2013 Nissan Pathfinder Review - Comprehensive Driving Experience
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2013 Nissan Pathfinder Review - Comprehensive Driving Experience
It was a Thursday when we received the call to test drive the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. We quickly made our way to experience it, driving from Sharjah to Palm Jumeirah and back.
From the first moment we saw the vehicle, it looked significantly better than its predecessor. The 2013 Pathfinder boasts a sleek and upscale appearance while maintaining a sporty edge. Once inside, we admired the dashboard design, which gives an impression of a much more expensive vehicle, perhaps comparable to an Infiniti.
Performance
Despite being a large SUV that accommodates up to seven passengers, the Pathfinder handles exceptionally well on the highway and even in parking lots. We were impressed by its smooth acceleration and high-speed cornering, which felt effortless. The vehicle also performed admirably off-road, navigating soft sand and small dips without struggle.
Thanks to Nissan's implementation of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the vehicle offers smooth acceleration and impressive fuel economy, averaging around 7 liters per 100 kilometers. However, we found the noise from the CVT to be bothersome, and the acceleration left us wanting more. We believe the Pathfinder would benefit from a six-speed automatic transmission, as we didn't understand Nissan's choice to utilize a CVT that limits driver control over shifts, unlike what they did with the Altima.
The side mirrors are large and well-designed, effectively eliminating blind spots. On the downside, rear visibility is poor due to the oversized headrests, making it difficult to see anything when three passengers occupy the back seats.
The following day, we opened the hood to take a look, unaware of what was to come. When we attempted to close it afterward, it wouldn't latch no matter what we tried. After half an hour of various attempts, we finally managed to secure it properly, prompting us to reconsider the overall quality of the Pathfinder.
Interior
The interior features several amenities, including:
- Heated and cooled seats
- Beautiful panoramic sunroof that illuminates the cabin
- 8-inch entertainment display
- Excellent air conditioning with display screens
- Highly accurate yet complicated GPS system
- Bluetooth connectivity, which was also difficult to use
In terms of comfort, the rear seats are not very accommodating on long journeys. For instance, the Mitsubishi Pajero offers more cushioning in its seats, while the Pathfinder's seats are firmer, making them less suitable for extended trips. However, the second-row seats come equipped with wireless headphones and dual screens with a remote control, making them useful for keeping children entertained during traffic jams.
When we opened the trunk, it was evident that space was limited unless the third-row seats were folded down, which restricts cargo capacity. This is a common drawback in other seven-seater vehicles like the Pajero.
Summary
In summary, if you have a family of five, the Pathfinder is a good choice, but be wary of the fixed seats. The 2013 Pathfinder is worth considering if you are in the market for a safe, attractive SUV packed with features.
