is an unchanged 3.5-litre petrol V6 producing a respectable 202kW and 340Nm.

Also unchanged is the constantly variable automatic transmission (CVT) which has three drive modes. Select 2WD and the Pathfinder is essentially front-wheel drive, while 4WD Auto distributes torque to the rear when the car senses it’s needed. This distribution can be seen via a digital display on the dash.

When more grip is required at low speed on loose surfaces, there’s a 4WD-lock mode which distributes torque to both axles -- as well as ‘L’ via the gear selector which keeps the gearbox in low gear for those big gradients or towing up to 2700kg.

Why you should buy the Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-TREK?

Cooler looks aside, you should buy the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-TREK for its zippy performance and seven-seat practicality. The N-TREK’s black accents just top it off.

Typical comments received over my week of driving were positive references to its sleek, dark styling followed by ‘surprised’ facial expressions when I proceeded to tell them it was a Nissan Pathfinder.

If you’re looking at seven-seaters, you obviously need or want space and this vehicle offers that but delivered in a stylish package with a reasonable degree of performance too.

Boot space is a decent 453 litres with the rear row of seats in place and 1354L with them folded down. With all rows stowed, space grows to a massive 2260L.

The practicality doesn’t stop there as the middle row of seat also folds into a V-shape cargo mode, extending floor space if the need arises.

An April 2019 update brought the Pathfinder additional active safety features including autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control. The changes are across the entire Pathfinder range, so the safety aspect of the N-TREK is covered.

The only thing missing when it comes to infotainment is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Looking for practicality and space in your next vehicle? The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-TREK’s seven seats has that box ticked.

Is it worth $1500 over the ST-L? For sure, if not for the extra tyre width alone, and it just plain looks cool. It’s a ‘no-brainer’ for large families or families of any size really.

Often, I’ve cursed the lack of seven seats in my own cars when faced with the conundrum of picking up my parents from the airport and the kids (car seats included) wanting to come along, It’s something to which I’m sure many readers can relate.

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-TREK’s leather interior may not look as luxurious as some but it’s easy to clean and maintain.

For a couple? Well, the seats lay properly flat, so you’ve got somewhere to sleep if you’re on an adventure and the Pathfinder probably has just enough off-road capability to get you off the beaten track.

The only purchasers that may be a little reluctant are those focussed on fuel economy. Nissan claims 10L/100km Combined but we registered 13L/100 on test and it’s easy to see it being a little thirstier for some...

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-TREK oozes practicality but also has surprisingly lively performance.

That a big seven-seat SUV like the Pathfinder N-TREK can get the job done carrying major cargo, tackle some basic loose-surface soft off-road duties in comfort and get up the road in a zippy fashion surprised me.

The jack-of-all-trades nature of the Nissan Pathfinder’s basic packaging compromises outright performance in some areas but it can get around a corner (and the race track -- yes, I tried it!) with the speed and poise that it shouldn’t really manage.

I like the raspy big-six engine noise -- it reminds me of a Commodore or Falcon -- and the V6 performance, and it's not too far away in handling either.

Not only that but it rides well, can easily fit seven people (even my 180cm frame fits in the third row comfortably) and there are numerous seat folding configurations -- all while looking sharp and menacing.

I’m putting the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder N-TREK in the Large SUV Crossover category. Is there such a thing?

Maybe there is now...

How much does the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L N-TREK cost?
Price: $60,640 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol
Output: 202kW/340Nm
Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission
Fuel: 10.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 234g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2013)