I still remember the first drive of the current generation of Nissan Pathfinder in April 2022, exactly four years ago. A midcycle refresh has passed us by on tip toes but as it hasn’t touched more than the grille, the 20” alloy wheels and 12.3” touch screen, the 2024 model I lived in for a week made just as much sense. So, what are we chasing? Answer to what keeps the Pathfinder still among the top few – along with Kia Telluride and Ford Explorer that have grown in popularity. We discover some desirable differentiators in the midsize 7-seater segment that keeps it distinct from an evolving parallel economy of 7-seaters!
A segment where size and price do matter
The 7-seater family segment to which Nissan Pathfinder belongs is marked by a statement of power and comfort. The Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine generating 270 hp and 340 Nm torque, paired with a 9-speed transmission. Kia Telluride has a 3.8L V6 engine streaming 291 hp and 355 Nm; the Mazda CX-90 that replaces the CX-9 is driven by a new 3.3L inline-6 turbo good for 280 hp and 450 Nm torque. Price is another factor that still keeps it an elite segment.
KIA Telluride – AED 178,000
Mazda CX-90 – AED 231,000
Nissan Pathfinder – AED 158,000 for 2WD and AED 213,500 for SL 4WD
In the meanwhile, the 7-seat segment has been one of the fastest growing in customer interest – with models like Honda CR-V and even the X-Trail growing an extra row. As in most other segments, a convincing pick of 7-seaters from the China-made brand cluster ticks most boxes, like the catchy design, dime-a-dozen gadgetry, comfort and, to a certain extent, space. What remains untouched and untouchable is the powerhouses and the quality barrier that simply cannot be broken through, by sheer practicality of the price barrier.
Look at these examples below – all of them have a 2.0L Turbo engine with resounding figures but nothing close to the feel of a V6 with a genuine 270 horses!
Geely Okavango – 218 hp and 325 Nm – AED 110,000
GAC GS8 – 248 hp and 400 Nm – AED 179,000
Changan CS95 – 233 hp and 360 Nm – AED 134,000
Performance with economy
Nissan Pathfinder stands apart with a 9-speed automatic transmission which makes sure CVT-haters give it the nod and so do eco-conscious minds. Fuel economy remained impressive on highways (10.6 kmpl best clocked figures) even though evening traffic pulled it down to 6 something. So, for one question I often face “I drive daily from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, and need a vehicle that comfortable, stable and economical” the Pathfinder is the answer.
Off-road and extra-loads
While serious off-roaders settle for nothing less than the Patrol, it needs some impressive bank balance, too. Not long ago, the Pathfinder used to break an alternative path. However, over the years, the second biggest SUV from Nissan has come a distance from the rugged box it used to be – enough to lose its way in the off-roading terrains. The Pathfinder just keeps its adventure-spiked head with a dial for seven driving modes and an intelligent all-wheel drive.
Nissan Pathfinder has a towing capacity of 2721 kg with a trailer sway control option. The top-end has Intelligent All Wheel Drive and has 7 driving modes including sand and mud. For better off-road prowess, the Rock Creek trim is available with off-road suspensions but I haven’t come across it.
Cabin tech and safety
The 2024 model I drove had a 9” central touch screen and a 12.3” digital dashboard. However, the midcycle refresh in 2026 will expand the multimedia screen to 12.3”. Head Up Display, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging (sometimes felt it could be quicker!) are available in the SL trim, and navigation from my phone could be connected, the Pathfinder is pleasantly old school with a built-in navigation.
Nissan Safety Shield 360: Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert + ProPilot with Lane Keep Assist with lane centering
The camera with guidelines is useful and the large side mirrors are anyway blind-spot proof.
The Drive
Nissan Pathfinder has emerged into the current decade refining itself in everything from the glossy looks to the new slider gearshift and a gen-z friendly smooth drive.
The easy drive feels like a vehicle from one segment below but in a good way, though the admirers of the old might miss the box on wheels.
Cabin comfort
The Pathfinder is noted for its easy folding second row and smooth access to the third. The third row calls for some adjustment from flexible passengers while having three rows up restricts the boot space to 470L (all seats folded, 2279L)
The essential Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder has evolved almost up to its sixth generation with a plan to please the young and practical SUV owners who love glossy looks and glib handling. However, the segment marker six-cylinder engine, better fuel economy, thoughtfully devised ingress and egress as well as the unadulterated premium feel should keep the Nissan Pathfinder a preferred family SUV.
