The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder is a solid and dependable big SUV that is packed with goodies and a decent drive. There are several trims to choose between and all of them run with the super smooth V6 3.5i petrol engine. A brand-new Pathfinder is due out sometime next year but right now the going is good to get yourself into this great looking Pathfinder with all its excellent features.
The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder comes in four trim configurations and uses a FWD or optional AWD system. All but the ST+ offers a hybrid engine. It also gets 8 exterior colour palettes and three interior colours to make it stand out from its competitors, which would be the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Jeep Cherokee. Alongside these other SUVs, the Pathfinder has its own styling that is distinctive, led by the large headlights and angular nose.
The standard Nissan Pathfinder’s engine is powerful and reasonably efficient for a big 3.5 V6. Less than 8 seconds is all it takes this comfortable SUV to get from a standstill to 100 km/h. The CVT is one of the better units around and it helps deliver, on average, around 11-13 litres/100 km in the real world. Boasting 202 kW and 340 Nm the Pathfinder is no slouch and always feels grunty, happily cruising the highways all day long. The seats are supportive and supple in all the right places, making long journeys a happy experience. If you need to tow a trailer or boat, then the Pathfinder is happy to oblige, and it is rated with an unbraked tow capacity of 750 kg or braked capacity of 2.7 tonnes.
The petrol-electric hybrid Pathfinders are more fuel-efficient than the petrol alternatives, capable of using as little as 8.4 litres/100km on city and country combined. The hybrid Pathfinders combine a supercharged, 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. The motor gets its power from a battery that recharges when you slow down. The hybrid has a tow capacity rating which is only 1650 kg, so that might be an important figure for some. The hybrid engine delivers good, smooth power and feels as quick as the 3.5 V6.
All Pathfinders handle very well, sit composed on the road, soak up the bumps and cruise effortlessly.
As mentioned above, some Pathfinders drive only the front wheels, while others drive all four wheels. In an all-wheel-drive Pathfinder, a switch on the centre console lets you select from three drive options: 2WD, Auto and Lock. In 2WD, the Pathfinder drives its front wheels only. In Auto, it automatically sends drive to the rear wheels as well – when that’s helpful. In Lock, it distributes drive evenly between the front and rear axles (this is for use under 40km/h where it’s very slippery).
The 2021 Pathfinder also offers seven seats, so is right-ready to carry the family and friends from A-to-B with ease and space to spare. A relatively straightforward access to the third row seat makes life easy for getting in and out. There are good infotainment features onboard all Pathfinders, and keeping your electronic gadgets charged and the communication lines open is an area that Nissan do well. Even the base model Pathfinders are well equipped vehicles, boasting comfortable cloth trim seats, a 12V power outlet, 3-zone automatic temperature control, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, a six-speaker sound system, an advanced drive-assist display, hill descent control, steering wheel mounted controls and Bluetooth connections. USB points are found in front and second rows.
Mid-range Nissan Pathfinders are full of exceptional equipment that includes auto dimming interior rear-view mirrors, intelligent cruise control, a leather wrapped shifter knob, LED fog lights, rear cross traffic alert and a remote engine start system.
Top of the range Nissan Pathfinders get the works, where features like a 10-way driver’s seat with powered lumbar support, 18-inch bright-machined aluminium rims, door handle welcome lights, heated seats and steering wheel, an intelligent around view monitor, a motion activated tailgate, a 13-speaker premium bose audio system, a dual panel panoramic moonroof, perforated leather appointed seats, a telescoping steering wheel with soft touch material and audio controls all being part of the impressive experience.
When it comes to safety, the Nissan Pathfinder passes with flying colours. Boasting an exceptionally good 5-star result makes this one of the safest SUVs of its type on the road. Dual frontal, side chest and side head airbags are standard. Antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, an Alert/Warning – collision forward avoidance, a blind spot sensor, crash avoidance with braking, cross traffic alert, rear parking assist and hill hold assist are also standard. Advanced seat belt reminders are fitted to all seats. The Ti model gets a 360 degree view right around the vehicle. The crumple zones work very well and the safety cage is strong.
The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder models include the:
For any more information on the new Nissan Pathfinder or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Nissan dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!