Tow Test: Nissan Pathfinder 2014

The latest ‘soft road’ Pathfinder is a far cry from its tough, ute-based predecessor we tested around 18 months ago.

Following increasing demand world-wide for city-friendly SUVs, Nissan has softened up the fourth-generation Pathfinder by giving it a more curvy and car-like monocoque body instead of the utilitarian, box shape body mounted on rugged ladder frame chassis used in the past.

It’s also ditched some of the attributes that made it well suited to long-distance touring and heavy-duty towing.  Gone are the grunty diesel engines, manual transmission and low-range four-wheel drive,  while maximum towing capacity has dropped from 3500kg to 2700kg.

Now, there’s a choice of front and all-wheel drive, with just one V6 petrol engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The upside for some is that while remaining a spacious seven-seat wagon, the latest Pathfinder is now far more comfortable on bitumen than the dirt. It’s also smoother, more refined, more luxurious and generally more enjoyable to drive in cut-and-thrust traffic, partly due to having shed around 250kg in weight.

Befitting its new upmarket status, the Pathfinder has an equipment list as good if not better than rivals, which now include Ford Territory, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9.

Even base models are well equipped with the likes of 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth streaming for phone and audio, three-zone climate control, reversing camera and sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, and 7.0inch colour infotainment display.

Cabin materials and fit and finish are also of a higher standard, more akin to Nissan’s upmarket Infiniti brand than other mass-market models from the Japanese manufacturer.

Reasonably priced, the range kicks off at $39,990 (plus on-road costs) for the two-wheel drive Pathfinder ST, rising to $64,890 for the top-spec Pathfinder Ti all-wheel drive, tested here. Opting for AWD adds around $4000 to the price across the three equipment grades.

Smooth, quiet and responsive is a good way to describe the ‘round-town driving experience. The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine offers plenty of punch, thanks to 194kW of power and 325Nm of torque.

While the over-active CVT transmission ensures the engine remains on the boil with plenty of revs when required (peak power and torque is at the upper end of the rev range), it all remains smooth and seamless in normal driving.

The Pathfinder also behaves well for a big, top-heavy wagon in corners, with all-independent suspension, all-wheel disc brakes and speed-sensitive electric steering delivering a planted and reassuring feel to the driver. What’s more, the five-star rated Pathfinder is among the safest SUVs on the road.

The suspension is compliant enough to soak up most bumps and pot holes, although some harshness is transmitted through the 20in wheels/tyres fitted to the top-spec Ti Pathfinder over less than perfect tarmac.

As for towing, the Pathfinder coped well with an 1800kg Jayco Expanda caravan behind. It accelerated strongly to highway speeds and providing a stable towing platform despite some noticable dipping in the rear suspension (weight on the towball was 149kg).

While never struggling the engine did have to work particularly hard to maintain a decent pace up any sort of incline, spinning regularly towards the 6400rpm redline with the extra demands of a big van in tow. 

As a result fuel economy suffered, with the 13.5L/100km achieved driving ‘solo’ around town rising to 18.5L/100km when towing, in the process significantly reducing the range of the 73 litre tank.

Although there’s no manual shift function, the CVT transmission does have an ‘L’ mode to help take the stress off the brakes down hills. There’s also Tow Mode to encourage smoother progress, and the rear camera comes in handy when hitching up.

However, our biggest concern about the new Pathfinder is its ability to tow anywhere near its allowable 2700kg limit due to a relatively light tow ball mass.

It’s pegged at 200kg but only when the loaded vehicle is at least 300kg below the GVM of 2715kg (leaving just 350kg payload). Increase the amount of people or add some gear on board and the towball mass drops correspondingly, right down to zero up to the maximum GVM.

Apart from providing surer footing on slippery surfaces, the all-wheel drive system with its three settings – 2WD, Auto and Lock – would be a good option to tick if you plan to tow. It proved particularly useful in preventing wheelspin when starting on loose dirt and gravel.

All Pathfinders also come with hill start assist to ensure smooth get-aways on inclines.

However, with a ground clearance of just 165mm and a space-saver instead of proper spare wheel, you’d think twice before taking it too far off the beaten track, unlike the previous, jacked-up Pathfinder.

Slightly bigger externally than its predecessor, the Pathfinder has a roomy cabin that comfortably accomodates five adults in the first two rows of seating, although toe room under the front seats is a bit tight in the second row.

Fold-flat third row seats are typically cramped and best reserved for children.

Apart from the sumptous leather seats, there’s plenty to impress in the top-spec Ti, including a massive, two-part panoramic sunroof, second row DVD screens, auto rear tailgate, and other trick technology like ‘bird’s eye view’ parking.

However, a switch in the centre console, a la VF Commodore, rather than a clumsy, foot-operated park brake, would be more appropriate in a vehicle of this calibre.

While there’s no disputing its appeal as a practical as well as pampering family hauler, the relatively low towball mass combined with other weight restrictions put a question mark on the latest Pathfinder’s suitability as a heavy-duty tow vehicle .

Although in theory it can tow 2700kg, two tonnes or less is probably more achievable in practice.

NISSAN PATHFINDER Ti 

Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol
Max. power: 190kW at 6400rpm
Max. torque: 325Nm at 4400rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT) auto
Length: 5008mm
Width: 1960mm
Height: 1767.5mm
Wheelbase: 2900mm
Ground clearance: 228mm
Kerb mass: 2065kg
Gross Vehicle Mass: 2715 kg
Towing cap. unbraked/braked: 750kg/2700kg
Tow ball mass maximum: 200kg
Fuel economy (claimed): 10.2L/100km
Price: $64,890 (MRRP)