2018 Nissan Pathfinder adds Midnight Edition, standard Automatic Emergency Braking and innovative Rear Door Alert

•Following last year's major redesign, 2018 Pathfinder continues to add new features and technologies

•Innovative Rear Door Alert1 system can help remind customers of anything that may be forgotten in the rear seat – pets, valuables, dry cleaning, groceries and more

•Midnight Edition package, now on SL model, features exclusive black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler and more

•Standard Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)2, an element of Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield Technologies, helps avoid or reduce the severity of potential frontal collisions

Just as owners of the Nissan Pathfinder seem to always be on the move, the Pathfinder itself is not slowing down. After a major redesign just last year, the 2018 Pathfinder adds some additional new features, including standard Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), a new Midnight Edition appearance package and an innovative Rear Door Alert (RDA) system.

Other enhancements for the new model year include two new colors – Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine – standard Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Services on Pathfinder SL grade (previously standard only on Platinum grade), additional four USB ports (six total) and revised option package naming and content.

The Rear Door Alert system, developed by a pair of Nissan engineers and mothers, can help remind Nissan owners to check the rear seat by using a series of distinctive honks as the driver is walking away from the vehicle. The audio alerts distinguish the Nissan RDA from other systems in the marketplace.

Elsa Foley and Marlene Mendoza led a team of co-workers at Nissan North America, Inc. in Nashville, Tenn. and Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Mich. in the development of the RDA system. RDA monitors the rear door switches to detect their open/closed status prior to and after a trip. If the system detects that a rear door was opened/closed prior to a trip, but then was not re-opened again after the trip was completed, given the vehicle was put in park and the ignition cycled off, the system responds with a series of notifications, starting with a display in the instrument panel and progressing to subtle but distinctive chirps of the horn.

The new RDA technology makes its debut as standard equipment on all 2018 Nissan Pathfinders and will be available on other Nissan models in the coming years.

The refined Pathfinder Midnight Edition (late availability), which was introduced late in the 2017 model year on the exclusive Platinum model, is now available on the most popular SL trim, features exclusive black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler, black roof rails, black grille surround, black front and rear fascia accents, black license plate finisher, black badging, black splash guards, illuminated kick plates, exterior approach lighting, and available Midnight Edition floor mats. It is offered in a choice of Pearl White, Gun Metallic and Magnetic Black.

In addition, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is now standard on the 2018 Pathfinder – part of a projected one million 2018 U.S. Nissan vehicles, including seven of the company's most popular models, to offer the advanced system.

AEB (previously known as Forward Emergency Braking) uses radar technology to monitor a vehicle's proximity to the vehicle ahead, giving the driver audible and visual display warnings to help the driver reduce the vehicle's speed if a potential frontal collision is detected. If the driver fails to respond, the AEB system can apply the brakes, helping the driver avoid the collision or reduce the speed of impact if it is unavoidable.

The seven-passenger 2018 Pathfinder is offered in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations and a choice of four well-equipped grade levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum.

Signature Nissan Style

Pathfinder, one of Nissan's best known and most popular nameplates in its nearly 60-year history in the United States, was reborn for the 2017 model year with more adventure capability – including a freshened exterior look, adding a stronger sense of adventure, character and presence and continued fine-tuning of aero efficiency.

The design incorporates a number of Nissan signature design elements such as the 'V-Motion' grille and boomerang-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights. LED headlights are standard on the Pathfinder Platinum grade. Other exterior elements include an aggressive hood, front bumper and fog lights. The outside rearview mirrors include standard integrated turn signals.

In addition, aerodynamic optimization efforts include the grille design with enhanced cooling performance (negating the need for an active grille shutter) and a front chin spoiler design that directs air downward without compromising the approach angle for off-road driving. These details help optimize air flow around and below the Pathfinder exterior, which has a coefficient of drag of 0.326.

Pathfinder SL and Platinum grades feature a Motion-Activated liftgate with liftgate position memory. A simple wave of the foot under the center of the liftgate activates the power opening function. Other exterior details include recessed front windshield wipers, roof rails, chrome door handles and privacy glass. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof is standard on the Platinum grade. It includes a sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel, which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows.

Eight exterior colors are offered: Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, Glacier White, Caspian Blue and new Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine.

A Roomy, Refined Interior

Inside, the 2018 Pathfinder offers an array of new-generation information technology. The standard Advanced Drive-AssistTM Display (ADAD), located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features a range of infotainment and driver assistance displays. Voice recognition has been enhanced with HD microphone.

The standard 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings – including the standard NissanConnectSM with Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth® and vehicle information.

In addition, the available NissanConnect Navigation system3 (offered as standard equipment on Pathfinder SL and Platinum, optional on SV) includes Voice Recognition for navigation, including one-shot voice destination entry and three years of included SiriusXM® Traffic®. The Pathfinder also includes standard SiriusXM® Travel Link3 with three years of complimentary service, featuring sports, movie listings, stock prices, gas prices and weather.

NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®2 features automatic collision notification, emergency call and stolen vehicle locator, customizable alerts, dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts. It comes standard on SL and Platinum grade.

As in previous years, the 2018 Pathfinder's 3-row/7-passenger interior combines comfortable seating with the cargo capacity that families need every day. It offers the benefits of a mid-size crossover with the comfort of a larger SUV, 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).

Every Pathfinder interior is anchored by Nissan's innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, a 2nd row tilt and glide seat that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the passenger curb side).

A wide range of seating and cargo carrying combinations are available with the 2nd row 60/40-split seat with manual slide/recline/fold flat and 3rd row 50/50-split seat with manual recline/flat fold. Cloth seat fabric is standard for S and SV grades, while leather-appointed seating is standard on SL and Platinum models. And, as needed by today's drivers, six USB ports are standard – adding two in the front console pocket and two on the center console rear (up from two total in previous model years).

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®, Remote Engine Start6, multiple user memory settings and an advanced Bose® Audio System with 13 speakers.

Pathfinder also offers available class-exclusive4 Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM)5. Other available technology includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and iPod® integration. The tri-zone Family Entertainment system includes 2nd row head restraint-mounted DVD display screens. The 8-inch QHD rear displays include auto brightness control and USB and HDMI rear source inputs. The rear display can be easily controlled from the front with a more user-friendly display.

An available Remote Engine Start6 function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving (standard on SV, SL and Platinum).

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), available with individual tire pressure display, comes with standard 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.

Advanced 3.5-liter V6 Engine, Class-Leading4 6,000-lb Towing Capacity

As part of its highly capable adventure credentials, every 2018 Pathfinder comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Nissan's Direct Injection Gasoline™ (DIG) system. Also utilized on the flagship Nissan Armada full-size SUV, DIG provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system). The engine also utilizes mirror bore cylinder coating to help reduce engine weight by around three pounds and reduces friction between the piston ring and the cylinder wall (versus heavy cast iron cylinder liners).

Horsepower is rated at 284 hp and torque is rated at 259 lb-ft. Pathfinder fuel economy7 is 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined for 2WD models; 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (21 mpg Platinum) for 4WD models.

All 2018 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan's third-generation Xtronic transmission (similar to that utilized in the sporty Nissan Maxima). The Xtronic transmission includes D-Step Logic Control, which simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling.

Standard maximum towing capacity is a best-in-class4 of up to 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped), giving owners the ability to tow two-axle recreational trailers, whether for watercraft, flatbeds or campers. The advanced Xtronic transmission design, with standard oil cooler, helps keep engine rpm optimized while towing without the typical 'hunting for a gear' feel.

As in previous years, Pathfinder also features selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available Intelligent 4x4 (I-4x4) 4WD system. 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 its class4 with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available Intelligent 4x4 (I-4x4) 4WD 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 full-time 4WD is desired.

In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps prevent loss of control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models), while standard Hill Descent Control (4WD only) helps by adjusting speed and brake pressure when traveling slowly down steep, rough terrain grades.

Pathfinder's 4-wheel independent suspension also contributes to the enhanced driving dynamics, offering improved body control and a more refined ride. Rebound springs are added to the front struts to help assist with roll balance and body control. The result is the Pathfinder remains flat while cornering and road vibrations are well controlled, especially on rough roads and during off-road driving. In addition, a hydraulic electric steering system provides solid cornering feedback and feel.

Pathfinder's advanced driver assistance technology, in addition to Automatic Emergency Braking, includes available Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)8, Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW)9 and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)10.

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 front 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 2018 Pathfinder comes in four well-equipped models, starting with the Pathfinder S with 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, Xtronic transmission and available Intelligent 4x4 (I-4x4) 4WD system. Standard features include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Rear Door Alert (RDA), NissanConnect with 8.0-inch color display, HD Radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio3, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Push Button Start, four USB ports, RearView Monitor and Advanced Drive-AssistTM Display (ADAD).

Pathfinder SV models add a range of features including Nissan Intelligent Key®, 8-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, Rear Sonar, fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Remote Engine Start6 and much more.

Pathfinder SL models include NissanConnect with Navigation and Services3, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®2, leather-appointed heated 1st and 2nd row seats, 4-way power front passenger's seat, driver's seat 2-way power lumbar support, heated steering wheel, Motion-Activated power liftgate with liftgate position memory, Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), among other features.

Pathfinder Platinum models offer unique 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, 235/55R20 tires, LED headlights, Bose® 13-speaker premium audio system, cooled front seats, woodgrain finishers, Dual Panorama Moonroof, Trailer Tow Package and more.

Several option packages are offered for 2018, starting with the enhanced Midnight Edition (SL model) – with 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, black outside mirrors, black roof rails, black license plate finisher, black V-Motion grille, black front and rear lower bumper accents, black rear spoiler, black exterior name/grade badge (plus 4WD badge on 4WD models), black Midnight Edition badge, black splash guards, illuminated kickplates and exterior approach lighting.

Other packages include the SV All Weather Package with heated front cloth seats, heated steering wheel and heated outside rearview mirrors; and the revised SV Tech Package with NissanConnect with Navigation and Services3 powered by SiriusXM®3, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Intelligent Cruise Control and trailer towing package (hitch receiver, harness).

Also offered is a revised SL Premium Package, which features the Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, trailer hitch receiver with integrated finisher, trailer towing harness, Power Panorama Moonroof with one-touch tilt/open/close controls (front), sunshade, rear roof glass with power sunshade, trailer hitch receiver w/integrated finisher, trailer towing harness and 20-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 all-season tires.

The Nissan Mobile Entertainment Package adds the dual 8.0-inch headrest DVD/Family Entertainment System with rear seat wireless headphones, wireless remote control, rear headphone jacks with volume control, USB port, HDMI jack and VTR jack.

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