The claimed fuel statistics for the combined urban/highway cycle is 9.9L/100km, a claim made more achievable by the efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT), but one Rural News was not able to match.
The CVT does make a difference to fuel consumption though, and SUV buyers need to do their sums before assuming diesel is going to be the best option. Diesel SUVs usually cost more up front, have higher maintenance costs, and once RUCs are added to the pump price, diesel might not be your best option, especially if you do lots of highway miles.
This V6 engine can be found in other Nissan models such as the Maxima and 370Z; it is a strong engine with proven durability.
Tow rating is acceptable: CVT gearboxes often have a low tow rating but many new CVTs are stronger and, in this case, capable of towing 2700kg (braked).
If your only experience of a CVT has been in a small four cylinder car, you may be biased against them. In a vehicle with a torquey V6, the CVT works well, keeping the engine in the creamy part of the torque curve, enhancing the feeling of smooth, effortless progress. No whining gearbox noise, jerkiness off the line and screaming engines like in older, small CVT cars.
The top-of-the-range Pathfinder Ti we drove was suitably well equipped with leather seats and more electronic gadgetry than we can list here.
The 7-seat configuration is well thought-out and easy to use, making it a great school bus. Nissan is being more honest about that last point, conceding that few Pathfinders go off-road. The new model does away with the heavy, traditional off-road engineering and swaps the separate ladder frame for a monocoque platform and a drive train designed for efficiency, not bush-bashing. It will handle light off-road duties, but if you want to take all the family for some serious off-roading, get a Holden Colorado 7.
Value for money? The 2WD Pathfinder ST costs a very reasonable $54,990, the ST 4WD costs $59,990 and the 4WD Ti with all the trimmings costs $65,990.
If you’re in the market for a large SUV in this price range, think Territory/Captiva/Santa Fe/Sorento/CX9; the Pathfinder is a convincing contender in this category.
