2011 Nissan Pathfinder: old but still in the game.

2011 Nissan Pathfinder

There are already several years that the Nissan Pathfinder is no longer the flavor of the month. However, if the trend continues, it should sell about 2000 in Canada in 2011. It will sell for less than Maxima in the same period .

Past ten years, have replaced the crossover SUV in the heart and in the courtyard of the people. This movement is quite legitimate, since crossovers are much more comfortable and more energy efficient than SUVs. They are less comfortable in off road and they tow them under heavy loads, but needs to take a house to summit of Everest? 

However, it remains of people who have special needs. And the Nissan Pathfinder, like the Toyota 4Runner is there, ready to work! The Pathfinder, in good old hard-core SUV, based on the chassis of the truck scale Titan, a monster in size and consumption. As a Titan, Nissan Armada has also developed, should the Pathfinder was not big enough for your needs! 

One engine not very clean 

The Pathfinder has only one engine. This is a 4.0-liter V6 developing 266 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. Although these figures are more than impressive, the performance is not stitched worms. The 0-100 km / h is a matter of less than 8.0 seconds while an excess of 80 to 120 km / h only takes ten seconds and dust. And all accompanied by beautiful sound of the exhaust. Fortunately, because it prevents us from hearing parts of two dollars down ... During our week of testing, we obtained an average of 13.8 L/100 km, with a successful egg under your right foot and without going too play outside of the road. The Americans can choose between V6 and V8 5.6-liter 310 horsepower. In the Armada, it consumes about 16 L/100 km ... Note that the engine gets dirty very quickly, which is not necessarily good news for those who like to play. 

Only one transmission is offered, a five-speed automatic operation transparent. In addition, it allows the engine to not run at 1900 revolutions / minute to 100 km / h and 2200 to 120. A manual mode is available, but I see no utility in the regular conduct. It should be towed for it to show the least bit helpful. Speaking of towing, the Pathfinder can tow up to 6000 pounds (2722 kilograms). 

4x4 effective 

The AWD 4x4 Pathfinder is perhaps not as sophisticated as that offered the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer, but it is at least as effective. The transfer case offers a choice of 2WD modes (propulsion), Auto (full), 4H (four-wheel drive) or 4L (four-wheel drive with gear reduction). It's more than enough to get you out of almost any trouble ... or you can go take you far away from civilization! Curiously, only one version (OAS) provides, as standard equipment, tow hooks in front. The dashboard, there is a button to choose between different modes, making far less manly than a good old lever as in a Jeep Wrangler. Still, the result is the same. When the driver starts the 4L mode means a "clok" reassurance that comes from the transfer case and indicates that we can face the worst situations. 

The Pathfinder is leggy and steps of SV and LE versions are welcome. Once seated on a chair, my faith very comfortable, we see the vast space offered by the carrier, the poor quality of the plastics, plenty of storage space and ergonomics of the buttons on the dashboard. The steering wheel is adjustable in height, but it does not bother your favorite journalist who quickly found a good driving position thanks to its adjustable pedals LE model tested. The second row bench seat offers surprising comfort (I do not mean the central square, too hard) while the two places in the third row are, at best, for old enemies that you have the money. 

The luggage space is very large and access, although small, is pretty easy. The top of the rear bumper is covered with a generous rubber, which will prevent many scratches. Even if Man can send robots to Mars, it seems very difficult to offer windows that open separately from the tailgate. Fortunately, there is a brilliant engineer at Nissan that is thought ... 

Almost a GT-R! 

In terms of driving, it would be totally out of touch to say that the Pathfinder is a sports car. Acceleration is certainly muscular and handling for an SUV means, is not bad at all, but the high center of gravity combined with excessive weight were quick to put things in perspective. Management, for example, is not the most accurate and offers little feedback. The lower curve taken with a pinch of enthusiasm brings out a roll (not to mention a roll for sure!) And it quickly becomes obvious that the BF Goodrich Radial Long Trail T / A P265/60R18 was not designed for such a folly. 

But it's a safe bet that anyone who bought a Pathfinder does not do it for fun behind the wheel. Generally very reliable and less expensive on the market for the opportunity his eternal rival, the Toyota 4Runner, the Pathfinder is certainly not the most modern vehicle. However, it can make countless services. However, if gasoline prices continue to rise, those who own one would be very difficult to sell at good prices. The location might be a good idea ... 

ASSESSMENT FORM 

Model tested: 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 

Version tested: THE 

Price Range: 37 948 à 47 748 USD 

Price as tested: $ 47,748 

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 60 000 km 

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years / 100 000 km 

Options: n.a 

Competitors: Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner 

Pros: large interior 

Serene driving behavior (for an SUV!) 

4x4 wheel seriously 

Towing capacity correct 

High reliability 

Weaknesses: Consumption shameful 

Third row of seats utopian 

External dimensions intimidating 

Directorate fuzzy