Safety is paramount above anything else to me in a vehicle.
It's even more so in an SUV, as I will most likely be in the market for one in the next five years.
I want to feel safe. I need to know my kids are safe. And in the Nissan Pathfinder, I felt at complete ease.
It was a dream to drive. It also handles like a much smaller car. It smoothly transitions from gear to gear without even a hint of transmission movement. With two captains chairs in the middle row and three additional seats in the back row, my children, wife and I all had ample space to stretch out while leaving room for storage.
Truth be told, I am typically not the biggest fan of captains chairs. They generally make me nervous. The reality of seats not being attached to a longer structure is odd to me in theory. In practice, however, it was in no way daunting. The car seats for my infant and toddler easily attached to their respective spaces, and while driving I never felt they were in an unsafe setting.
This allowed me to focus on the drive, which as I mentioned earlier was relaxing. It was smoother than I ever anticipated.
All-wheel drive is featured in the Rock Creek model, which I ferried about. I don't foresee ever purchasing an all-wheel drive vehicle, but I still enjoyed its availability.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate it. The V6 engine more has more than enough get-up-and-go to push the SUV at highway speeds with no fear of acceleration limitations. The 9-speed automatic transmission was seamless, and every gear shifted as effortlessly as the one before and after it. Overall, the Pathfinder rode as smooth or smoother as much pricier conveyances of a similar type from different makers.
The Nissan also proved to be spacious beyond my expectations. With 45 cubit feet behind the second row captains chairs, and over 80 cubic feet of possible space, the Pathfinder provides more than enough opportunity to transport anything a driver could want. Things can get a bit cramped if all seven seats are in use, with only 16.6 cubic feet of usable space in the very back of the vehicle. Nissan combats this with roof racks, creating opportunities for more storage and item transportation.
Electronics were also impressive. A 360-degree, topical camera adorned the multimedia center of the dash. I've seen these before, but not in a car below the $50,000 price point. This was my favorite feature of the Pathfinder. I realize this has become somewhat standard in higher-end vehicles, but it's still new to me. The high-definition projections were quite the sight.
Unfortunately, the rest of the climate and media options appear dated. Dial controls regulate temperature, but Nissan did put in multiple climate zones, which is a feature I always enjoy. My sons stayed warm, while I managed to keep myself cool.
It also has your standard touchscreen access for onboard music and plug-in options. It is a satisfactory job in this space, but nothing exemplary.
Ultimately, I found the Pathfinder to be a good value for the cost. Starting at $35,200 for the standard model, Nissan has created a mid-sized SUV with a lot of features akin to its larger brethren.
As a parent with an ever-increasing supply of toys and gear to shuffle about, the Pathfinder provided ample space and security. I just wish there were a few more modern options in the entertainment center.