The newly refreshed 2018 Nissan Pathfinder was launched for the Middle East market in an event set at the intriguing Al Hajar Mountains in Fujairah, UAE, and we were there to witness Nissan’s second launch for 2017.
The major redesign includes bold new front end with signature boomerang-shaped headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and available LED headlights on the Pathfinder SL grade. It also bears Nissan’s new “V-Motion” grille. Other new elements include a redesigned hood, front bumper, fog lights and wing mirrors – with standard integrated turn signals – rear taillight cluster and bumper. Aerodynamic optimization includes a new front chin spoiler design, moved forward to direct air downward – “without compromising the approach angle”. Coefficient of drag has been reduced to 0.326, from the previous 0.34 – its marginally more aerodynamic.
The 2018 Nissan Patrol rides on 18-inch wheels in S grade and 20-inch in SV and SL grades. A new exterior color called Caspian Blue has been added to the existing range of Silver, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Pearl White.
The revised 3.5-litre V6 engine horsepower increases to 271 bhp, with towing capacity of 1,500 KG, which is almost 7% more horse power and almost 4% more torque thanks to new combustion chamber design, pistons, intake manifold, electromagnetic Valve Timing Control and Direct Injection – 50 percent of the parts are new or new-to-Pathfinder. All models get third-generation Xtronic transmission (seen on the Nissan Maxima) which includes DStep Logic Control, which simulates shifts of the conventional automatic transmission.
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations and a choice of three well-equipped grade levels: S, SV and SL). Pathfinder is the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD (for maximum fuel economy), Auto (for dynamic torque transfers between axles) or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4×4-i system for mild offroading.
Options such as Intelligent Emergency Breaking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Forward Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available on the SV and SL grades. The Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection is available as an option only on the SL grade. All this makes it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.
Other exterior details include recessed front windshield wipers, roof rails and chrome door handles. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof is standard from SV grade with a sliding front panel and fixed rear glass panel, which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows.
Even the cupholders have been reshaped to accommodate mug handles and an illuminated front storage bin. There are now two USB ports inside the console versus the previous single port.
The biggest change is the standard Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display (ADAD), located in the center of the instrument display, features infotainment and driver assistance displays. Voice recognition has also been enhanced with a new HD microphone.
In terms of practicality, a Motion-Activated liftgate comes as standard on SV and SL grade. On sweeping a foot under the tailgate, it opens automatically and stops at the desired point.As in previous years, the 2018 Pathfinder’s 3-row/7-passenger interior with 173.8 cubic feet of space in total (passenger and cargo combined). Every 2018 Pathfinder interior is anchored by Nissan’s innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, a 2nd row tilt and glide seat – manually – that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat remaining securely in place in the 2nd row. A wide range of seating and cargo carrying combinations are available with the 2nd row 60/40-split seat and 3rd row 50/50-split seat with manual recline/flat fold.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder’s cabin includes cloth seat fabric for S grade, and leather-appointed with new wood finish interior on the SV and SL grades, climate controlled front seats in SL grade, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, memory seats and Bose® Audio System with 12 speakers.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder also offers available class-exclusive Intelligent Around View® Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD). Other available technology includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth connectivity and iPod® integration. The Family Entertainment system includes front seats head restraint-mounted DVD display screens. The rear displays are now 8-inch QHD designs (versus the previous 7-inch WVGA) with auto brightness control, USB and HDMI inputs. The rear display can be easily controlled from the front too.
An available remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving (standard on SV and SL).
Standard safety features includes dual-stage front air bags, curtain and side airbags, seat belts pretensioners for all rows, ISOFIX points for child seats on the 2nd row outboard seating positions, child locks, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS). The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) comes with standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert that provides both visual and audible signals.
The refreshed 2018 Nissan Pathfinder will be arriving to showrooms across the region in May. The 2-wheel drive is priced between USD32,450 or AED 119,000 and USD 44,240 or AED 162,360. While the 4-wheel drive will retail between USD 34,360 or AED 126,000 and USD 46,090 or AED 169,150.
