We like
Impressive build quality, eight seats, attractive styling inside and outside, good performance, tidy dynamics and ride, value for money

Room for improvement
Fuel economy, on-demand AWD predominantly front driven, lag in transmission selection, engine noise under load

Overview

 

FRANKLY, expectations from the recently reintroduced Nissan Pathfinder ST-L AWD were not high, but how wrong we were…

 

The newly relaunched mid-tier variant proved to be surprisingly good across most areas of operation. It looks good, is well equipped, great to travel in, and retails from $64,170. A good deal no matter which way you cut it.

 

Not even the ADAS annoyed us much, about the only down side we could determine the V6-powered models’ fuel consumption that went into the 12s on one occasion – but that is to  to be expected from a vehicle this size and weight with a 3.5-litre petrol under the bonnet.

 

On walk up, the first thing to impress was the Pathy’s build quality reflected in the paint, panel fit and finish, materials used and attention to detail all underscored by the taut feel once we got it on the road.

 

The model rolls off a US assembly line which is even more surprising from a build quality perspective given some underwhelming US-built offerings from other brands…

 

Nissan Australia boned the ST-L last year but rued the day as sales completely tanked so they brought the mid-spec’ model back as Pathy’s new entry point which seems like a good plan.

 

But getting onto buyer menus may be problematic as they are spoiled for choice by the likes of Ford’s more off-road oriented Everest, Hyundai’s new Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Pajero Sport, Isuzu MU-X, Mazda CX-90, Toyota Kluger and a bunch of Chinese offerings to name just a few contenders in the Large SUV space.

 

Standard ST-L features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with auto high beam, LED running lights and front fog lights, a powered tailgate, and integrated roof rails.

 

In-cabin equipment highlights include a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, 10.8-inch head-up display, 9.0-inch infotainment array, native sat nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, four USB ports, heated front seats, and tri-zone climate control.

 

On the safety side the five star ANCAP rated ST-L grade provides predictive forward collision warning with junction assist and emergency braking (AEB), driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring and intervention, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition with over speed prevention, 360-degree camera system, and a total of nine airbags.

 

As already mentioned, power comes from a VQ35DD-series 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine developing 202kW of power and 340Nm of torque. It is paired exclusively with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

 

Selectable drive mode options are provided through Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow and Tow modes in addition to Mud and Sand on the AWD model.

 

Driving Impressions

 

Looking like a scaled-up Nissan X-Trail, the Pathfinder is a big three-row vehicle offering plenty of room inside and generous standard equipment, particularly as the ST-L tested is the “mid-grade” – or the entry to the Aussie line-up considering the Pathfinder is not offered in ST (entry) guise.

 

Access is easy including to the small third row pews via Nissan’s clever seat folding mechanism called EZ Flex.

 

The doors are big and open wide while the seats are positioned at an amenable hip height, obviating the need for a hoik up to gain access… or a jump out when alighting.

 

The interior is a tad old school which we like because it’s logical and easy to use right down to accessing some menus viewed in the middle of the driver’s pod and not on a remote screen in the middle of the dash.

 

There is a large multi-function screen in the centre of the dash that is legible and easy to use.

 

As usual, we selectively disconnected some of the “naffer” ADAS … which annoyingly reconnects on restart. But Nissan seems to have put a lighter touch on ADAS elements injecting some subtlety into the features as opposed to using a sledge hammer.

 

The first two rows offer decent size seating for adults while the third row is somewhat tight. Families will no doubt appreciate the numerous cup holders, air vents, and USB ports, as well as an underfloor storage box and adequate cargo space.

 

We revelled in the premium audio, the heated front seats and exterior mirrors, tri-zone climate control and power tailgate… all are very welcomed at the price point.

 

Built on a monocoque chassis yields more of a passenger car feel inside the Pathy which offers up a surprisingly adept ride quality over a wide range of surfaces … with minimal NVH intrusion.

 

Other dynamic functions are similarly well resolved including the steering that delivers well weighted feel and relatively lithe responses to avoid road irregularities… and to make tight parking manoeuvres.

 

Engine performance isn’t lacking from the naturally aspirated V6 that’s seen duty in plenty of other Nissans.

 

It likes to rev and gets the big beast moving rapidly aided by the nine-speed automatic which seems up for the job most of the time with a touch of tardiness when seeking kick-down when overtaking for example. Use the paddle shift and it’s not a problem.

 

The AWD stumbles a bit on a wet road start off as power is initially fed to the front axle with the rear engaged on demand… a tad too late at times.

 

Setting ourselves a challenge to use as little fuel as possible, we saw the Pathy register 9.3 litres per 100km at one stage, but you can’t drive like that all the time so expect about 10.5 most of the time.

 

Herein lies the rub with the Nissan SUV…. No hybrid or diesel powertrain options to get that fuel use (and presumably emissions) down to a more contemporary level.