2018 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder comes with a single engine-transmission pair, a 3.5L V6 mated to a CVT. The duo performs adequately for its intended role and more importantly, delivers exceptional fuel economy. The Pathfinder is available with 4-wheel drive for handling those occasional tricky situations. All versions of Pathfinder can tow an impressive 6000 pounds – highest in the segment.

The Pathfinder starts at $30,790 for the base trim while the top end Platinum trim retails at $42,320. The powertrain remains same throughout the range with an optional 4-wheel drive ($1600) available on all trims. What you pay decides the interior appointments and exterior cosmetics.

Trims	S	SV	SL	Platinum
MSRP	$30,790	$33,480	$37,500	$42,320
Features	3.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline SiriusXM Travel Link with 3-year complimentary trial access Automatic Emergency Braking Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control System EZ FLEX Seating System featuring latch and glide	Includes S features plus: Fog lights Nissan Intelligent Key Remote Engine Start System Rear Sonar System	Includes SV features plus: Motion Activated Liftgate Leather-appointed seats and door trim Intelligent Cruise Control	Includes SL features plus: 20-inch Aluminum alloy wheels LED low-beam projector headlights 13 Speakers Bose Premium Audio System Climate-controlled front seats (heated and cooled)

We Recommend

Even the base Pathfinder S is good enough but SL trim provides a delightful package with features like power passenger seats, heated front and second-row seats, blind spot monitoring and a power lift-gate. The Pathfinder Platinum is handsomely equipped but those large 20-inch wheels compromise ride quality.

If you want a 3-row SUV that focuses more on refinement and sedan-like handling, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder deserves a spot at the top of your shopping list. –Kelley Blue Book

Only a single engine-transmission option ensures the performance stays the same across the lineup. The suspension hits the balance between offering supple ride quality and controlling body motions. The steering is not as eager as the Mazda CX-9 but offer effortless driving characteristics and can take on sharp bends with aplomb.

Engines and Transmission

The Nissan Pathfinder get only one engine and transmission option – a 3.5L V6 engine mated to a CVT. The 3.5L V6 develops 284 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 259 pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. This combination provides sufficient power for day to day driving including merging with freeway traffic and overtaking.

Models	Nissan Pathfinder	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX-9
MSRP	$30,790	$31,990	$30,900	$31,520
Engine	3.5L V6	3.5L V6	3.5L V6	2.5L Inline 4
Fuel type	Gas	Flex-fuel	gas	gas
Transmission	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic
Power	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	290 hp @ 6500 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	227 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	259 ft-lbs @ 4800 rpm	255 ft-lbs @ 4000 rpm	262 ft-lbs @ 4700 rpm	310 ft-lbs @ 2000 rpm

The Nissan Pathfinder is slowest among the competitors we compared, doing the 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds while the next slowest competitor is Mazda CX-9. For comparison, the Ford Explorer can rocket to 60 in 5.8 seconds thanks to its throaty 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Models	Nissan Pathfinder	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX 9
0-60 MPH	7.4 seconds	5.8 sec	6.1 sec	7.1 sec
Quarter mile	15.7 sec	14.4 sec	14.7 sec	15.5 sec
Engine	3.5L	3.5L	3.5L	2.5L
Emission Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year	7.6	9.8 (Est)	8.0	7.6 (Est)

Ride and Handling

The SUV rides with composure and it absorbs the bumps well. However, in 2017, Nissan stiffened the springs for increased body control and that has compromised the ride quality a bit. This shortcoming is especially pronounced in the Pathfinder Platinum with 20-inch wheels.

Braking

The Pathfinder stops within 170 feet from 70 mph. That’s the best performance among the rivals here. Ford Explorer trails closely taking 174 to stop from 70 mph while the slowest Honda Pilot takes a scary looking 198 feet.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX 9
Brakes Front(in)	12.6	12.6	12.6	12.6
Brakes Rear(in)	12.1	12.8	13	12.8
Curb weight(lbs.)	4293	4901	4288	4361
70-0 MPH (ft.)	170	174	198	177

Hauling and Towing Capacity

At 6000 pounds, the Nissan's towing capacity is highest among competitors here. And owing to the same powertrain across the lineup, even the base Pathfinder S can tow the same. Most of the other competitors can tow 5000 pounds. An honorable mention (not compared here) is V8 equipped Dodge Durango that can tow 7400 pounds.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX 9
Engine	3.5L V6	3.5L V6	3.5L V6	2.5L I4
Powertrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Towing Capacity (Lbs.)	6000	5000	5000	3500

Nissan's SUV more than makes up for its lack-luster acceleration with its stellar fuel economy. It delivers 20 mpg in city and 27 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 23 mpg. The Mazda CX-9 comes extremely close with only its highway mpg figure trailing the Nissan’s by 1 mpg.

The Ford Explorer is thirstiest here. However, its 2.3L EcoBoost is more efficient. We think for this class of vehicle, an ideal engine is the one that delivers excellent fuel economy while delivering effortless performance. Nissan Pathfinder hits the bulls-eyes. After all, the kick in the back will lose its importance while a friendly, less thirsty engine will continue to delight through years.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX 9
Mpg city mpg	20	16	18	20
Mpg highway mpg	27	22	26	26
Mpg combine mpg	23	18	21	23

The Nissan Pathfinder has evolved from a full-size brute to a family-friendly ‘ute. Families will appreciate its size and cargo capacity, which has been improved since its early days. –Car Connection

The Nissan Pathfinder has spacious interior (even the third row) and the cabin is well built with good quality materials. The infotainment system offers smooth and crisp response but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are missing (like other Nissans). The luggage space is less than average.

Seating and Comfort

It can seat seven people. The seats provide good support and the driving position is natural. It’s not exactly commanding as the SUV gets a car-like unibody construction but the outward visibility is great.

The front seats offer best in class legroom but the hip and shoulder room is average among the competitor. Its second row is also spacious and offers great comfort for those long journeys. However, the third row really impresses and it turns out to be useful even for adults. A notable shortcoming about the interior is lack of sufficient storage space in the center console.

Although the overall design feels a bit aged compared to the competitors, the material quality is top notch (except the fake wood accents) and everything is well put together. Amenities like Heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled front seats add to the “feel-good” factor. Tri-zone climate control system is also available.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX-9
Passenger capacity	7	7	8	7
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	137.8	151.7	152.9	135.1
Front (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	42.2/56.8/60.9/42.2	41.4/57.3/61.5/42.9	39.5/59.1/62/40.9	39.3/56.7/57.9/41
Second (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/56/60.4/41.7	40.6/56.8/61/39.5	39.9/57.3/62/38.4	38.5/57.4/58.1/39.4
Third (Head/Hip/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.8/42/57.1/30.7	37.8/40.7/50.8/32	38.9/44.9/57.6/31.9	35.4/40.1/53.1/29.7

Cargo Capacity

The Nissan Pathfinder has the least cargo capacity among the competition. With all seats up, the cargo area length is 19.8 inch. Ford Explorer has 21 inches and the Pilot and CX-9 have 21.5 inches. However, once the third row is fully folded (can also be folded in 60/40 split), Nissan has the highest cargo area length – 51.1 inches. With the second row folded, cargo area length is 78.9 inch.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX 9
Cargo Area Length   (Behind first row/Behind second row/behind third row)	78.9/51.1/19.8	80.7/43.8/21	84.9/50.5/21.5	84.9/50.5/21.5

Infotainment System

Inside, the SUV has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It’s among the better in competition with crisp graphics and fast response. Optional features like parking sensor and navigation (optional) are available from SV trim onwards. The Platinum trim gets 12 speakers Bose audio system. However, Nissan does not offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

No longer the squared-off utility vehicle it used to be, the latest-gen Pathfinder is more about windswept curves and rounded edges. –Kelley Blue Book

The Nissan Pathfinder had lost almost all its previous ruggedness in its third generation. Nissan realized this and now it gets a bit more muscle. No, it’s not intimidating – lots of subtle curves, calm looking headlights and friendly looking front grille will not scare away your kids. The low ground clearance with aerodynamic extensions behind wheels makes its family intentions clear.

Dimension and Weight

The Pathfinder is among the lithest competitor here at 4293 pounds. That’s almost 600 pounds less than the lumbering Ford Explorer. In spite of that, the Pathfinder is also among the lengthiest at 198.5 inches – some clever engineering is at play here.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder	Ford Explorer	Honda Pilot	Mazda CX-9
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4293	4901	4288	4361
Length(in)	198.5	198.3	194.5	199.4
Width(in)	77.3	78.9	66.3	77.5
Height(in)	69.5	70	69.8	69
Ground Clearance(in)	7	8.3	7.3	8.8
Wheel Base(in)	114.2	112.8	111	115.3
Track Width(in) F/R	65.7/65.7	67/67	66.3/66.3	65.3/65.2

The highlight of the active safety features in the Nissan Pathfinder is the fact that Automatic Emergency Braking is standard across all trims. With that, higher trims get things like blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert.

The SUV has a whole host of passive safety features including dual-stage airbags and side impact beams. The NHTSA has given the it a 5-star crash test rating that speaks volume about its crash safety credibility.

Safety Features

The standard safety features include - 

• Side Impact Beams
• Curtain 1st, 2nd, And 3rd Row Airbags
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• RearView Monitor Back-Up Camera

NHTSA Rating

Overall Rating	5 Star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	5 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5 Star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5 Star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5 Star
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	5 Star
Rollover Rating	4 Star

IISH Rating

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	NA
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Marginal

Nissan Pathfinder vs Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has a range of engine options – from a small I4 EcoBoost to the most powerful in segment 3.5L EcoBoost. It gets handsome styling and spacious, comfortable interior to go with it. The cabin is loaded with tech too. However, the Explorer costs more than the Pathfinder for similarly equipped trim. Also, the Pathfinder is solidly built – not a thing we can say for the Explorer.

Nissan Pathfinder vs Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is one of the most well rounded midsize SUV with well-equipped, spacious seats (even the third row) and high-quality materials. An efficient and powerful engine pulls the pilot briskly along the road. On top of that, the Pilot comes with Honda’s reputation for reliability and has great resale value too. However, the Nissan Pathfinder is every bit as practical and has an air of toughness.

Nissan Pathfinder vs Mazda CX-9

The CX-9 continues the Mazda’s reputation for offering engaging and entertaining driving characteristics. The handsome exterior will blow you to pieces. The gorgeous interior will blow the pieces left of you to smaller pieces. However, it rides a bit on the harsher side. The Pathfinder is a more practical choice with its roomy interiors and great ride quality.

The Nissan Pathfinder has long moved away from its off-roader roots and has embraced the civil life rather well. The interior is spacious and comfortable, has most of the modern electrical assistance and nice to have features, and the infotainment is crisp. However, millennials will be disappointed as the Pathfinder lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Nissan comes with a single powertrain option that’s effective in doing what it’s ought to do – transport your family and luggage effortlessly and efficiently. In fact, the excellent fuel efficiency is one of the most impressive things about this Nissan mid-size SUV. It’s slow among competition though.

So if you need (or desire) more grunt, Ford Explorer’s 3.5 EcoBoost V6 delivers terrific acceleration and comes luxuriously appointed too – at a cost of lower efficiency. The Mazda CX-9 is still the go-to three-row SUV for driving enthusiasts and the Pilot is a delicate mix of all these talents.