WASHINGTON — Many SUVs have traded in their rough-and-ready, go-anywhere attitude for the more refined life of a crossover that takes families to the mall rather than off-road. The Pathfinder is the latest to trade in the off-road prowess for the possibility of greater sales.
The Pathfinder has given up not only its off-road capability but its optional V8. Now it comes in a hybrid, as well as a standard V6, both of which deliver better gas mileage than the previous model. The new Pathfinder is still midsized, with seating for seven, or you can fold the seats and you’ll have a cargo-hauling machine ready to swallow a big TV or whatever other items you can throw in its power rear hatch.
The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is now a better driver where it really counts: on the road. It’s a more car-like smooth ride. I really prefer old-school SUVs, but I do get the appeal of the crossover, and see why they are now so popular. The new Pathfinder’s transformation to a crossover didn’t take away all its towing capacity; it can still tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The V6 was just enough power, and I managed 20 mpg over 225 miles of mixed driving, a little less than the 22 mpg of mixed driving the sticker claims. The CVT transmission takes a bit of getting used to, and I still prefer a regular automatic, but this CVT is better than some others. It did seem a little slow when trying to pass.
The interior has been upgraded; the materials used are better than previous models. In the mid-level SL trim package, the standard heated leather seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room up front. The second row provides decent room for three real people, and the third row is good for six-footers or under. I was surprised that I filled all the seats and no one was uncomfortable or complained after a few trips. My Pathfinder SL tester was also equipped with a tech option package which includes a NAV system with voice recognition and a large 8-inch touch screen. There is also a nice sounding 13-speaker Bose sound system.
The new Pathfinder looks different, with a sleeker body than previous models. The Pathfinder looks lean, almost like it wouldn’t be a seven-seater from the outside. Nissan does a good job of making the mid-size crossover look smaller than it is. This model is in the middle of the mid-size crossover segment, some offer a bigger cabin but they might not be as easy to maneuver in the city. Even with four-wheel drive, the new Pathfinder is easy to get in and out of — no need for the added cost for running boards or steps to help the shorter riders get in easier.
The new Pathfinder has been transformed to a crossover, and it will pay off for Nissan. With better fuel economy and a more car-like ride but with room for seven, the new Pathfinder still has a good amount of utility, like previous Pathfinders, and still has the ability to tow your toys. Although, I still have a soft spot for the SUVs of another day.
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