Buyer’s Guide: 2015 Nissan Pathfinder

NEW FOR 2015:

– Hybrid powertrain (midway through model year) and 2WD SL trim discontinued
– Hill descent added to 4WD models
– New logic for CVT transmission
– Adjustments to equipment levels
– Five new paint colours: Java Metallic, Midnight Jade, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Pearl White

Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, we hardly knew ye. After a bit more than a year on the market, the “green” Pathfinder has been dropped from Nissan’s lineup. This came to us as little surprise as the hybrid variant’s powertrain didn’t deliver much by way of improvement over the standard V6 model in terms of fuel economy and couldn’t power the vehicle on electricity alone.

Otherwise the practical Pathfinder hauler soldiers on with a handful of enhancements that bring additional equipment and value to buyers. The sole remaining 2WD variant is the base S trim, while trims equipped with the 4WD system now benefit from hill descent control. The SV trim now includes fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with garage door opener, and heated side-view mirrors. The SL gets a 120-volt power outlet, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard, while the SL Tech and SL Premium Packages have been neatly rolled into the Premium Tech Package that includes Around View monitor, 12-speaker sound system, navigation and a dual panel moonroof. The range-topping Platinum now receives last year’s Premium Package as standard equipment.

The Pathfinder gets Nissan’s tried and trusted 3.5-litre V6 engine that develops 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. For 2015 the standard Xtronic CVT has been revised with D-Step Shift logic to improve on-road feel and fuel-efficiency. With the exception of the S trim level, which comes standard with front-wheel drive, 4WD is standard.

The Pathfinder is available in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims.

Features on the S include, hill start assist, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, six-way manual driver’s seat, four-way manual passenger’s seat, EZ Flex seating system, third row with 50-50 split fold bench, tri-zone automatic climate control, 4.0-inch Drive-Assist instrument cluster display, remote keyless entry, push button start, power windows, AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD audio system with six speakers, MP3/WMA CD playback capability, solar tinted glass, auxiliary audio input jack, illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, and tire-pressure monitoring with easy-fill tire alert. When equipped with 4WD, hill descent control is added.

SV trim adds eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights, roof rails, fog lights, automatic headlights, front tow hook, power tailgate, information centre with seven-inch infotainment system, heated mirrors, backup camera, rear sonar system, individual tire pressure display, Bluetooth phone capability, proximity key, power windows with front one-touch auto-up/down, variable intermittent speed-sensitive wipers, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with universal garage door opener, USB port, auxiliary audio/video input jacks, and satellite radio.

SL trim adds tow hitch receiver with seven-pin trailer tow wiring harness, leather-appointed seats and door trim, chrome body side mouldings, outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, remote start, welcome lighting, heated second-row seats, driver’s seat and outside mirrors position memory, driver’s seat power lumbar support, four-way power adjustable passenger’s seat, wood-tone trim, and stainless steel kick plates, and a 120-volt power outlet.

The SL Premium Tech Package adds navigation with eight-inch touchscreen monitor and voice recognition, 13-speaker Bose stereo system, nav traffic, Around View monitor, and digital compass.

Platinum trim adds 20-inch aluminum wheels, navigation with eight-inch touchscreen, nav traffic, Around View monitor, 13-speaker Bose stereo system, nav traffic, digital compass, tri-zone entertainment system with dual seven-inch displays, two wireless headphones, DVD video playback, streaming Bluetooth audio, heated and cooled front seats, power tilt and telescoping steering column, steering-wheel position memory.