Topic: First Drive: 2013 Nissan Pathfinder

[Autos_Editor]

Summary.

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[jaari]

That is NOT a Pathfinder Nissan 
It also looks like a last gen Santa Fe from the Side.

[Northernridge]

...or a Traverse, or a slightly taller Outback. It's almost like there is a NASCAR-like template for CUVs that manufacturers must conform to design-wise.

Still, I think this Pathfinder is well priced and will probably sell.

I have fond memories of our old Paths...here's one of them:

[Weels]

Good thing there's a couple of jumbo Nissan badges on the grille & rump otherwise i'd have no clue who made that big blobby thing.
Agree it will sell though.

[whaddaiknow]

Good thing there's a couple of jumbo Nissan badges on the grille & rump otherwise i'd have no clue who made that big blobby thing.
Agree it will sell though.

I find it very attractive EXCEPT for the fugly front end with the silly grill and headlights.
It will sell well based on price and utility alone.

[sailor723]

...or a Traverse, or a slightly taller Outback. It's almost like there is a NASCAR-like template for CUVs that manufacturers must conform to design-wise.

Still, I think this Pathfinder is well priced and will probably sell.

I have fond memories of our old Paths...here's one of them:

I agree. I liked my '03 very much and would probably still be driving one if they hadn't f^*ked up the 05 generation so much. I also think this is well priced and will sell but it's of little interest to me as I have no need for a 3rd row. I fact I wish they'd build a vehicle this size and make the back seat higher with more leg room for true 5 passenger comfort and good cargo capacity

[Fobroader]

...or a Traverse, or a slightly taller Outback. It's almost like there is a NASCAR-like template for CUVs that manufacturers must conform to design-wise.

Still, I think this Pathfinder is well priced and will probably sell.

I have fond memories of our old Paths...here's one of them:

I agree 100% with that. I couldnt pick that out in a busy parking lot. Used to be a fan of the Pathfinder before 05.

[Whofan]

I thought it was the wrong picture and it was a Minivan

[carcrazed]

I agree with the ugly front grill. Looks like the designer just got tired of designing the rims and just drew a few straight lines for the grill.  Direct front view reminds me of the Kia Sorento.

The price looks pretty darn good for the features like around view camera and dvd entertainment system on the Platinum trim level, though.  Another one on my list

[Mike]

I agree with the ugly front grill. Looks like the designer just got tired of designing the rims and just drew a few straight lines for the grill.  Direct front view reminds me of the Kia Sorento.

The price looks pretty darn good for the features like around view camera and dvd entertainment system on the Platinum trim level, though.  Another one on my list

It is funny, I drove this vehicle the week after the 6 CUV comparison.  I kept telling myself 'Damn, all this vehicle for the same money as most of the small CUVs in that comparison?'  Dollar for dollar this is on par with the Ford Escape Titanium.  There isn't a single feature in the titanium that the Pathfinder doesn't have other than the foot wagging power trunk (the Pathfinders power trunk is still button operated) and MFT.  However, the Pathfinder's self parking can park parallel and into a conventional spot where as the Escape is parallel only.   The only real difference will be fuel economy, but I bet in the real world it won't be that great.

[johngenx]

Nissan needed this product.  The unibody SUV market is very profitable and generates big money for Toyota, Honda, etc.  The Highlander and Pilot are almost ubiquitous in suburban neighbourhoods.  They're the vehicle of choice for many that don't want a mini-van.  Well, many families have a van AND one of those.

The Murano filled the spot, but only barely.

My thinking?  Drop the X-Terra.  Sell basically the same vehicle as the Pathfinder.  Maybe stretch it a bit, but not much.

This new Highlander competitor could be sold as the new Murano.

[Mike]

Nissan needed this product.  The unibody SUV market is very profitable and generates big money for Toyota, Honda, etc.  The Highlander and Pilot are almost ubiquitous in suburban neighbourhoods.  They're the vehicle of choice for many that don't want a mini-van.  Well, many families have a van AND one of those.

The Murano filled the spot, but only barely.

My thinking?  Drop the X-Terra.  Sell basically the same vehicle as the Pathfinder.  Maybe stretch it a bit, but not much.

This new Highlander competitor could be sold as the new Murano.

Nissan used the term 'Minivan Alternative' several times during the presentation.  Me thinks the horribly poor selling Quest's days are numbered.

[Fobroader]

Nissan needed this product.  The unibody SUV market is very profitable and generates big money for Toyota, Honda, etc.  The Highlander and Pilot are almost ubiquitous in suburban neighbourhoods.  They're the vehicle of choice for many that don't want a mini-van.  Well, many families have a van AND one of those.

The Murano filled the spot, but only barely.

My thinking?  Drop the X-Terra.  Sell basically the same vehicle as the Pathfinder.  Maybe stretch it a bit, but not much.

This new Highlander competitor could be sold as the new Murano.

Of course they needed it, the MSUV(minivan sport utility vehicle) market is on fire and the Murano being its only competitive offering Nissan was losing out. I dont like the fact it lost its selectable 4x4 and that they say you can tow 2273Kg(5000Lb) with it, that much weight on a CVT, youre a braver man than I.

[Trainman]

Good overview, one quibble though:  "...it is actually a bit longer, wider and shorter. ..."  How can it be both longer and shorter?  Maybe you mean it is less tall than than the outgoing Pathy?  Just a bit confusing the way it is worded.

As for the actual vehicle, having owned a 2002 for a few years and many kms, I think this is a good move for Nissan.  As the article mentions, if you need off-road, then they have better options.  It is unfortunate that not a single styling cue was carried over, such as the higher mounted rear door handle.  Oh well, a complete clean sheet can be a good thing.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I dont like the fact it lost its selectable 4x4 and that they say you can tow 2273Kg(5000Lb) with it, that much weight on a CVT, youre a braver man than I.

I can't imagine that being a good idea.

[Mike]

Good overview, one quibble though:  "...it is actually a bit longer, wider and shorter. ..."  How can it be both longer and shorter?  Maybe you mean it is less tall than than the outgoing Pathy?  Just a bit confusing the way it is worded.

As for the actual vehicle, having owned a 2002 for a few years and many kms, I think this is a good move for Nissan.  As the article mentions, if you need off-road, then they have better options.  It is unfortunate that not a single styling cue was carried over, such as the higher mounted rear door handle.  Oh well, a complete clean sheet can be a good thing.

Yeah, I meant height.  The wording is bad, sorry.

[Snowman]

When is Honda and Nissan going to come up with a changer for the Venza? the Outback is close but does not have the same ergonomics IMO

[Fobroader]

So the new Pathfinder, is it just a Infinity JX without all the fancy gear on it??

[Mike]

So the new Pathfinder, is it just a Infinity JX without all the fancy gear on it??

Pretty much, and a different, more beefier chain-belt CVT

[Fobroader]

So the new Pathfinder, is it just a Infinity JX without all the fancy gear on it??

Pretty much, and a different, more beefier chain-belt CVT

Because i really like the JX and really, they could have tried a little with the styling, this thing is so presidents choice CUV it hurts. Its not offensive, but really, doesnt make the old heart flutter.