2013 Nissan Pathfinder

2013 Nissan Pathfinder Overview

For the longest time, the Nissan Pathfinder has always retained its renowned discipline in hauling, occasional off-road adventuring and towing capabilities.  However, its downsides include cramped rear seats, truck-like driveability and unsatisfactory fuel economy in today’s strict standards.  In Nissan’s attempt to fall in phase with consumer expectations, the 2013 Pathfinder now offers a more comfortable ride quality and better fuel economy.

Nissan also figured out the demand for rugged off-road  capabilities has phased out.  This is why the Nissan Pathfinder inherited much of its design efforts from the Infiniti Jx35 Crossover.  The vehicle is merely 500 lbs lighter than its predecessors.  As what you might have guessed, the lighter and better fuel efficiency sacrifices for less towing capacity than its older brothers, but it can still haul up to 5,000 lbs.

A lot of positive comments can be said about the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, namely the silky smooth acceleration and luxurious cabin space.  Even so, it still faces stiff competition from other automotive giants including the Mazda CX9, and Ford Explorer, and Honda Pilot.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is propelled by its well renowned 3.5 liter six cylinder engine, producing 260hp, and 240 ft-lbs of torque.  The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with front wheel drive coupled to a CVT transmission.  The powertrain can be upgraded to Nissan’s all-wheel-drive system, which allows the user to select between all-wheel-drive mode, which dynamically splits power delivery between the front and rear axle, or locks the power delivery to 50/50 between the front and rear axle.  The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder fuel economy scores in at an estimated 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 combined.  These numbers are not mind boggling, but for its power capability and features, these scores deserve honorable mention.  Our 0-60 acceleration test scored in at about 8.0 seconds, which passes the average score numbers.   When equipped properly, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder towing capacity is rated up to 5,000 lbs.

Interior and Styling

The interior cabin space of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is unbeatable to any other in its class.  The cabin space is very welcoming with its soft-quilted leather, and beautiful wood trim surrounding the center console.  Once seated, you will notice the panels are also bordered with soft leather and economic controls.  The front seats are designed around aeronautical research, and by no surprise, are one of the comfortable seats we’ve sat in.  The same can be said about the second row seats.  The third row provides adequate  headroom for 6-foot passengers, but clearance will begin to diminish beyond this point.

Nissan’s infotainment system deserves compliment.  It is intuitive and responsive to user feedback.  Steering wheel controls are also very conveniently placed for changing stereo settings and answering phone calls over Bluetooth.  We also like to mention one of Nissan’s amazing panoramic camera system (only included in the platinum trim level), which projects a bird’s eye-view image of the vehicle while parking to avoid colliding with obstacles.

Driving Impression and Final Thoughts

The 2013 Nissan Path finder shares its genetics with its upscale sibling, Infiniti JX35.  As a result, the ride quality of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder falls nothing short of expectation.  It delivers a very quiet and pleasant ride.  Acceleration is very smooth and the overall ride quality is very calm and composed.  Compared to beefier 7 seater vehicles such as the Ford Flex and Mazda CX9, acceleration is a bit sluggish when pulling off from a standstill.  The steering and handling of the Nissan Pathfinder also feels lazy and susceptible to body roll when cornering.  Nevertheless, the silky smooth ride, unbeatable interior cabin space and great fuel economy is difficult to beat in its class.