2024 Nissan Pathfinder Review: A Capable Family SUV with Rugged Appeal
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder impresses with its spacious interior, strong towing capacity, and comprehensive safety features. While not the sportiest in its class, it offers a comfortable ride and rugged appeal, making it a solid choice for families seeking a versatile midsize SUV.
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder continues to impress as a versatile and family-friendly midsize SUV. With its blend of comfort, practicality, and off-road capability, the Pathfinder aims to satisfy a wide range of buyers in the competitive three-row SUV segment.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Power: 284 hp (295 hp in Rock Creek trim)
- Torque: 259 lb-ft
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: FWD (standard), AWD (available)
- Seating Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs
- Fuel Economy: 21 City / 27 highway / 23 combined mpg (FWD)
- Starting Price: $36,080
Performance:
The Pathfinder's 3.5L V6 engine provides ample power for daily driving and highway cruising. The 9-speed automatic transmission offers smooth shifts, a significant improvement over the previous generation's CVT. While not the sportiest in its class, the Pathfinder delivers a comfortable ride and composed handling. The available all-wheel-drive system with selectable drive modes enhances its capability in various conditions.
Interior and Technology:
- 8-inch touchscreen (standard), 9-inch touchscreen (available)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded
- Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Optional second-row captain's chairs
The Pathfinder's interior is spacious and well-designed, with quality materials throughout. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and higher trims offer a more premium feel with additional features and upscale materials.
Safety:
- Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assistance features
- Available ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system
- NHTSA 5-star overall safety rating
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Strong towing capacity for its class
- Improved transmission over the previous generation
- Comprehensive safety features
Cons:
- Less engaging driving experience compared to some rivals
- Third-row space is tight for adults
- Some desirable features are reserved for higher trims
Final Comments:
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder offers a compelling package for families seeking a versatile and capable SUV. Its combination of comfort, practicality, and available features make it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. While it may not lead the class in driving dynamics, its well-rounded nature and rugged appeal should put it on the shortlist for many SUV shoppers.
Ending Statement:
As the SUV market continues to evolve, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder holds its ground as a reliable and capable family hauler. Its blend of traditional SUV attributes with modern technology and safety features ensures its relevance in a competitive landscape. For buyers prioritizing comfort, practicality, and light off-road capability, the Pathfinder remains a solid choice in the midsize SUV segment.
