Design 2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Design 2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Back in olden times, SUVs carried bold names full of adventure and daring. There were Explorers for venturing where no one had before, TrailBlazers eager to find new routes through the wilderness, and Nissan had the Pathfinder to drop behind enemy lines and set the course for the bulk of the forces to follow.

The new nissan Pathfinder rides on the same 114.2-inch wheelbase as the JX35 but stretches 0.8-inch longer overall at 197.2 inches. It’s the same width as the JX35, but has a higher step-in height and stands 1.8 inches taller.

The VQ35DE V-6 in the Pathfinder is rated at 260 horsepower burning regular while Infiniti asserts that the same engine in the JX35 makes 265 horsepower on the higher-octane swill—apparently because Infiniti owners can afford premium fuel. Both run a continuously variable transmission that we loathe.

Models range from the galley rowers’ S and the steerage SV to the comfortable SL and the hyperglitzy Platinum. Our Pathfinder was a front-wheel-drive Platinum model full of cameras that look out every which way, sonar technologies that kept us from hitting our Siberian Husky when backing up, and a perfectly okay navigation system.

Interior 2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Of all the technological elements aboard, the most impressive is the “Around View Monitor” system of four cameras that generates a mosaic overhead view of everything immediately surrounding the Pathfinder when backing up and parking.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 5-door wagon

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 213 cu in, 3498 cc

Power: 260 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque: 240 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

TRANSMISSION: continuously variable automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:

Wheelbase: 114.2 in

Length: 197.2 in

Width: 77.2 in Height: 69.6 in

Curb weight: 4150–4500 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):

Zero to 60 mph: 7.6–7.8 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 20.2–20.4 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 15.8–16.0 sec

Top speed: 120 mph