2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
Nissan has a wide range of off-road vehicles. As the most transparent representative between Murano and X-Trail, the Pathfinder conveys the traditional values.
By Thomas Flehmer
The name says it all. The Nissan Pathfinder defies the SUV trend and wants to lead all misguided drivers of supposed off-road vehicles on the right path. Instead of curves, the Pathfinder offers the traditional values for driving in the mud. With its rough edges, the all-wheel drive is reminiscent of the times when Robert Mitchum drove through Germany in a jeep in numerous movies to liberate the world.
Elegance is not in demand
The massive, even brawny appearance of the 4.74 meter long and 1.76 meter high Japanese representative underlines that an off-road vehicle does not need to shy away from the route into the area. Elegance is not in demand with the 2284 kilogram Pathfinder in the equipment version LE. Over 25 centimeters of ground clearance and a ladder-frame chassis as well as four different switching modes from two-wheel to four-wheel drive make the Pathfinder a traditionalist, even in the second generation, which has been in effect since 2005.
A large front bumper, a three-part radiator grille and square headlights embody absolute terrain values. The door sills allow easy entry. If you want to be even more unspoilt, you can choose the Navara pickup on the same platform.
The crux of the third row of seats
The traditional values are continued in the interior. To describe the space as generous seems almost an understatement with a wheelbase of 2.85 meters. But Nissan makes life difficult for itself and, in line with the trend, offers a third row of seats. The two jump seats are easy to reach via the trunk and more difficult to reach via the rear doors. The folding mechanism is not that easy, adults shouldn't spend too long their time there. In addition, the trunk volume is reduced to 190 liters - that's convertible ratios.
Given the times of child poverty, a third row of seats is not required. And the Pathfinder should not be used as a school bus, as there would not be enough storage space for the backpack.
Committed to tradition
Despite the high-quality interior with navigation system, (useful) reversing camera and a radio-CD combination as well as leather seats, the Pathfinder is far from the car feelings advertised by Nissan. And that's a good thing, so as not to blur the appearance of the traditionalist standing between Murano and X-Trail.
Because when you start the highly audible 126 kW / 171 hp 2.5 liter diesel, you feel right on the way into the terrain. If the gear is engaged, you are more likely to be in the desert than on the asphalt. Rolling and pitching movements are just as much a part of it as a tight chassis, with which the imponderables of the road are more noticeable than with passenger cars. The gears can not always be engaged well, especially in third and fourth gear you can interconnect. The shift paths are long - it's just an off-road vehicle.
Fill up for 120 euros
But the Pathfinder can also keep up in traffic. 11.9 seconds are required for the sprint to 100 km / h and the off-road vehicle is not an obstacle to traffic. 180 km / h is the top speed, but is actually not required because the Pathfinder does not exude the atmosphere of a sporty SUV. And consumption should also be considered, especially in times of expensive diesel. With twelve liters you are always there, depending on your driving style, this value can also increase.
And then, in addition to the purchase price of 44,490 euros for the LE equipment version, there are a number of visits to the gas station to fill the 80 liter tank. Around 120 euros are then due. If you still have 2980 euros left, you can buy the navigation system with the reversing camera. Another 750 euros are set for the metallic paintwork. That was it with the surcharge list. In the basic version XE, 36,240 euros pave the way to the site.
