2018 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder comes in over 4 trim levels, starting from the base S trim, which is priced at $32,085, SV, SL, and the top-most Platinum trim, which should set you back by $42,320. The 3.5L V6 engine coupled to the CVT remains the same all throughout the trim lineup. Feature-wise, the only major addition being brought about this time is the special Midnight Edition package that comes with the SL trim for a premium.

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The base 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S is good enough but it is the SL trim that stands out to be the best. For a premium price of $37,500, the feature list offered with the SL trim is unmatched. Plus for 2018, this particular trim also gets plenty of special edition packages, which goes on to appeal to the masses. It is certainly handsomely equipped.

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

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is available only with one single powertrain on offer. Running point on its power duties is a standard 3.5L V6 engine, that puts out a respectable 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. All of the said power is either sent to the front wheels or all of the wheels via a CVT. The available power is enough to let it thrash around busy city streets, or on open-ended freeways, as in no way does the pathfinder feel underpowered.

The performance aspect stays the same for all the trims in the lineup. The practical SUV, with its AWD setup, is also capable of taking it all out on off-roads too. The CVT surprisingly apart from the impressive fuel economy numbers it delivers, is also able to put down the available power quite easily, so as to perform overtaking maneuvers easily. The 2018 Pathfinder definitely offers sheer value with its performance quotient.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Acceleration

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder does the 0-60 MPH sprint in just about 7.6 seconds, all the while crossing the quarter-mile mark in just about 15.9 seconds. This puts it right in the middle of the pack. The 2018 Pathfinder also has a top speed of 140 MPH. The CVT, although decent in functioning fails to put down the power at the lower end of the rev band where it's needed.

Overtaking maneuvers are a piece of cake for Pathfinder. Moreover, munching miles on miles for the Pathfinder is not a problem, but being thrashed around on a quarter-mile straight is not what is does. Coming to the rivals, the Honda Pilot is the fastest SUV here, and unsurprisingly so, because it has the best-in-class torque figures of them all.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Ride and Handling

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has left its off-road past behind and has taken upon the family-centric capabilities. The overall characteristics of the engine on offer have surely improved to offer better performance, making it a decent offering to be driven in all conditions. The Pathfinder for 2018 offers the same comfort as before but now comes with stiffened springs, that look after body control. The steering is supremely responsive, as even the slightest feedback is recorded. Having said all of this, the Nissan Pathfinder with its 20-inch wheels and AWD setup can still do subtle off-roading.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Braking

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has a 12.6-inch front brake rotor diameter and 12.1-inch rear ones. These coupled with a multitude of braking tech, allows the 2018 Pathfinder to come to a dead stop from 60 MPH in just 125 ft. This is by far the best performance amongst the rivals here.

In the real world, the brakes do feel confident under normal application, as the vehicle maintains its composure, without swaying away while hard braking. The Toyota Highlander trails closely taking 128 ft to stop from 60 mph while the slowest Honda Pilot takes a scary-looking 147 feet.

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has an EPA-rated fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city and 27 miles to the gallon out on the highway, with the front-wheel-drive setup. Opting for the AWD setup, will bring those figures down to 19 MPG in the city and 26 miles to the gallon out on the highway. This when combined with the segment-best 19.5-gallon fuel tank, will let you stretch out to 458 miles on the go, in between fuel stops.

The 2018 Pathfinder is quite evidently the most fuel-efficient car of the lot. The CVT has a big hand in delivering these numbers. The Auto Start/ Stop function also helps in this case. Ford Explorer, on the other hand, is the least frugal full-size SUV of the lot, which explains a lot, knowing that it is the most powerful SUV in this segment.

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 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has a spacious interior setup, with three full-row seats, and a dashboard layout made out of both cheap plastic and also premium upholstery materials. The well-built cabin can seat up to seven average-sized adults quite comfortably, in the supreme bolstered seats. These provide adequate support as and when the SUV is thrown into fast corners, as there is evident body roll.

The front seats have a commanding position, courtesy of the unibody platform. These also get 8-way power-adjustable functionality, while the rear seats only get 4-way function. Both heating and ventilating functions are offered as standard with the seats. The center armrest further adds to the convenience of the cabin. Having said all of this, the 2018 Pathfinder's overall cabin design is a bit aged compared to the rivals, and is in urgent need of revamp.

Some of the interior features included with the 2018 Pathfinder are-

• Tri-zone automatic climate control system
• 60/40-split folding rear seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front and rear seats
• Heated side mirrors
• Leather upholstery
• Power liftgate

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Cargo Capacity

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has a cargo capacity of 16 cu. ft, This is with the seats set upright, although, when you fold down the seats in a 60/40 manner, the cargo space increases to 51.1 cu. ft. There is no denying the fact that, the cargo space is less than average. Nevertheless, you can also fold the rear seats to take advantage of the low floor to squeeze in heavy items, that otherwise would have not fitted inside.

The rear automated liftgate is also a huge boon in this matter, for easy loading and unloading of the cargo. Ford Explorer excels in this department quite easily, with 21 cu. ft of cargo space.  Moreover, a notable shortcoming about the interior is the lack of sufficient storage space in the center console.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Infotainment System

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder gets a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that takes care of your entertainment needs. The infotainment system offers a smooth and crisp responsive interface but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both still missing, which is a shame. The buttons do add to the utilitarianism nature. The tech features also keep getting more premium as you move up the trim table. For all the audiophiles out there, the 2018 Pathfinder gets a 13-speaker Bose audio system to take care of your audio duties.

Some of the standard infotainment features on offer are-

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• HD Radio
• Dual USB media inputs
• Two additional charge-only USB ports
• Navigation system
• 13-speaker Bose audio system
• 8-inch headrest rear entertainment displays

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 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is still that athletic and rugged three-row crossover, that used to prevail back during its off-road days. Muscular fenders now make for more subtle character curves across the side profile. The horizontal grille structure with adequate chrome accents and the boxy headlights give way to a more intimidating look. 

The low ground clearance with aerodynamic extensions behind wheels, make it perfectly clear that the Pathfinder is solely focused on being a family-friendly crossover. The Pathfinder is among the lightest competitor here at 4293 pounds. That’s almost 200 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.

Some of the exterior features on offer are-

• Roof Rails
• LED Automatic headlights and foglights
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• 20-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Trailer-hitch reciever

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder now comes with an array of safety technologies designed to not only save the occupants during an accident but to avoid it completely in every possible way. Apart from this, multiple Driver-Assistance Packages are also offered with the Pathfinder. Both the official federal agencies have tested the Nissan Pathfinder for its crashworthiness. While the NHTSA has given it a full 5 on 5 safety rating, the IIHS settles for an overall "Good" in the crash tests conducted.

Other notable standard safety and driver-assistance features include-

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tire Alert
• Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System
• Rear Parking Aid
• Forward Collision Warning
• Blind Spot Monitor with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Change Assist

2018 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2018 Ford Explorer

The Japanese are good at making strong and reliable cars. The Nissan Pathfinder is a testimony of the same. Coming onto the engine front, the 2018 Pathfinder only has one engine on offer, whereas the Ford Explorer has a range of engine options- both the Inline-4 engine and the potent V6 option.

On the interior front too. the Explorer offers a more plush and practical interior setup than that of the Pathfinder. Having said that, the tech front is more or less dominated by the Pathfinder. The 2018 Pathfinder seriously offers sheer value for its consumer-friendly price tag and performance numbers.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2018 Honda Pilot

The 2018 Honda Pilot is one of the most well-rounded and versatile midsize SUVs on offer. The Honda Pilot offers an engaging driving dynamics, but it is the Nissan Pathfinder which takes the cake on the performance front.

Both these Japanese stalwarts are the best in terms of build quality and reliability. Although, when it comes down to practicality. our vote goes to the Pathfinder, for the sheer dominating value it possesses for the consumer-friendly price tag.

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has for long now embraced the practical everyday crossover life, rather than its off-road focused past. With the changes brought up this year, the 2018 Pathfinder certainly has what it takes to go up against all of the segment-best rivals for sure. A well-rounded package than ever, the Pathfinder offers better performance, along with best-in-class cabin space and also an impressive feature list. The SUV also aces on the fuel-efficiency front. The Nissan Pathfinder is still our go-to three-row SUV.