Nissan Pathfinder test drive.
The
new Pathfinder looks OK. But it has lost all of its personality.
Which
is a good thing as far as the way it drives.
is a good thing as far as the way it drives.
But
as far as the design, it now looks like any other large crossovers out there.
Except for the big and cheap looking “wannabe truck “ chrome grille.
as far as the design, it now looks like any other large crossovers out there.
Except for the big and cheap looking “wannabe truck “ chrome grille.
Which
is too bad. They could have still made it recognizable as a Pathfinder.
is too bad. They could have still made it recognizable as a Pathfinder.
Inside,
it is also pretty generic.
it is also pretty generic.
The
1st thing I noticed was the use of hard plastics everywhere.
1st thing I noticed was the use of hard plastics everywhere.
And
even though it is related to the Infiniti JX, the Pathfinder interior feels and
looks much cheaper. Which I guess, is what they want since it IS cheaper…
even though it is related to the Infiniti JX, the Pathfinder interior feels and
looks much cheaper. Which I guess, is what they want since it IS cheaper…
But
it still feels worse than pretty much all the competition out there. And that
plastic wood trim isn’t going to convince anyone
Also, the
front doors sound a bit tinny when you close them. It just doesn’t give you a great first impression…
front doors sound a bit tinny when you close them. It just doesn’t give you a great first impression…
It is roomy, even the 3rd row is acceptable. And the front seats are very comfortable.
The stereo system can be frustrating at times. As the steering wheel controls would sometime stop working.
The main circular control on the dash is also quite stiff. Which makes it a chore to navigate through all the playlists on your phone/iPod. Otherwise it sounds just fine.
The weirdest experience was dealing with the information system. Which kept giving me the wrong info about the driving range after I added some gas. Which is really annoying. I would keep adding gas and the range would stay the same…
The
ride is smooth until you drive on other than perfect roads. Then things get
pretty bad. It can feels quite rough and busy. And the whole thing seems
to shake too much.
ride is smooth until you drive on other than perfect roads. Then things get
pretty bad. It can feels quite rough and busy. And the whole thing seems
to shake too much.
The
steering is one of the worse examples of the Video game type.
steering is one of the worse examples of the Video game type.
It
feels 100% artificial. Which is unsettling and sometimes even distracting.
feels 100% artificial. Which is unsettling and sometimes even distracting.
The
CVT is fine. Like it is in most Nissan cars. If a bit slow.
CVT is fine. Like it is in most Nissan cars. If a bit slow.
The
V6 somehow doesn’t seem as smooth and quiet as in other cars. It is even pretty
loud at idle when cold in the morning. Strange.
V6 somehow doesn’t seem as smooth and quiet as in other cars. It is even pretty
loud at idle when cold in the morning. Strange.
Mileage
observed was 17City and 26HWY. It is rated at 20/26.
observed was 17City and 26HWY. It is rated at 20/26.
My
test car was the SL 4X2 model. With a few useless options like “Illumined kick
plates” or a tow package. It came to a total of $36 620.
test car was the SL 4X2 model. With a few useless options like “Illumined kick
plates” or a tow package. It came to a total of $36 620.
Which
is quite a bit cheaper than the JX. But, the JX is actually much better.
is quite a bit cheaper than the JX. But, the JX is actually much better.
It
is quieter, smother and has a much, much nicer interior. So there is quite a
difference between the two. The Infiniti isn’t just a dressed up Pathfinder.
is quieter, smother and has a much, much nicer interior. So there is quite a
difference between the two. The Infiniti isn’t just a dressed up Pathfinder.
The
$36 620 includes leather, but no GPS, sunroof or upgraded stereo.
$36 620 includes leather, but no GPS, sunroof or upgraded stereo.
For
about $1500 more, you can get a loaded Mazda CX9. Which is a much nicer car to
drive. With a much better interior.
about $1500 more, you can get a loaded Mazda CX9. Which is a much nicer car to
drive. With a much better interior.
I
also like the Ford Flex better. As well as the Chevrolet Traverse.
also like the Ford Flex better. As well as the Chevrolet Traverse.
The
new Pathfinder is a huge improvement over the crude truck it replaces. But it
still needs to go to finishing school…
new Pathfinder is a huge improvement over the crude truck it replaces. But it
still needs to go to finishing school…