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Vehicle Highlights

2013 Nissan Pathfinder: What is it?

Pathfinder is one of Nissan’s most iconic nameplates. A brand staple for more than 25 years, model-year 2013 will see arguably the most radical update to this midsize SUV in its history. About the only thing this year’s model shares with its predecessor is 3-row, 7-passenger seating.

The U.S.-built Pathfinder competes against other 3-row midsize SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Ford Flex, Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9, and Toyota Highlander.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder: What’s New

Everything. For reference, 2012 and earlier Pathfinders used traditional truck-type construction, similar to the Toyota 4Runner. The 2013 model adopts a car-type unibody design, sharing elements of its basic design with the premium-midsize Infiniti JX, which is sold by Nissan’s luxury division. The revamped Pathfinder comes with a host of new safety and convenience features.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Model Lineup, Features, and Options

The 2013 Pathfinder follows Nissan convention by offering, in order of content, S, SV, and SL trims. A top-line Platinum variant is also part of the roster. Slotting above the SL and Platinum, respectively, are the SL Premium and Platinum Premium.

The S is fairly basic but does include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, push-button engine start, tri-zone automatic climate control, and Nissan’s new EZ Flex seating. EZ Flex allows the 2nd-row bench seat to slide forward to allow access to the 3rd row even if a child seat is in place.

SV adds keyless access, rear-obstacle detection, rearview camera, power driver seat, and Bluetooth wireless cell-phone link among other items.

The SL gets leather upholstery, heated front seats, power liftgate, and remote engine start.

SL Premium has a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, tow hitch, and Bose-brand audio system.

The Platinum and Platinum Premium are fully loaded and include a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, navigation system, music hard drive, cooled front seats, 20-inch wheels (other Pathfinders have 18s), and an Around View monitor. Around View is borrowed from several Infiniti vehicles; it uses a series of cameras to project a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the vehicle on the navigation screen.

Exclusive to the Platinum Premium is dual-screen rear DVD entertainment.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

Pathfinder borrows its drivetrain from the smaller, 5-seat Murano crossover. It’s a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 that pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves like an automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional across the board. Unlike the previous Pathfinder, the 2013 model does not offer any sort of low-range gearing for off-road use.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Fuel Economy

Official EPA numbers for the 2013 Pathfinder were not available at time of writing. Nissan predicts front-drive models will get a rating of 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway while AWD versions will score 19/25.

Pathfinder will use regular-grade gasoline.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Safety Features

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder includes a standard complement of expected and federally mandated safety features.

We have not yet tested the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder.

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