NISSAN PATHFINDER 2024: STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
NISSAN PATHFINDER 2024: STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
Posted on June 5, 2024
Among all the SUVs present on the market, few offer real utility skills, let alone sportiness. The Pathfinder is among the elite in this regard as it's capable of meeting the needs of the majority of people and is a model that adapts to all situations. Moreover, the increased sales of the model in recent years prove that Nissan has made good choices for the Pathfinder.
There are no major novelties for the 2024 model, but Nissan has nonetheless added the NissanConnect suite as standard, now with a 3-year trial instead of the previous 6-month period. It's important to note that the current generation, the fifth one, has been on the market since 2021 as a 2022 model only. Therefore, one could expect an update to the model next year or the following year, but the Pathfinder is still competitive in its current form.
Range and Prices
The Japanese manufacturer's SUV range is divided into 6 versions, starting with the S model with a starting price of $49,674, offering fairly comprehensive standard equipment. What's crucial is that the Pathfinder comes with four-wheel drive and the intelligent 4WD system as standard. The next on the list is the SV version, which adds a panoramic roof and a towing package allowing a capacity of 6,000 pounds, priced at $52,674. In my opinion, for the price difference, it's worth skipping the S version and at least opting for the SV version. Then, there's the most recent addition to the Pathfinder lineup, the Rock Creek version. I had the chance to test drive this version recently, and I can tell you that the technical improvements made to the model make it very interesting, especially in terms of off-road driving, not to mention the accompanying style. In my view, it's the version that offers the best value for money in the range at $55,674. The SL and SL Premium versions have respective starting prices of $56,674 and $58,674. These two versions enhance the style and prestige of the Pathfinder while adding advanced features. Finally, it's the Platinum version that sits at the top of the range starting from $60,874, emphasizing luxury and an impressive level of finishing.
Category and Competition
Midsize SUVs with three rows of seats are becoming increasingly popular, and rightly so. In many cases, they can replace a minivan and a truck without going overboard. The challenge here is to offer maximum capabilities and interesting features within an enticing price range. I believe Nissan has done an excellent job in this regard concerning the Pathfinder.
Rivals: Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-90, Subaru Ascent, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Atlas
Design and Technologies
I'll tell you straight away, I wasn't particularly fond of the previous generation of the Pathfinder. The latest complete redesign brought a square and robust feel to the silhouette of the Japanese SUV. What I love most about the current Pathfinder is its roofline, which shows no direct connection to the rest of the body in its design. It's very elegant and vaguely reminiscent of what you find stylistically on most luxury yachts. Not surprisingly, of all the versions offered by the Pathfinder, my clear favorite is the Rock Creek.
The interior of the Japanese manufacturer's SUV is modern and very elegant. The quality of the finish is very impressive, as is the ride's silence. You can choose between a 7 or 8-seat configuration depending on the version. As you move up in the Pathfinder's range, the level of equipment becomes more interesting. The 12.3-inch dashboard screen available on certain versions offers beautiful graphics, and its navigation is straightforward. As for the multimedia system, the screen varies between 8 and 9 inches. In both cases, navigation is simple and fluid.
Performance
One of the greatest assets of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder remains its 3.5-liter V6, which comes in two versions. There's the 284-horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque version, which is the one found in most variants of the Japanese SUV. The V6 in the Rock Creek version received some enhancements from the brand's technical team, boosting its power to 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It's not a huge difference, but I'm certainly not going to complain. Regardless of the version you choose, you'll get a devilishly efficient 9-speed automatic transmission. We're light-years ahead of the CVT here. Finally, the all-wheel-drive system offered by the Pathfinder is perfectly calibrated to provide great on-road comfort and exceptional capabilities when venturing off the beaten path.
Weaknesses
There's a lack of an electrified option in the Pathfinder range. The ground clearance of the model is a bit low, except for the Rock Creek version.
Strengths
The Pathfinder is versatile, very enjoyable to drive, and its ride comfort is impressive. The finishing quality is above average. Its value for money makes it one of the most interesting vehicles in its category.
Signature Element
The Nissan Pathfinder is a true standout in the segment of midsize SUVs with three rows of seats, both in terms of its style and capabilities.
Closing Thoughts
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder has all the qualities to appeal to families as well as outdoor enthusiasts. It's a model that has very few flaws. It's a vehicle that lacks nothing in terms of equipment.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier