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.
Models |
2018 Nissan Pathfinder |
2018 Ford Explorer |
2018 Honda Pilot |
2018 Toyota Highlander |
MSRP |
$32,085 |
$32,140 |
$30,900 |
$31,520 |
Engine |
3.5L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
3.5L V6 |
Transmission |
CVT |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
Power |
284 hp @ 6,400 RPM |
290 hp @ 6,500 RPM |
280 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
295 hp @ 6,600 RPM |
Torque |
259 lb-ft. @ 4,800 RPM |
255 lb-ft. @ 4,000 RPM |
262 lb-ft. @ 4,700 RPM |
263 lb-ft. @ 4,700 RPM |
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.
Models |
2018 Nissan Pathfinder |
2018 Ford Explorer |
2018 Honda Pilot |
2018 Toyota Highlander |
0-60 MPH |
7.6 sec |
7.7 sec |
7.0 sec |
7.4 sec |
Quarter mile |
15.9 sec |
16.0 sec |
15.4 sec |
15.9 sec |
Top Speed |
140 MPH |
143 MPH |
130 MPH |
112 MPH |
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.
Models |
2018 Nissan Pathfinder |
2018 Ford Explorer |
2018 Honda Pilot |
2018 Toyota Highlander |
Brakes Front (in.) |
12.6 |
12.6 |
12.6 |
12.9 in |
Brakes Rear (in.) |
12.1 |
12.8 |
13.0 |
12.2 in |
Curb weight |
4,293 lbs |
4,453 lbs |
4054 lbs |
4,244 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
125 ft. |
138 ft. |
147 ft. |
128 ft. |
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.