2014 Nissan Pathfinder Continues to Offer Best-in-Class Fuel Economy, Roomy Premium Interior, Family-Focused Versatility and Thoughtful Technology

– Innovative 4th Generation Pathfinder Proves to be Major Success in First Year, Enters Second Model Year with New Hybrid Drivetrain, New SL Tech Package –

After re-energizing sales of the legendary Pathfinder brand with the 2013 introduction of an all-new fourth-generation design, Nissan's iconic SUV takes another major step forward in the 2014 model year with the introduction of the first-ever Pathfinder Hybrid. Also added for the 2014 model year is a new SL Tech Package featuring Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, Nissan Navigation System, voice recognition, XM NavTraffic and NavWeather capability (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and 8-inch color touch-screen monitor.

The Pathfinder Hybrid, powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor paired to a compact Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, offers the very same passenger seating capacity, 2nd or 3rd row legroom and cargo space of non-Hybrid models. Its hybrid system uses a Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch System (one motor / two clutch parallel system) that efficiently manages power from both the electric motor and the gas engine. The 15 kW electric motor and gas engine work in tandem to provide performance equivalent to the non-hybrid Pathfinder's 3.5-liter gasoline V6. The system is rated at 250 net horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque – versus the 3.5-liter V6 ratings of 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. For full information on the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid, which is available beginning fall 2013, please go to NissanNews.com.

Still Best-in-Class

When the all-new 4th generation Pathfinder was introduced for the 2013 model year, it reset the standard for the segment with an unprecedented level of premium style, comfort, fuel economy and thoughtful technology.

That same long list of best-in-class and unique-to-class specifications and features continues for the 2014 Pathfinder 3.5-liter V6 (non-hybrid) model:

•Best-in-class fuel economy*

•Best-in-class interior passenger volume**

•Best-in-class front headroom and front legroom**

•Most standard towing capacity in class**

•Class-exclusive selectable 2WD, Auto and 4WD Lock modes**

•Class-exclusive Xtronic CVT® transmission**

•Class-exclusive 3rd row seat recline**

•Class-exclusive Around View® Monitor***

•Class-exclusive Easy Fill Tire Alert System**

The 2014 Pathfinder also satisfies the 'innovation that excites' needs of today's drivers, with levels of responsive acceleration, braking, handling and ride comfort expected of a Nissan product. Addressing buyers' desire for more efficiency in every aspect of their lives, the 2014 Pathfinder (non-hybrid) utilizes a refined drivetrain featuring a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine mated to a next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) – helping provide fuel economy rated at 26 mpg Highway / 20 mpg City and 22 mpg Combined for the 2WD model and 25 mpg Highway / 19 mpg City and 21 mpg Combined for the 4WD model.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine and CVT combination delivers responsive acceleration in a variety of conditions. The CVT holds the engine at the ideal rpm for the conditions at hand, offering responsive power for passing or towing when needed and quiet efficient running at cruising speeds or around town.

With the available intuitive four-wheel drive, Pathfinder continues to serve as an excellent vehicle for inclement weather driving conditions. Pathfinder is the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. The system lets the driver choose full-time 2WD for maximum fuel economy, Auto mode to automatically monitor conditions and adjust the balance of power between front and rear wheels for best traction, or 4WD Lock mode when the confidence of full-time 4WD is desired.

In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps add control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models). With best-in-class standard 5,000-pound towing capacity, Pathfinder also retains its ability to tow boats, jet skis, trailers and a variety of other recreational gear.

In one other important measurement, the new generation unibody-based Pathfinder weighs almost 500 pounds less than the previous generation body-on-frame design, which helps contribute to the enhanced fuel economy performance.

Along with reduced weight, Pathfinder's unibody platform provided the designers an opportunity to create the more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity. The upscale exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength. The look is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance. The upper body features an open cabin with a low beltline and thin A- and D-pillars, which flow smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body. And, through the use of front and rear spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension fairings, Pathfinder achieves one of the best aerodynamic performances in the segment – a 0.34 coefficient of drag (non-Hybrid models), representing a 13 percent improvement over the previous generation design.

Other exterior details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof, with sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment.

A Mid-Size SUV with Full-Size Comfort

The 3-row/7-passenger Pathfinder combines comfortable seating with the cargo capacity that families need everyday, offering the benefits of a modern crossover with the comfort of a larger SUV. Use of the unibody platform provides numerous benefits, including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility and ample space. Overall interior roominess is 173.8 cubic feet (passenger and cargo areas combined), an increase of 8.4 cubic feet versus the previous generation Pathfinder design.

Beyond just numbers on a specifications sheet, Pathfinder's roominess and unique versatility comes to life in the design of the 2nd and 3rd rows – with exceptional 3rd row access provided by the large rear door openings and the EZ Flex™ Seating System with 5.5 inches of 2nd row seat travel for ease of entry and exit to the 3rd row. The 60/40-split 2nd row features innovative LATCH AND GLIDE™ technology that allows forward movement and access to the 3rdrow with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the passenger curb side).

The 3rd row seat is a 50/50 split-folding design, offering added cargo flexibility, and it also reclines for greater passenger comfort – a feature not offered with other SUVs in class. Both the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold flat for optimal cargo capacity and there is additional under floor storage in the rear cargo area.

Pathfinder's quiet, comfortable interior also includes a wide range of available features, including two rows of rich leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, multiple user memory settings and an advanced Bose® Audio System with 13 speakers.

Thoughtful, Advanced Technology

Thoughtful technology is found throughout the 2014 Pathfinder interior, starting with the instrument panel, which includes the Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display in the center of the instrument cluster right in front of the driver. The instrument panel also includes a large multifunction center IT display, available Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic real-time traffic and NavWeather weather information (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and RearView Monitor.

Pathfinder also features Nissan's advanced, class-exclusive Around View® Monitor, which provides the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle. Other technology includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, power rear liftgate with liftgate position memory, iPod® integration and tri-zone entertainment system with 2nd row head restraint-mounted DVD display screens.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is available with individual tire pressure display and class-exclusive Easy Fill Tire Alert that provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge. Available remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving.

Standard safety and security features include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor), 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard passengers in all three rows, 3-point seat belts for rear seat occupants, including 2nd row center position, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) – 2nd row outboard seating positions only, child safety rear door locks, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).

A Choice of Models and Packages

The 2014 Pathfinder (non-Hybrid) comes in four well-equipped models, starting with the Pathfinder S with 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, Xtronic CVT® and available ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. Pathfinder SV models add a range of features including Nissan Intelligent Key®, 8-way power driver's seat, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 7.0-inch color display, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), auto on/off headlights and much more.

Pathfinder SL models include leather-appointed heated 1st and 2nd row seats, 4-way power front passenger's seat, driver's seat 2-way power lumbar support, remote engine start, power liftgate with liftgate position memory, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, heated outside mirrors with reverse synchronization and more. Finally, Pathfinder Platinum models offer unique 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, 235/55R20 tires, Around View® Monitor, Nissan Navigation System, Bose® 13-speaker premium audio system, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, 120V power outlet and Trailer Tow Package.

Four option packages are offered for 2014, including the new SL Tech Package featuring Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System and Nissan Navigation System. Also available is the SL Premium Package with Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, Dual Panorama Moonroof, 120V outlet and tow hitch receiver with integrated finisher. The Platinum Premium Package adds the dual 7.0-inch headrest DVD/Family Entertainment System, rear seat wireless headphones, wireless remote control, VTR jack, rear headphone jacks with volume control and Dual Panorama Moonroof. The Trailer Tow Package includes tow hitch receiver, trailer harness and finisher.

by Nissan

A crossover SUV manufactured by Nissan Motors since 1986, the Pathfinder originated from Nissan's compact pickup truck platform. It fits nicely in between the similarly sized Nissan Murano and Armada, but is closer in price between the Xterra and Murano. The Pathfinder's biggest competitor is the Toyota 4Runner. The first generation of the Pathfinder was produced from 1985 until 1995 and was produced in Japan and manufactured in Kyūshū, Japan, Jakarta, Indonesia and Purwakarta, Indonesia.

The Pathfinder originally arrived on the scene in two different bodies and shared numerous styling and features with the Nissan Hardbody Truck. Nissan wanted to compete with the likes of the new Chevy Blazer, the Jeep Cherokee and the Ford Bronco so the Pathfinder was constructed on a ladder-type frame. The first generation WD21 Pathfinders was offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations and until 1989 they came with a two-door body. The Pathfinder grew to a four-door body in the U.S. early on in 1990, and though some US models came in 2-door bodies, they were quite rare. To make the 4-door version look like a 2-door truck with a camper shell, Nissan designed the door handles to be concealed as part of the 'C' pillar trim, with the conventional door handles on the front doors. Today this design theme is still used on all Nissan SUVs, including the Xterra and the Armada.

Until 1990 the 2-door Pathfinder was available in Canada. Until 1989 the model was available with either the Nissan VG30i 3.0 L V6, or the Nissan Z24i 2.4 L I4. The V6 was upgraded in 1990 from throttle body injection to a multi point fuel injection system. This power plant was know as VG30E and was rated at 153 hp and 180 lb•ft of torque. The Z24i was also replaced with the KA24E in the same year. In various countries this first generation also came with a 2.7 L I4 Diesel Engine known as the TD27 with a turbocharger option to increase power rating.

In 1990 the Pathfinder underwent a revamp with the arrival of the 4-door model. Among the revisions was a revised front grille and a variety of interior trim level options along with numerous exterior packages being offered by dealerships. For 1993 the Pathfinder received a third brake light, and the following year a curved dashboard was introduced.

The second generation of the Pathfinder was introduced in 1996 until 2004. It debuted with a much more rounded styling design and a brand new redesign from the past generation. The model switched from body on frame construction to unibody construction. An engine upgrade this generation landed the Pathfinder with the VG33E with 168 hp and 196 lb•ft of torque.

1999 brought about another refresh of the lineup, and two years later a new 240 hp V6 engine, the VQ35DE was introduced. The Pathfinder grew larger in size through its facelift to make way for the very compact Xterra. The Japanese and European models continued to used diesel engines. The Pathfinder/Terrano model were not longer available for sale in Japan after 2002. Though the model is still available in North America, the Middle East and Europe.

For 2000 the Pathfinder underwent a pretty serious update that included a new front fascia two grille variants, rear fascia and the interior. Again in 2002 the car once again experienced a facelift that included adding the current Altima-lined Nissan logo along with a zestier grille. A new steering wheel and radio display was also added.

A whole new redesigned Pathfinder appeared at the 2004 North American International Auto Show for the 2005 model year. This was the third generation of the Pathfinder dubbed the R51 series from 2005 until 2012. The model used the Nissan F-Alpha platform, which returned the vehicle to a body on frame construction. This model is powered by a 4.0 L V6 engine VQ40DE, 288 lb•ft or a 2.5 L YD25DDTi, 403 N•m Turbo Diesel.

The full-size SUV Pathfinder Armada was introduced late during 2003. Despite sharing a common name the two models used different platforms and had very few similarities. In 2005 the 'Pathfinder' was dropped from its name, leaving it simply 'Armada'. Outside of North America the Pathfinder has been marketed as the 'Terrano'. Rising to International fame in 2005, the redesigned Pathfinder was sold worldwide, and for the first time in the UK. A third row of seats was added to the Pathfinder line for the first time in 2005. Unfortunately the 2005 thru 2010 models have been subject to a class action lawsuit due to cracks in the radiator that permit coolant to leak into the transmission which results in permanent damage. The only recourse is radiator and transmission replacement.

Introduced at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show was the redesigned 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. It sported newly updated badge positions on the rear lift-gate and the addition of the Titan's 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 310 hp and 388 lb•ft. The Pathfinder was once again updated for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The model was now available with a Nissan 3.0-liter V6 Turbodiesel engine that produced 240 hp, 406 lb•ft at 2,500 rpm. Owners could choose an upgraded YD25DDTi Turbodiesel with power rising up to 140 kW – up 14 kW with torque increasing to 450 Nm. Certain markets offered a version of the engine with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The R51 Series remains manufactured and sold outside of the U.S.

To set them apart from their predecessors, the updated models received a new look in the front and rear that included a new hood, a new bumper assembly and an updated grille. Both models increased in length about 80 mm and featured a more rounded bumper. Xenon lamps received a new headlamp design with projectors. Hidden under body color moldings in the bumpers were headlamp washers that popped up. New 18' alloy wheels went well with the existing range of 16-inch and 17-inch designs. The V6 models received subtle V7 badge at the leading edge of both front doors and a new side molding across the doors.

Late in 2012 the fourth generation R52 Pathfinder series was introduced as a 2013 model. Completely redesigned the Pathfinder was once again on a unibody design, moved away from body-on-frame, truck-based SUV. The newest model rides on the same platform as the Altima, Maxima, Infiniti JX, Murano and Quest. Much like previous generations, the Pathfinder balanced nicely between luxury and truck-like rugged capability.

Nissan expects that this generation will have a twenty-five percent improvement in fuel-efficiency over previous years. Only offered with a VQ35DE 3.5-Liter V6 engine, the power plant produces 260 hp. In its segment the Pathfinder is currently one of the lightest vehicles, with the FWD model only weighing 4,149 pounds and the 4WD model weighing only 4,290 pounds. Door handles were a thing of the past for this generation. The R52 series is only available in the U.S.

Debuting at the 2013 New York Auto Show was the Pathfinder Hybrid. It is scheduled to go on sale in the early fall in 2013 and is available with a new 2.5 L I4 Supercharged engine.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Pathfinder

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/consumer/163_1206_history_of_the_nissan_pathfinder/

by Jessican Donaldson