Model Tested: 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 284 horsepower, 259 lb-ft torque
Transmission: CVT automatic, four-wheel-drive
EPA Rating: 19-mpg city/26-mpg highway/21-mpg combined
Base Price: $44,010
As Tested: $47,840
Performance:
Smooth V-6
Robust power
Intelligent 4×4 system
Selectable modes: 2WD, Auto, 4WD Lock
Hill descent and hill start assist features

Up to 6,000 lbs towing capacity
Reasonable fuel economy for its size—our best was 21.6-mpg highway
Blind spot monitor lights are conveniently mounted on “A” pillars
Comfort:
Great, supportive, comfy seats
Quality interior materials
Driver power lumbar support
Heated and ventilated front seats (3 variations)
Stretch-out front row legroom

Very good headroom
Medium thick, slightly contoured, heated steering wheel
Heated steering wheel is quite hot
Power tilt/telescopic steering column
Small sunroof over front row
Large moonroof over rear seats
Spacious second row seating
Heated second row seats (2 temperature)
Flat floor second row, so adults fit in middle
Good third row access
Utility:
Two-part center console bin

Large sunvisors with center slide-out extensions
Power tailgate, blind spot, anti-skid, tow mode controls too far under dash for easy reach while driving
Large, locking glovebox, but hard to access under curve of dashboard
Small front door bins with bottle notches
Big infotainment screen
Flat cargo floor
Extra storage under cargo deck
Hands-free power tailgate
WOW Factors:
Very nice, spacious interior

Strong 6K towing capacity
Three adults fit in second row
Hands-free power tailgate
Great seats
Whines:
We still don’t like the frontend styling
Too small heated seat controls
Many controls hard to reach under curvature of dash
Wood trim looks fake
Bottom Line:
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a spacious seven-passenger SUV with excellent towing and highway travel characteristics. Practicality and comfort are strong points for this all-weather SUV.
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