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2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Posted by Traction on Monday, March 4, 2013 · 1 Comment

2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL

Review and Photos by Amee Reehal

2nd row slides for stretch-out room, and 3rd row reclines
500-lb weight reduction & 26% better fuel ecomony
Selectable driving modes (4×4, 2WD)
Great exterior styling > sleek yet bold

Those huge, grey buttons above the gauges are unattractive and peculiarly located

The 411

Gone are the old, boxy days of the gas-guzzling SUVs. And the Pathfinder is no exception. Now, much sleeker and sophisticated it’s clear the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder has been around for over 25 years; trimming the fat and keeping with the times, creating arguably one of the best SUVs in it’s class. The seven-seater, 3rd-row Pathfinder is offered in enough trims to accommodate any families’ needs…whether it’s kids soccer practice or traversing a mountain.

What’s New for 2013

A major upgrade for the 2013 Pathfinder is weight reduction — 500-pounds to be exact. An aerodynamic design and a new power train with 26% increase in fuel-economy also find their way into Nissan’s well-established SUV. A couple best-in-class features include the improved fuel economy figures at 10.5/7.7/9.3 L/100km plus touting, while offering the most interior passenger volume and front headroom/legroom when stacked up against the competition. Around View Monitor, remote engine start, and a dual moon roof, all new for 2013 as well.

Driving Dynamics

Powered by a 3.5L V6, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder SL finds an intuitive, more adaptive 4-Wheel-Drive system mated to a CVT transmission. This 4WD system is the crown jewel here, with selectable driving modes including all-mode 4×4 or grocery-getting full-time 2WD for maximum efficiency (no other competitor in this class offers this). On the road, the Pathfinder SL rides smooth and the Advanced Drive-Assist display front-and-centre provides helpful front and rear axles power figures. Perhaps not for the everyday commuter, but certainly valuable nonetheless. The VDC system — essentially a stability control attribute — helps monitor steering and braking to help maintain a safe ride, allocating power where and when needed, say in slick road conditions. Overall, the 2013 Pathfinder doesn’t feel huge on the open road, and visibility is good.

The Cost

Nissan’s mid-sized Pathfinder starts at $29,998 CAD MSRP — not bad. With 5 trims levels to choose from, the top-of-line Platinum trim starts at $42,098. Inevitably, add options and the price shoot up. My SL level Pathfinder tester rings in at $37,698 with notable upgrades including 2nd row heated seats; roof rails painted without cross bars; XM Satellite radio with the full Nav-Infortainment setup with 7-inch screen, just to name a few.