Official: Nissan Launches Reinvented 2013 Pathfinder

[omoderncultureo]

NEW YORK/DETROIT – Nissan today unleashed the all-new 2013 Pathfinder SUV, a complete makeover featuring a sleek, aerodynamically styled exterior, a premium interior, class-exclusive user-friendly technology and a new unibody platform and advanced drivetrain that helps it achieve best-in-class fuel economy while maintaining class-lead towing and off-pavement capabilities.

The all-new vehicle design sheds 500 pounds of mass compared to the outgoing model yet maintains the Pathfinder's SUV-ruggedness while delivering up to 26 miles per gallon on the highway. With its blend of capability, including class-leading standard towing capacity of 5000 pounds, and modern amenities, such as a class-exclusive Around View™ Monitor, the 2013 Pathfinder is the next-generation SUV.

"Unveiling our next-generation Pathfinder is a major follow-up to the introduction of the all-new Altima sedan," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "With its bold new design, best-in-class fuel economy and family adventure capabilities, our dealers can't wait to share this new model with customers in their showrooms."

The 2013 Pathfinder's fuel economy has improved more than 30 percent over that of the 2012 Pathfinder. Both the FWD and 4WD 2013 Pathfinder models lead their segments in fuel economy across the board.

City, highway and combined average fuel economy numbers are 20 (City), 26 (Highway) and 22 (Combined) mpg for the FWD version and 19 (City), 25 (Highway) and 21 (Combined) mpg for the 4WD version. This significant increase over both the outgoing model's fuel economy as well as that of the competition was achieved primarily through a new, aerodynamic vehicle design, 500 pounds of weight reduction, reduced engine friction and the application of a class-exclusive, next generation Xtronic CVT®.

Also playing a significant role in the Pathfinder's excellent fuel economy is the fact that it is now one of the lightest vehicles in its segment, with the FWD model tipping the scales at a mere 4149 pounds. Even the 4WD Pathfinder weighs only 4290 pounds.

Nissan teased the new Pathfinder earlier this year, showing a concept exterior design model in January. Today marks the first official look at the production model, which goes on sale nationwide this fall.

New Chassis Meets Consumer Shift

Truck-based SUV sales peaked in the mid-2000s and have declined steadily as consumer demands shifted to more refined, fuel efficient crossover SUVs. The 2013 Pathfinder is built with unibody construction, vastly reducing its weight by eliminating the fuel-penalizing mass of a traditional SUV's truck-based frame. In addition to making the Pathfinder a lighter vehicle, the new unibody chassis design increases Pathfinder's structural rigidity over the previous model. This improves ride and handling, while reducing overall noise, vibration and harshness, delivering an outstanding mix of responsiveness, refinement and ride comfort. The Pathfinder's rigid platform is also key to maintaining the trailer-towing capability expected from an SUV – the vehicle has a standard towing capacity of 5000 pounds, which is the best standard towing capacity in the segment.**

"It's no secret that the industry has shifted as gas prices have increased," says Al Castignetti. "But while traditional SUV customers are looking for improved fuel economy, they still demand a vehicle that can do all the things they need, like carrying seven people, towing, and providing the surefootedness in all conditions of a four-wheel drive."

Weight reduction is one of the key components in Nissan's drive to improving vehicle performance across the board. The just-introduced all-new Nissan Altima also is the lightest vehicle in its class.

Bold Design
Pathfinder's design conveys modernity while paying homage to the three generations of Pathfinders before it. The new unibody platform provided the designers an opportunity to create a more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity. In fact, the new Pathfinder has more interior space than the previous model thanks to more efficient packaging.

Moving upscale in appearance, the new exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength. The look is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance.

The upper body features an open cabin with a low beltline and thin A- and D-pillars, which flow smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body. Pathfinder's design incorporates front and rear spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension fairings to help achieve what is expected to be among the best aerodynamic performances in the segment. Other exterior details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights.

A panoramic dual-panel moonroof, with sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment.

"With its new aerodynamic shape, the styling is a major step forward in the evolution of the SUV – retaining its people and cargo hauling utility without looking quite so utilitarian," said Castignetti. "It's fitting that a vehicle that tackles adventures in a whole new way also now looks the part."

Interior
Pathfinder's all-new interior design features versatile and comfortable seating as well as premium materials and advanced technology. The vehicle seats seven passengers comfortably, and is best-in-class in terms of front headroom, front leg room and overall passenger volume. Additionally, Pathfinder is now the only vehicle in the segment with a 3rd row seat recline.

The new Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display, located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features a 4-inch color display that is customizable, easy-to-use and integrates key information right in front of the driver. A separate touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of the available navigation system and other vehicle systems and settings.

Technology and Innovation
The all-new Pathfinder also features EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™. LATCH AND GLIDE™ is an industry first 2nd row tip-up seat for use with a child safety seat, which also provides easy access to the 3rd row while keeping the child seat securely fastened. The 2nd row also features a 60/40 split-fold seating with a segment best 5.5 inches of seat travel. Class-exclusive features include Easy Fill Tire Alert and the segment-first availability of an Around View™ Monitor.

Other available amenities include leather-appointed seating, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, programmable Nissan Intelligent Key®, Nissan Navigation System, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 13-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system, Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Dual-Zone Climate Control, RearView Monitor, remote engine start and tri-zone entertainment system.

New Powertrain
All 2013 Pathfinders come equipped with an advanced 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine matched with a next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission). It is also the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD modes for the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will be offered in 4x4 and 4x2 drive configurations and in four models – S, SV, SL and Platinum.

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[Avicenna]

Color me intrigued. I wish they would release some better pictures, all these angles are awkward to get a good look at the car.

[invisiblewar]

Exterior is nice but there's something about every Nissan and Infiniti interior that I just can't stand.

[1Point8TDan]

If Subaru made the outback in 7 passenger, thats how it would look.

[Uberhare]

It looks like every other SUV/CUV on the road. It will blend in nicely with the Outbacks, CX-7/9, and other "swoopy" looking lifted wagons. Boring design.

MAybe I'm just cynical of Japanese design language.

[Calcvictim]

tires look wimpy

[mikegilbert]

It looks like every other SUV/CUV on the road. It will blend in nicely with the Outbacks, CX-7/9, and other "swoopy" looking lifted wagons. Boring design.

MAybe I'm just cynical of Japanese design language.

Bingo. The last redesign kept that unique Pathfinder feel. This new design is just as bland as the next CUV. Nissan really blew it, in my opinion.

[SVT2888]

If Subaru made the outback in 7 passenger, thats how it would look.

EXACTLY what I was thinking!

[BobL2438]

EXACTLY what I was thinking!

X3!

[Uberhare]

Bingo. The last redesign kept that unique Pathfinder feel. This new design is just as bland as the next CUV. Nissan really blew it, in my opinion.

That's the problem with the majority of auto makers, mostly Japanese. They all seem to have lost their unique style and language. It seems like 20 or even 10 years ago you can instantly make out a Nissan, Honda, etc due to the unique design language but nowadays it's as if they all decided to copy one another with the same boring designs.

[modular]

Gone soft..........needs a new name.

[Lwize]

No longer on a truck frame.

Altima station wagon with big tires, anyone?

[SMG]

I thought they might raise the bar a little more with the interior. It's pretty much the same center stack, switchgear and NAV as my wife's Maxima...which isn't bad, but it's also not the freshest thing in their lineup.

[brad@fifteen52]

No longer on a truck frame.

Did they switch back to BOF for the last gen? I mean, haven't Pathfinders been uni-body for a while now? And Xterras are BOF?

[rpmk4]

rebadged toyota highlander?

[InfinitiG]

Looks good imo. 5,000 lb towing capacity isn't bad either with a 260 hp V6 + CVT combo.

[King]

Did they switch back to BOF for the last gen? I mean, haven't Pathfinders been uni-body for a while now? And Xterras are BOF?

Nope. Last one was BOF.....

[koko12]

I don't know why so many are crying about the new Pathfinder going to a unibody design. 99.99% of buyers never used the outgoing model's offroad and towing ability. I think Nissan made the right call and will likely see a sales increase because of this. For those who want/need a latter-frame truck Nissan also has the XTerra and Armada. No sense in having 3 body-on-frame SUV's in their lineup when they don't have a player in the segment the new Pathfinder will occupy.

Also the Pathfinder has not always been traditionally body-on-frame, Nissan has used a unibody design in the past and with this model you could argue the Pathfinder has always been more Unibody than body-on-frame.


also those saying it looks like and will be mistaken for every other crossover are talking out of their rears. I've never mistaken a Pilot for an Arcadia, a CX9 for Explorer, a Highlander for an Equinox, etc...etc... They all look different enough and this one will be no different, and anyone who can't tell so is just retarded.

yes they are all crossover SUV's, but so what. should manufacturers also stop making sedans just because the other makers also offer them?

[gonzo08452]

As 'rugged' and 'unique' the last gen was, it wouldn't have been my pick if I were in the market for such a vehicle. This, at least, puts the Pathfinder on peoples list looking for something that can tow and provide decent space/mpgs.

[someguy123]

No HIDs, no care.

[bWs]

No HIDs, no care.

+1!

[MK5golf]

Bingo. The last redesign kept that unique Pathfinder feel. This new design is just as bland as the next CUV. Nissan really blew it, in my opinion.

Last gen pathfinder was a real truck. The one before was not (unibody and crappy quality) It did have a rear axle though

Gone soft..........needs a new name.

No longer on a truck frame.

Altima station wagon with big tires, anyone?

Nobody is going to care about this. People dont care for "real" trucks (suvs) anymore. This was coming for a while now, maybe Nissan will finally actually start selling some cars now. (Dont see very many new pathfinders on the road) Ford made a smart decision doing the exact same thing with their explorer. Considering how most people use suvs like they should a wagon, minivan, this car (which is what it now is) is going to do some good.

Now... if the make the xterra soft too that will just be At least keep one truck in your lineup

[Infiniti]

looks better than the jx, imo

[BLK9GEN]

That's the problem with the majority of auto makers, mostly Japanese. They all seem to have lost their unique style and language. It seems like 20 or even 10 years ago you can instantly make out a Nissan, Honda, etc due to the unique design language but nowadays it's as if they all decided to copy one another with the same boring designs.

Really? I don't think it was any better 10-20 years ago.

[PoorHouse]

It looks like every other SUV/CUV on the road. It will blend in nicely with the Outbacks, CX-7/9, and other "swoopy" looking lifted wagons. Boring design.

MAybe I'm just cynical of Japanese design language.

Design by focus group?

Last gen pathfinder was a real truck. The one before was not (unibody and crappy quality) It did have a rear axle though





Nobody is going to care about this. People dont care for "real" trucks (suvs) anymore. This was coming for a while now, maybe Nissan will finally actually start selling some cars now. (Dont see very many new pathfinders on the road) Ford made a smart decision doing the exact same thing with their explorer. Considering how most people use suvs like they should a wagon, minivan, this car (which is what it now is) is going to do some good.

Now... if the make the xterra soft too that will just be At least keep one truck in your lineup

It's an interesting evolution, give it another generation or 2 and SUV's will turn back into wagons.

[MK5golf]

It's an interesting evolution, give it another generation or 2 and SUV's will turn back into wagons.

LOL! Id actually love to see that happen. And then when we replace conventional gasoline with something cheaper to get (manufacture?) or we start mining for oil on some other planet or something, well go back to square one and purchase big behemoth suvs all over again

[spidy]

rebadged toyota highlander?

Really?

[DTMTrini]

Ahh...I will try not to comment on this until I see it in person, but looking at the front end, I feel like the wheels/tires are way too small!

[urogolf]

body on frame
unibody
body on frame
unibody

MAKE UP YOUR MIND!

[juice]

TCL hates it, so .... the only thing we KNOW for certain is it will be wildly successful in terms of sales.

We really know how to call 'em. In reverse.

Folks, 20/26 mpg beats their very own minivan (19/25 for the Quest).

This is a better minivan than the Quest. It looks better than the Quest, only costs $2k more. People will easily pay that to avoid the minivan stigma.

You can bet Pathfinder sales will triple and Nissan will have to hire new accountants to count all the money.

Interior looks comfy and it can still tow 5000 lbs, so the husband can keep his man card.

Farthest off road it even went was the Apple Orchard anyway, plus the smaller XTerra is more suited to off road use and the manly young men who pretend that still matters.

Before anyone tells me I'm wrong, put your money where you mouth is. Who wants to bet sales don't AT LEAST double in the next 12 months?

[urogolf]

bwahahahahahahahah
NICE PRESS PICTURES!

[Infiniti]

bwahahahahahahahah
NICE PRESS PICTURES!

/vwvortex

[sullie]

TCL hates it, so .... the only thing we KNOW for certain is it will be wildly successful in terms of sales.

Read my mind!

We really know how to call 'em. In reverse.

Folks, 20/26 mpg beats their very own minivan (19/25 for the Quest).

This is a better minivan than the Quest. It looks better than the Quest, only costs $2k more. People will easily pay that to avoid the minivan stigma.

You can bet Pathfinder sales will triple and Nissan will have to hire new accountants to count all the money.

Interior looks comfy and it can still tow 5000 lbs, so the husband can keep his man card.

Farthest off road it even went was the Apple Orchard anyway, plus the smaller XTerra is more suited to off road use and the manly young men who pretend that still matters.

Before anyone tells me I'm wrong, put your money where you mouth is. Who wants to bet sales don't AT LEAST double in the next 12 months?

Good points made.

[InfinitiG]

bwahahahahahahahah
NICE PRESS PICTURES!

Wow, good catch!

[mikegilbert]

My issue isn't with the content or intended market for this vehicle. My gripe lies with the design language. It's definitely possible to gracefully evolve from one generation to the next. This reminds me of the Current Forester vs the first gen. Two completely different vehicles. How does this differ from the Murano? (Other than the third row)

I've always had a soft spot for the Pathfinder- especially in QX4 guise. It's a shame they (Infinity) didn't make one for the current Gen.