The new Nissan Pathfinder is back looking like a Patrol had a one-night stand with a Discovery.
And Nissan is claiming the new Pathfinder has returned to its rugged roots. But that’s according to the marketing bods. In the real-world, yes, the Pathfinder looks more rugged but it’s still a front-wheel drive unibody setup.
All-wheel drive is available but there’s no low-range. So, not quite all the way back to its rugged roots then. And even the AWD variants will be front-drive unless the rears are needed.
There are a bunch of driving modes to help out in slippery conditions, like Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow. And there’s a new nine-speed automatic transmission instead of the old CVT, this is connected to a 3.5-litre V6 engine.
The new Pathfinder has shed its jelly bean design in favour of something squarer and it looks good but around at the back it also looks familiar…anyone else think the rear in profile looks like a Land Rover Discovery?
Anyway, the three-slot grille is said to pay homage to the original Pathfinder, and there are C-shaped headlights. Similarly, Nissan reckons the boxy look of the rear harks back to the original Pathfinder with the PATHFINDER name emblazoned across the back in satin chrome.
On the inside is a new 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 9.0-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Thanks to an electronic gear shifter, there’s storage under the centre console in what Nissan calls its ‘bridge’ front centre console.
The new Pathfinder can accommodate up to eight people, or you can get second-row captain’s chairs and reduce interior seating to seven. As a bench seat, the second row can be folded forward from both sides of the car, and the third-row seats are 60:40 split. In terms of boot space, Nissan said it designed the Pathfinder to hold four golf bags with all three rows in use.
New Pathfinder will also feature Nissan’s ProPilot system which allows the vehicle to control braking, steering assistance, and cruise control as long as the driver’s hands are on the wheel. It also comes loaded down with active safety features.
Here’s what Jared Haslam, vice president, Product and Services Planning, Nissan North America had to say, “Thirty-five years after the launch of the original model, Pathfinder has returned to its rugged roots, loaded with the benefit of everything learned along the way.
“Today’s large SUV owners want a vehicle that conveys strength and rugged capability, while using advanced safety and technology features to keep their family safe and comfortable during every-day adventures, and the all-new 2022 Pathfinder is ready to take on those adventures.”
Pricing and final specification for Australia hasn’t been announced yet.
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