Nissan Pathfinder Interior Review
A redesigned Pathfinder interior was introduced in 1994. Its elegantly curved dashboard helps make the passenger compartment feel familiar if you're making the transition from sedans. You'll find controls where you would expect them to be, with a standard array of instruments and seating that?s thoroughly carlike.
However, you might not feel as comfortable with the Pathfinder?s passive safety features. If you could look inside the doors, you?d find door beams to help protect you from side-impact intrusion, but airbags are nowhere to be found. The Pathfinder lags some of its competitors in this respect.
Safety issues aside, first-time drivers and passengers will find that the Pathfinder cabin has a couple of sport/utility quirks that have no parallel in passenger cars. Both are minor, both have to do with extensions and both stem from the vehicle?s pickup truck origins.
First, we had to simultaneously stretch and duck when entering or existing our Pathfinder, a minor gymnastic effort that?s due to lots of ground clearance and an extremely low roofline.
Second, the seats were inadequately padded because of the need to mount them close to the door in order to provide sufficient headroom under the low roof.
You may also find backseat legroom a trifle snug for adults, particularly if you compare the Pathfinder with Ford?s roomy Explorer, the compact sport/utility pace-setter when it comes to roominess.
On the other hand, the Pathfinder?s interior is exceptionally attractive. The materials in or SE were of high quality, chosen for their appearance as well as their durability, and we couldn?t find a misaligned seam or a loose fitting anywhere.
Nissan Pathfinder Road Test
Since our SE had all the right stuff for dirty driving, we took it out for an excursion beyond the end of the road. And as we expected, it was solidly capable.
The 4WD system can be engaged on the run with a flick of a lever, the power steering makes working around obstacles effortless and the generous ground clearance takes care of the rocks and stumps you can?t drive around. The big 31-in. tires help in this respect, of course, although the penalty for tires with good off-road capability is a little extra tire noise when you?re on the pavement, and a small sacrifice in on-road handling.
The manual transmissions shifts quite smoothly, aided by light but sensitive clutch action. However, the automatic is preferred by many buyers because its electronic controls ensure smooth shifts, and, surprisingly, a pathfinder so equipped is nearly as fuel efficient as one with a manual gearbox.
Even with its big off-road tires, our Pathfinder?s handling was on a par with the best in its class. Like all sport/utilities, it feels somewhat top-heavy on winding roads, at least compared to a car. That?s because its center of gravity is considerably higher than a car?s.
Beyond that, we?d classify the Pathfinder?s handling as better than average, something that can also be said for its comfortable ride - keeping in mind that this is, after all, a truck.
When it comes to heavy-duty hauling chores - towing loads in excess of 2000 lb., for example - the Pathfinder ranks in the lower quadrant among competing vehicles. The V6 engines offered in the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy twins have much better towing capabilities, as does the Jeep Grand Cherokee V8.
Nissan Pathfinder Lineup