2018 Nissan Pathfinder Release date

The Pathfinder evolved tremendously throughout the years from a real SUV to a more of a people carrier with a tougher look. The current version of the car was released back in 2012, and even though it was not perfect, it sold quite well. At its 30th birthday, Nissan decided to offer a rather large refresh with the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder which gets exterior and interior changes as well as a new powertrain.

 

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Release date and Price

All of these make for a better overall package at the same price as before which is always a win for the customer. The release date for the new car will start in September 2017 and its base price, while still unannounced, is likely going to be slightly less than $31,000, with higher spec trims going for just over $52,000.

Platform and Running Gear

The new Nissan Pathfinder 2018 is using the same platform as before which it shares with the large Maxima sedan. The platform is usually quite rigid, but the suspension system on the previous car was lacking. The 2018 model received stiffer shocks in the front and at the back as well as new springs. These allowed Nissan to reduce body roll to a bare minimum which will improve the ride quality. On top of that, Nissan also installed a new steering rack which is said to be faster and a bit better in terms of feedback.

Design

This is likely the area where the new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder received the most amount of attention. When you look at the new car from its profile, it still seems identical to the older model. However, it now boasts an entirely new front end. The V-motion design is a bit more subtle. The grille is just as big as before, but it features a new honeycomb mesh. Also, the headlights are much smaller than before while the bumper offers a new design with V-shaped accents as well. The result is a sportier-looking car which manages to fit Nissan’s current roster of cars better. Thanks to the changes made in the front the new Pathfinder is also more aerodynamic than before.

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Interior

Most of the changes inside the cabin have been made to the car’s equipment groups. Even the most basic model now gets a new color 8-inch touch-screen which controls the infotainment system. Options include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automated emergency braking and even moving objects detection. Thankfully Nissan decided not to discontinue all the physical buttons. This makes driving it and adjusting the climate controls a lot easier and less distracting.

Engine and Gearbox

The car previously featured a rather unappealing 3.5 liter V6 which was part of an older generation. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder makes use of a new 3.5 liter naturally aspirated and directed injected V6, the same as that on the Maxima. The engine now makes 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque which is quite a bit better than before. Thanks to the extra oomph, the new 2018 Pathfinder is now rated to tow as much as 6,000 pounds, 1,000 more than before. A gearbox is still a CVT unit, but it has been tweaked to fit the car’s new engine better.

Like before the front and all-wheel drive will be available across the range. Rumors said that the new engine should allow the car to trim up to 0.2 seconds to 60 MPH. This is not all that impressive, but it still is well received. The fuel consumption will most likely not change even though the power increased which is great as well. Unfortunately, a turbocharged mill is still out of the question, and that’s a shame. We would have loved to see Infiniti’s 3-liter twin-turbo V6 here, an engine which would have allowed the Pathfinder to get to the top of its class in no time at all.