The base Pathfinder S comes only with the V-6, but sportier SE and LE models are offered with either engine. The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is available with V-6 and V-8 engines, but despite the significant power and torque difference between the two the driving experience isn't that much different. And while the interior is quite hushed from wind and road noise, you hear the engine far too much-even under light acceleration. The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is able to swallow up a large amount of gear, both on top of and inside the car, thanks to a flat cargo floor, easy-folding seats, and a 200-pound capacity roof rack.Īs is the case with most truck-based SUVs, the Pathfinder's ride is firm and a bit choppy, and on rough pavement or tight, twisty roads, it's less settled than modern crossover designs. Speaking of kids, the third row is for kids only it's just too tight, and hard to get into. Also, the tall step up to get into the Pathfinder might be challenging for kids, pets, or grandparents. The only real issue with the interior is that the seats themselves just aren't as comfortable as they could or should be-they're quite short in front, and skimpy padding all around means the Pathfinder isn't such a great long-distance choice. There's a flat-fold passenger seat in front, a 40/20/40-split second row, and a 50/50-split third row. The only issue our editors have found is that the Pathfinder's suspension doesn't have the wheel articulation needed for more precarious boulder-scrambling-which means your head will be tossed from side to side over tough terrain.īody-on-frame SUVs are typically not quite as good for passenger space as more modern car-based crossovers or minivans but overall, the 2011 Pathfinder is quite passenger-friendly. The tough Pathfinder features short overhangs and good ground clearance, and its four-wheel-drive system has an electronically controlled transfer case with a separate low range and auto mode that switches to four-wheel mode once slip occurs. If you're willing to overlook its rabid thirst for gasoline (official city ratings come as low as 13 mpg), the Pathfinder is a good choice for those who do need to tow frequently, or take on rutted back trails on the way to remote work sites. Opting for the 310-horsepower V-8 ramps up the torque and allows the truck to pull up to 7,000 pounds. It also gets significantly better fuel economy than the larger V-8, yet still offers a tow capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The standard 266-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 provides adequate juice for most types of driving it's quick off the line and only feels somewhat winded at high speed with a full load. And while they might give the Pathfinder the look of a two-door-and be a somewhat reto nod to previous versions of this ute-they're awkwardly out of kids' reach and harder to use with hands full. The single most distinctive design detail on the Pathfinder is its rear door handles. Even though the Pathfinder hasn't seen a completely redesign for many years, the exterior is timeless and straightforward. There's nothing groundbreaking about the design of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder, but most shoppers will find the look reasonably handsome inside and out. Among rugged poseurs, the Pathfinder sticks it out as a "real" truck, with body-on-frame construction for those who need traditional truck ruggedness, either for off-roading or heavy towing, but who don't want to skimp too much on comfort. While most mid-size sport-utility vehicles have, over the past few years, become softer and car-based, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder continues to buck that trend.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |