2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

SEE ALL PHOTOS

PRICE : For 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid SV 2WD $35,110

PRICE : For 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid SV 4WD $36,710

Over the past times few years, automakers receive got been transforming their old-school truck-based SUVs into kinder, gentler, car-based crossovers. Last twelvemonth the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder became the latest illustration of this tendency and, past times almost all measures, it has emerged the amend for it.

Although this seven-passenger Pathfinder lost some of its predecessors' off-road in addition to towing capabilities inwards the transition, the bulk of buyers volition notice Nissan's largest crossover SUV infinitely to a greater extent than useful as a result. This latest Pathfinder gained a spacious novel interior with adult-size seating inwards both the instant in addition to tertiary rows, along with superior ride in addition to treatment qualities that are amend suited for carpool duty in addition to shopping trips to Target.

For power, the electrical flow Nissan Pathfinder also uses a 3.5-liter V6 in addition to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drives either the forepart wheels or, on all-wheel-drive models, all four. The CVT helps the 2014 Pathfinder attain EPA fuel economic scheme estimates of twenty mpg city/26 mpg highway in addition to 22 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive models in addition to 21 combined with all-wheel drive. While those numbers mightiness non good spectacular on their own, inwards context they brand this Pathfinder alongside the most fuel-efficient seven-seat crossovers on the road.

If those mpg numbers precisely aren't expert plenty for you, this twelvemonth marks the introduction of the novel Pathfinder Hybrid model. With a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in addition to 15-kilowatt electrical motor nether the hood in addition to a compact lithium-ion battery pack packaged underneath the third-row seat, the hybrid Pathfinder offers a important improvement inwards fuel economic scheme with no loss of rider in addition to cargo room. There aren't many hybrid seven-passenger SUVs on the market, thus the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid gives you lot an alternative to the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is really the only other pick inwards this cost range.

Even with the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder's potent points, in that location are a few other midsize-to-large three-row crossovers worth considering. Among the dozen or thus entries inwards this category, we'd recommend looking at the 2014 GMC Acadia if maximum interior room is a priority, spell the Mazda CX-9 also offers a chip to a greater extent than room than the Nissan, along with the best ride in addition to treatment dynamics of whatever large crossover SUV. The Dodge Durango in addition to 2014 Ford Flex, meanwhile, are amend picks if you're afterwards superior engine performance and, inwards the illustration of the Flex, genuinely distinctive outside style. Any of these utility vehicles volition piece of work if you lot demand 3 rows of seating, but with the Pathfinder's strengths inwards interior design, fuel economic scheme in addition to full general ease of use, it's a solid pick for families.

EXTERIOR

Towards the outside design, the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid volition come upwards with the dashing in addition to fluid tall-wagon aspect in addition to also to a greater extent than curvy lines as compared to other crossover SUVs out there. Some of the criterion outside features of all-new Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid are the xviii or twenty inches wheels in addition to a bold chrome grille along with heavily sculpted forepart fenders...SEE ALL PHOTOS

INTERIOR

Inside, the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder offers an attractive cabin with high-quality materials that give it a decidedly premium look, especially inwards the top Platinum trim level. Even with its long listing of features, gauges in addition to controls are tardily to encounter in addition to operate. We're especially fond of the touchscreen electronics interface. There's zilch peculiarly flashy nigh it, but it's rattling tardily to utilization in addition to offers helpful redundant controls.

Both front- in addition to second-row occupants volition notice their seats comfortable in addition to supportive. The second-row spot excels hither past times virtue of its powerfulness to slide fore in addition to aft in addition to recline for greater comfort or to create to a greater extent than room for those inwards the back. Those seats also slide forrard fifty-fifty with a child's motorcar spot inwards place, eliminating the demand to uninstall these seats every fourth dimension you lot demand to instruct people into the tertiary row. And different the third-row seats inwards some competitors, the Nissan Pathfinder's rearmost spot has plenty headroom to accommodate adults upwards to 6 feet tall. Legroom's a chip tight, though, thus only kids volition live on happy dorsum hither on longer trips.

Behind the third-row seats in that location are xix cubic feet of cargo room, which tin live on expanded to 79.8 cubic feet with the second- in addition to third-row seats folded flat. It's a useful amount, but other models similar the Acadia or CX-9 are roomier still..SEE ALL PHOTOS

SPECIFICATON

► Year:2014
► Make:Nissan
► Model:Pathfinder
► Price:$28700
► Engine:V6
► Transmission:Xtronic Auto
► Horsepower @ RPM:260
► MPG(Cty):20
► MPG(Hwy):27
► Torque @ RPM:240
► Energy:EFI
► Displacement:3.5 L
► 0-60 time:7.3 sec.
► Top Speed:118 mph
► Layout:Front-engine, Front-Drive (4x4 Opt)

HANDLING & FOUR WHEEL DRIVE

Like all Pathfinders, Hybrid versions offering a quiet, comfortable ride in addition to treatment provided past times an independent strut front/multi-link raise intermission in addition to with hydraulic electrical power-assisted steering standard. Available bike in addition to tire combinations include 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 all-season tires...

With the available intuitive four-wheel drive, Pathfinder continues to serve as an fantabulous vehicle for inclement atmospheric condition driving conditions...

Pathfinder is the only vehicle inwards grade with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. The organization lets the driver select full-time 2WD for maximum fuel economy, Auto way to automatically monitor conditions in addition to conform the remainder of powerfulness betwixt forepart in addition to raise wheels for best traction, or 4WD Lock way when the confidence of full-time 4WD is desired. In addition, criterion Hill Start Assist helps add together command when starting in addition to driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD in addition to 2WD models)..

Hybrid-equipped Pathfinders also retain the powerfulness to tow boats, jet skis, trailers in addition to a diversity of other recreational gear with criterion towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (when properly equipped)...

"The Pathfinder Hybrid takes all the style, features, utility in addition to amenities of the pop novel Pathfinder in addition to adds fuel efficiency in addition to driving range, without losing i chip of its real-world, everyday lifestyle-enhancing fun in addition to flexibility," concluded Loing. "As the most fuel-efficient Pathfinder ever, nosotros believe it's going to live on a swell add-on to the lineup for 2014."..

TECHNOLOGY

Thoughtful technology scientific discipline is also constitute throughout the Pathfinder Hybrid interior, starting with the musical instrument panel, which includes the Advanced Drive-Assist Display inwards the oculus of the musical instrument cluster right inwards forepart of the driver. With hybrid-equipped models, the customizable, easy-to-read 4.2-inch color monitor tin exhibit powerfulness menses readings from the electrical motor in addition to gas engine, along with powerfulness regeneration dorsum into the battery...

The musical instrument panel also includes a large multifunction oculus information technology display, available Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic real-time traffic in addition to NavWeather atmospheric condition data (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey eating spot guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth in addition to RearView Monitor...

Pathfinder also features available advanced, class-exclusive Around View Monitor, which provides the driver a virtual 360-degree picture of the surface area around the vehicle. Other technology scientific discipline includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, powerfulness raise liftgate, iPod integration in addition to tri-zone amusement organization with 2nd row caput restraint-mounted DVD display screens...

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with private tire pressure level display in addition to class-exclusive Easy Fill Tire Alert that provides both visual in addition to audible signals to aid owners conveniently maintain right tire pressures without the utilization of a gauge is standard. The available remote engine start component subdivision allows the climate command organization to warm upwards or cool downwardly the interior prior to driving....

NEXT GENERATION STYLE

Beyond its hybrid powertrain in addition to distinctive LED taillights, the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid is pure fourth-generation Pathfinder. That agency that along with reduced weight of its unibody structure (versus the previous generation's body-on-frame design), it offers an attractive, aerodynamic outside without compromising headroom or cargo capacity. The aspect is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders in addition to a strong, stable stance. The upper trunk features an opened upwards cabin with a depression beltline in addition to sparse A- in addition to D-pillars, which menses smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body. The coefficient of drag is 0.34...

Other outside details include a broad chrome grille in addition to large aerodynamic headlights, recessed forepart windshield wipers, chrome door handles in addition to the large raise LED combination lights. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof, with sliding opening forepart panel in addition to fixed raise drinking glass panel which extends over the 2nd in addition to 3rd rows, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment...

Pathfinder's quiet, comfortable interior includes a broad attain of available features, including 3 rows of rich leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated in addition to cooled forepart seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, powerfulness contestation in addition to telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, multiple user retentivity settings in addition to an advanced Bose Audio System with thirteen speakers. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is criterion (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately)...

An unmatched even out of versatility comes to life inwards the pattern of the 2nd in addition to 3rd rows with exceptional 3rd row access - cheers to large raise door openings in addition to the EZ Flex™ Seating System with 5.5 inches of 2nd row spot go for ease of entry in addition to leave of absence to the 3rd row. The 60/40-split 2nd row features innovative LATCH AND GLIDE™ technology scientific discipline that allows forrard displace in addition to access to the 3rd row with a kid security spot remaining securely inwards house (on the rider curb side). With the extensive 2nd row spot travel, it's tardily to conform legroom or accommodate cargo spontaneously as needed...

The 3rd row spot is a 50/50 split-folding design, offering added cargo flexibility, in addition to it also reclines for greater rider comfort - a characteristic non offered with other SUVs inwards class. Both the 2nd in addition to 3rd row seats plication apartment for optimal cargo capacity...

PERFORMANCE

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is squarely inwards the sweetness spot of the mid-size crossover world: a large three-row vehicle that tin bear 7 people, with car-like ride in addition to handling, optimized for utilization on suburban pavement and--to a lesser degree--curvy dorsum roads in addition to muddied athletic fields or graveled parking lots...

The criterion powertrain inwards all Pathfinders is the familiar Nissan 3.5-liter V-6, which appears inwards products from the 370Z sports motorcar to the Maxima sedan. In this use, it's rated at 260 horsepower in addition to 240 pound-feet of torque, with updates to trim friction in addition to render maximum powerfulness on regular gasoline. It's paired to Nissan's familiar Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), forthwith driven past times a chain rather than a belt. It has a wider attain betwixt the lowest in addition to highest ratios, which improves acceleration in addition to lowers engine speed during highway cruising. But responsiveness tin suffer, in addition to the Pathfinder sometimes has quite a delay as the engine speed spools upwards to deliver to a greater extent than powerfulness if it's been loafing along at depression revs...

New this twelvemonth is a instant powertrain option, the Pathfinder Hybrid. This pairs a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 15-kilowatt (22-hp) electrical motor sandwiched betwixt the engine in addition to a modified version of the CVT, with a clutch on either end. The combination of engine in addition to motor is rated at 250 hp, precisely 10 hp shy of the V-6 output...

The hybrid Pathfinder suffers from the same transmission lag, in addition to occasionally feels underpowered. But its oddest characteristic is that the engine start-stop component subdivision appears non to work--at to the lowest degree inwards our epitome Pathfinder Hybrid--when the AC is on, presumably thus the engine tin maintain the compressor running. It's a work Ford fixed on its Escape Hybrid dorsum inwards 2009, but to maintain costs down, Nissan hasn't fitted electrical air conditioning. That agency that inwards hot weather, the hybrid organization forgoes the fuel-saving benefits of shutting downwardly the engine when the motorcar has stopped...

With a little unmarried electrical motor inwards a large, heavy vehicle, the Pathfinder Hybrid also has no powerfulness to propel itself on electricity alone. Like Honda's mild-hybrid IMA system, the electrical motor is strictly in that location to aid out a smaller gasoline engine. Nissan says the hybrid model volition live on much closer inwards cost to the gasoline version than inwards competing products--presumably pregnant the Highlander Hybrid--but nosotros wonder whether buyers volition aspect "hybrid" to hateful some powerfulness for all-electric running...

With either powertrain, the Pathfinder droves to a greater extent than similar a softly sprung sedan than a large utility vehicle--and it's tardily to forget how much metallic is next behind you. It's lighter than some competitors, thus there's less sense of heft behind the wheel. We did notice some torque steer inwards front-wheel-drive models, but non inwards the all-wheel-drive versions, which post most of the powerfulness to the forepart wheels until it's needed inwards dorsum for traction or stability. The driver tin select a 2WD way for front-wheel get only, maximizing fuel efficiency, or a 4WD Lock way to distribute powerfulness every bit forepart in addition to raise (the organization silent modulates powerfulness delivery side to side)...

The response of the Pathfinder's hydraulic-electric powerfulness steering is quick, it's well-weighted, in addition to it has decent on-center feel. Throw the Pathfinder apace dorsum in addition to forth on choppy roads, in addition to you'll instruct amend command than some to a greater extent than inept competitors (the final generation of Toyota Highlander stands out there). The i drawback is that the low-rolling-resistance tires fitted to most models don't offering nearly as much grip as you'd aspect from the well-controlled body. The work occurs with both the criterion 18-inch in addition to optional 20-inch wheels...

The optional tow bundle gives the V-6 Pathfinder towing capability upwards to 5,000 pounds, or 3,500 for the Hybrid, with different programming for the CVT when the loads on the transmission are heavier. Most solid unit of measurement buyers volition never examine the limits of the Pathfinder's all-wheel drive; spell the crossover has less the world clearance than, say, a Subaru Outback, it handles rutted surfaces with assurance...SEE ALL PHOTOS

COMFORT & QUALITY

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder has been ruthlessly designed with the needs of traveling families or groups uppermost inwards mind. it's comfortable, flexible, in addition to spacious. Despite the visually long hood, the cabin is longer than those of several competitors--including the Ford Explorer in addition to Honda Pilot--and it really has 3 usable rows of seats...

The forepart seats are comfortable, offering expert dorsum support, in addition to the driver has a broad adjustment range. There's petty side bolstering, but they proved comfortable on long highway trips. The Pathfinder isn't a vehicle that really rewards a driver who tosses it around hilly roads, either, thus the forepart seats are fine...

The second-row seats proved slightly disappointing. There's plenty of space, in addition to the powerfulness to slide 5.5 inches dorsum in addition to forth is a existent bonus. But full-size adults may squirm in addition to fidget trying to instruct comfortable. The dorsum spot is short, flat, in addition to somewhat van-like, as good as sitting quite depression to the floor. That demands a leaning-back, legs-splayed seating spot that doesn't bode good for comfort on long route trips. Headroom is to a greater extent than than adequate, thus the less-than-perfect dorsum spot is probable due to its powerfulness to plication surprisingly far forrard for third-row access..

The most impressive feature--for families, anyhow--will live on that the instant row tin live on slid in addition to folded forrard plenty to permit third-row access spell a "Latch in addition to Glide" kid spot remains installed inwards the middle row. (Yes, you lot receive got to receive got the kid out first.)..

The tertiary row is also depression to the floor, in addition to similar most such installations, really suited for kids, without enormous amounts of headroom. The third-row spot dorsum does conform for rake, though, in addition to overall the Pathfinder does as expert a task of whatever three-row inwards trading off the incompatible goals of space, comfort, in addition to access for all 8 positions...

For solid unit of measurement miscellany, the Pathfinder comes equipped with diverse bins, map pockets on the backs of the forepart seats, in addition to a distich of large trays inwards the oculus console. The 3 bottle holders inwards each raise door panel may live on a novel record, along with cupholders on each side of the tertiary row, in addition to 4 altogether upwards front: ii inwards the console, plus i inwards each door...

Cargo infinite totals 79.8 cubic feet with both the instant in addition to tertiary rows folded forward. But with all seats up, there's only sixteen cubic feet--not that much, in addition to barely plenty for a solid unit of measurement grocery run...

Travelers with notice the Pathfinder's ride smoothen in addition to refined, fifty-fifty on long trips. Nissan worked difficult on eliminating secondary vibrations in addition to reducing noise, thus pocket-sized route coarseness is far less intrusive than inwards some competitors--and the same goes for air current racket as well. Despite the CVT, the engine drone is tolerable nether most circumstances (though silent non quite as pleasant as Subaru's CVT, silent our favorite alongside all makers)...

DRIVETRAIN

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder feels right at dwelling inwards its role as suburban runabout. The 3.5-liter V6 in addition to CVT deliver respectable acceleration inwards most situations. The V6 tin experience a petty sluggish during passing maneuvers, in addition to the efficiency-oriented CVT tin live on ho-hum to response if you lot instruct aggressive with the gas pedal. In time, you lot instruct used to both of these traits, but we've never really made peace with the engine's noisy soundtrack: This V6 merely doesn't good as expert as competitors' six-cylinders.

On pavement, the Pathfinder's intermission does a expert task soaking upwards bumps in addition to route irregularities to create a smooth, stable ride. However, if you lot select a Platinum model, which has 20-inch wheels, the ride is noticeably stiffer over bumps in addition to ruts. Although the Pathfinder's steering is low-cal in addition to precise, treatment is non a potent suit in addition to it feels large from behind the wheel. Consumers looking for sportier treatment volition probable prefer the Mazda CX-9 or Ford Flex, although, nosotros suspect most Pathfinder buyers won't notice this to live on a important weakness.

BODY & TRIM

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize seven-passenger crossover SUV offered inwards 4 trim levels: S, SV, SL in addition to Platinum. H5N1 novel Pathfinder Hybrid model is also available but debuts this fall.

Standard equipment on the entry-level southward includes 18-inch alloy wheels, raise privacy glass, keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver spot (with two-way lumbar adjustment), 60/40-split-folding second-row seats (with slide in addition to recline), a 50/50-split third-row seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise command in addition to a six-speaker good organization with a six-CD changer.

The SV model adds automatic headlights, a roof rack, keyless ignition in addition to entry, raise parking sensors, an eight-way powerfulness driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, a 7-inch color multi-information display, a rearview photographic television camera in addition to an upgraded good organization with a 7-inch touchscreen display, a single-CD player, satellite radio in addition to a USB/iPod interface.

Stepping upwards to the SL trim even out gets you lot foglights, heated mirrors, a powerfulness liftgate, leather upholstery, heated forepart in addition to raise seats, driver retentivity settings, a four-way powerfulness rider spot in addition to an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Opting for the SL Tech bundle farther gets you lot a 120-volt household-style powerfulness outlet, a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, a navigation organization in addition to a 13-speaker Bose good organization with Bluetooth good connectivity.

The top-of-the-line Platinum model comes criterion with the inwards a higher house features in addition to farther adds 20-inch alloy wheels, a towing bundle (optional on SV in addition to SL), a 360-degree parking camera, a power-adjustable heated steering bike in addition to ventilated forepart seats.

For the Pathfinder SL, the SL Premium bundle gets you lot the Bose good system, the 120-volt powerfulness outlet, a large dual panoramic sunroof in addition to the tow package. The Platinum Premium bundle includes the dual panoramic sunroof in addition to is the only way to instruct a rear-seat amusement organization with dual displays.

ENGINE

SAFETY

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder earns expert but non spectacular ratings for crash safety, in addition to it's missing a few optional features that are increasingly mutual inwards competing vehicles...

Specifically, an imperfect array of examine results inwards federal ratings, along with an incomplete laid of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, maintain the Pathfinder from doing amend than an '8' on our scale at this time...

Nissan's seven-seat mid-size crossover is rated at v out of v stars overall past times the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), including fantabulous five-star ratings for side touching in addition to all its subcategories. It earns four-star ratings for frontal impact, however...

The IIHS has only partially rated the novel Pathfinder, giving it the highest rating of "Good" for moderate-overlap forepart crash in addition to side crash safety...

The predictable listing of security features for a novel motorcoach shows upwards on the Pathfinder, including half dozen criterion airbags, with the side-curtain airbags offering a rollover sensor in addition to roofing outboard positions inwards all 3 rows. Then there's stability control, a traction command system, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, in addition to Brake Assist. H5N1 useful characteristic unique to Nissans is the criterion Easy Fill Tire Alert, which sounds the horn when you've inflated the tires to the recommended pressure...

A rearview photographic television camera in addition to raise sonar parking sensors are criterion are most versions of the Pathfinder, but the multi-view photographic television camera system--which displays a 360-degree sentiment of the car's surroundings--is only included on the top Platinum trim level. That organization tin brand a large difference, whether you're backing out of a crowded driveway or navigating a narrow alley...

The missing features on the Pathfinder--neither criterion nor optional--include active-safety systems similar blind-spot alarm in addition to lane-departure warning, plus traction assists for to a greater extent than rugged off-road use, such as loma descent control. They're far from criterion on all competitors, but they're increasingly common...

FUEL ECONOMY

There are ii versions of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder that offering quite different fuel economy. The criterion V-6 model is rated at 22 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive, but specifying all-wheel get knocks that downwardly to 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway)...

Nissan says that's a best-in-class figure for three-row V-6 mid-size crossovers. Among mid-size crossovers with a tertiary spot overall, only i does better, both with front-wheel drive: the base of operations Ford Explorer, fitted with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, at 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway). Ratings receive got non yet been issued, however, for the redesigned 2014 Toyota Highlander in addition to Highlander Hybrid...

The other alternative is the Pathfinder Hybrid, novel this year, which is projected to earn ratings of 26 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 27 mpg highway). That's to a greater extent than than a 20-percent increase, but it comes at a price: the Pathfinder Hybrid tin experience underpowered inwards some circumstances...

The hybrid Pathfinder silent gets a lower fuel-economy rating than final year's Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which comes criterion with all-wheel get (the Nissan hybrid tin live on ordered either way). Moreover, the Pathfinder Hybrid has virtually no powerfulness to run inwards all-electric way as the Highlander does; the electrical motor is precisely in that location to assistance the gasoline engine. On the other hand, the cost increment volition probable live on much lower than for Toyota's mid-size crossover. Last year's Highlander Hybrid, a high-end model, started at around $40,000--which volition instruct you lot a fairly fully loaded Pathfinder...

Other contenders, conceivably, would include the version of the Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC diesel, which has all-wheel get criterion in addition to is rated at 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) against the V-6 Pathfinder. Or the five-seat Lexus RX 450h hybrid crossover could live on compared to the Pathfinder Hybrid; it's rated at thirty mpg combined with front-wheel drive, or 29 mpg with all-wheel drive...

VIDEO ( 2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER HYBRID )