All-new Nissan Pathfinder on sale now from $39,990

The all-new Nissan Pathfinder large SUV has launched in Australia. As the most stylish Pathfinder yet, the latest edition has moved upscale in appearance and offered in three grades: ST, ST-L and Ti, with each grade available in both two- and all-wheel drive.

Built on a lightweight monocoque body, the Pathfinder is powered by Nissan’s VQ35 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that generates 190kW of power and 325Nm of torque. The engine is married with Nissan’s X-TRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

All-wheel drive models are equipped with Nissan’s ALL MODE 4X4-i system with electronic 4WD selection. It is controlled by a rotary dial and can be switched between three modes, 2WD (drive directed to front wheels, for better economy), AUTO (system monitors all four wheels to distribute the ideal amount of torque between them) and LOCK (for rough terrain, permanently engaging drive power with a 50:50 torque split between front and rear wheels at speeds below 40km/h).

The new Pathfinder features independent strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. Steering is a speed-sensitive electric power steering system.

The seven-seater SUV is comprehensively equipped, with Tri-Zone climate control and, in the Ti model, Tri-Zone Entertainment System. On ST-L and Ti models, passengers at the front get a sunroof, while those at the back get a panoramic glass roof. Features such as Nissan’s Advanced Driver Assist™ Display is available on all models and Around View™ Monitor can be found on the Ti grade.

Access to the third row of seating is easier thanks to the innovative EZ Flex™ Seating System featuring Latch and Glide™ Technology. A lifting lever activates the second row seat’s slide function, providing a wide berth to the third row seating, which is also reclinable.

Other highlights include Bluetooth, cruise control, i-Key remote keyless entry (with memory on Ti grade), roof rails, privacy glass in the second row, third row and rear. The Pathfinder includes an adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column, manual on ST grade, electronic on ST-L and electronic with memory on Ti.

Six airbags, including front to rear curtain airbags, highlight safety features that recently saw all grades of the all-new Nissan Pathfinder awarded a Five Star ANCAP Safety Rating. Hill Start Assist and reverse sensors are standard on all models, while a rear view camera with predictive path technology is included in the ST and ST-L grades

The Pathfinder also has versatile storage capability, with four grocery hooks, four cargo floor hooks, an under-floor storage area available even when the third row of seats is upright, an illuminated luggage area and a whopping 2,259 litres of storage space when the second and third row seats are folded flat.

The new Pathfinder boasts a 2,700kg towing capacity and features a Tow Mode that, at the push of a button, provides smooth and constant acceleration when towing.

When driving uphill, the Transmission Control Module (TCM) may supress the ‘upshift’ by using gear ratio control to maintain engine RPM in a high torque range for climbing. When starting from a standstill, the TCM may select a lower gear range to assist the acceleration while towing. When driving downhill, the TCM may strengthen engine braking by controlling gear ratios to assist in controlling downhill speed.