Nissan Pathfinder Review

Pros: Great engine, Seven seats, Off-roading ability

Cons: Engine noise, on-road handling, price

By Alborz Fallah | January 13th, 2011

Price: $36,720 to $56,880

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	2.5
Comfort and Interior	3
Quality & Design	3
Value & Features	3.5
Green	2.5

There are so many soft-roaders around these days that most have all but forgotten that models like the Nissan Pathfinder are actually very capable off-road vehicles.

The Nissan Pathfinder may not be the best selling car in its segment, but it’s a package worth considering if off-road ability means anything to you.

In the whole of 2010 Nissan sold only 1620 Pathfinders, (unfairly) comparing that with the 16,745 Prados or 13,117 Klugers that Toyota sold or even the near-7000 Mitsubishi Pajeros that all found new owners, the Pathfinder is a small player in its segment. Ideally, it’s best to compare it against the Mitsubishi Challenger which found 2,195 new owners.

Despite what the numbers tell you, the Nissan Pathfinder is actually a rather brilliant SUV. The perfect buyer would be one that requires off-road capability more often than not and doesn’t mind the ‘truck-like’ driving dynamics.

Nissan has updated the Pathfinder’s exterior which is now 80mm longer. From the front it now features a refreshed bonnet and grille plus a more rounded bumper. The rear also gets a revised bumper with squared off edges. All in all it tends to look more modern and similar to the upcoming 2012 Nissan Patrol.

The Pathfinder isn’t your friendly looking city-SUV. You can certainly find something better and more city-friendly if all you want is an SUV that will never leave the tarmac. Its looks also reflect this feeling. Based on the Nissan Navara, the Pathfinder is essentially a mini-truck that has been turned into an SUV.

For some, its rugged looks and tough SUV character is its main appeal, for others, it’s a major turn off. The same dilemma presents itself for its main rival, the Mitsubishi Challenger (based on the Triton).

The big change to the revised Pathfinder is its engine line-up. Now available with the most powerful diesel engine you can get in a Japanese SUV, the Pathfinder Ti 550 makes use of a 3.0-litre, 170 kW engine mated to a seven-speed auto. Yes, a seven-speed auto. It pumps out an enormous 550 Nm of torque from 1750 RPM which makes it one hell of a drive. It also has a towing capacity of 3,500 kg.

Nonetheless, for a starting price of $75,990, the Ti550 is going to be pushing the budget. The everyday buyer is more likely to pick the only other available engine, a four-cylinder 2.5 litre DOHC intercooled Turbo Diesel. The update brings it an additional 14 kW and 48 Nm of torque.

Unless you really want the fastest Pathfinder money can buy, the 2.5-litre is good enough. Mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed auto, with 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque, it can pretty much carry a family of seven around town and the outback without making a big deal of it. It does, however, like to audibly remind you that it’s working at all times.

The bigger, more powerful engine returns an impressive fuel economy figure (claimed) of 9.5L/100km (thanks in part to its 7-speed auto) while the 2.5-litre manages 8.5L/100km in manual or 9.0L/100km for the automatic.

Around town the 2.5-litre is easy to live with even if it does occasionally seem to hesitate before it gives you all it has. Real world fuel economy figures are above 10L/100km but even that is pretty darn good for an SUV that weighs more than 2.1 tonnes (about 50kg weight variation depending on variant and gearbox).

When it comes to ride and handling, the Nissan Pathfinder behaves more like a mini-truck than a passenger car. Despite front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, sharing its foundations with the Navara has kept its driving dynamics closer to its Ute brother than any of Nissan’s passenger cars.

Not that it’s difficult to drive around town, but its super-soft steering feel and non-existent feedback makes it a bit of a dull drive. On the plus side, its off-road tyres and suspension allow it to absorb Australia’s poor-quality roads with ease.

Getting in and out of car parks isn’t too hard and with the inclusion of reversing sensors (ST-L) and a reverse camera (Ti) the job is even easier.

Nissan Australia recently held a day out at Mount Cotton 4WD centre in Brisbane where I got to drive the Pathfinder around a relatively challenging off-road course.

What amazes me most about Nissan as a brand is how it has managed to build a reputation for seriously tough and reliable 4WDs and Utes (think Patrol and Navara) as well as challenge the world’s best when it comes to sports cars (think GT-R and 370Z). What other manufacturer can say they’ve done that?

Thanks to its body-on-frame construction and a fully boxed all-steel ladder chassis, the Pathfinder’s off-road credentials are hard to dispute. With a ground clearance of 232 mm (ST variant, ST-L is 228 mm and Ti is 231 mm), a 30 degree approach and 26 degree departure angle, the Pathfinder can easily navigate itself around some seriously tough terrain.

Although basic four-wheel-driving skill is required, the majority of drivers simply need to point the Pathfinder in the most logical path and the electronically controlled ALL MODE 4×4 control system will tend to do the rest. The Pathfinder is more at home in the outback than anywhere else.

The Pathfinder has never been the sort of vehicle you’d get into and go “wow!”. Even after its recent revision, it’s still the same story. Nissan has redesigned the central dash cluster, updated the door trims and modified the seat fabric.

The base model ST comes with seven seats (two of which are best used only by children) covered in cloth trim, Bluetooth phone support, auxiliary input connected to a CD-player and four speakers. Dual-zone air-conditioning is also standard across the range, as are the rear air vents (not third row), cruise control and leather trim steering wheel.

Moving up to the ST-L model you’ll get leather seat trim and chrome highlights. An extra two speakers and electrically adjustable and heated front seats plus driver seat and door mirror memory settings are also new additions.

Nissan has replaced the relatively unspectacular wood grain trim of the old Pathfinder Ti with a fresh metallic trim which gives the interior a far more elegant look. Ti buyers gain HDD Satellite Navigation with 3D mapping and 7-inch integrated colour display. The system makes use of a 9.3 GB music box to rip your favourite CDs and hold your MP3s. A 7-inch rear seat DVD entertainment system is also standard (9-inch for Ti 550).

Overall, the interior has improved over the years and is built to sustain the daily challenges of an off-road capable SUV. It’s a little rough around the edges but it gets the job done. The front seats are comfortable enough (ST-L tested) for long distance drives but don’t expect to have seven adults in the car for anything longer than a five minute journey.

The Pathfinder ST doesn’t come with front to rear curtain airbags (for second and third row seating) as standard but it does come with driver and front passenger side-impact airbags. This is likely due to the mainly fleet sales of the base model.

The ST-L and Ti variants comes with a full compliment of airbags and all three variants come with the following technologies as standard:

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
Traction Control System (TCS)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS)

Being a Nissan, reliability issues are generally unlikely and the Pathfinder comes with a three-year/100,000km warranty. It wil require servicing every 12 months or 15,000km.

The Nissan Pathfinder is not an SUV for everyone. Nissan offers a whole variety of city-friendly SUVs such as the Dualis, Murano and X-Trail for those of us that keep thinking we will go off-road, but know that we never will.

The Pathfinder is for those who are actually in need of some form of off-roading capability. Compared with the Mitsubishi Challenger, the Nissan is more powerful, refined and offers a more modern interior. But it does come at a higher cost.

Nissan Pathfinder Pricing:

ST Man $48,490
ST Diesel Auto $51,490
ST-L Diesel Man $56,490
ST-L Diesel Auto $59,490
Ti Diesel Auto $65,990
Ti 550 Auto $75,990

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Variant	Body Style	Price From

NISSAN PATHFINDER ST 2.5L DIESEL TURBO F/INJ 6 SP MANUAL	4D WAGON	$48,490*
NISSAN PATHFINDER ST 2.5L DIESEL TURBO F/INJ 5 SP AUTOMATIC	4D WAGON	$51,490*
NISSAN PATHFINDER ST-L 2.5L DIESEL TURBO F/INJ 6 SP MANUAL	4D WAGON	$56,490*
NISSAN PATHFINDER ST-L 2.5L DIESEL TURBO F/INJ 5 SP AUTOMATIC	4D WAGON	$59,490*
NISSAN PATHFINDER Ti 2.5L DIESEL TURBO F/INJ 5 SP AUTOMATIC	4D WAGON	$65,990*
NISSAN PATHFINDER Ti 550 3.0L DIESEL TURBO F/INJ 7 SP AUTOMATIC	4D WAGON	$75,990*

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	VEHICLE	PRICE
	2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER ST R51 MY08 21,760 Kms White Wagon Auto Diesel QLD	$39,990* Enquire Now
	2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER ST-L R51 MY08 69,521 Kms Black Wagon Manual Diesel QLD	$34,990* Enquire Now
	2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER Ti 550 R51 MY10 777 Kms Silver Lightning Wagon Auto Other WA	$70,888* Enquire Now
	2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER Ti 550 R51 MY10 1 Kms Silver Lightning Wagon Auto Other WA	$79,950* Enquire Now
	2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER Ti 550 R51 MY10 777 Kms Silver Lightning Wagon Auto Other WA	$70,888* Enquire Now
	2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER ST-L R51 MY10 775 Kms Tuscan Wagon Auto Other WA	$69,990* Enquire Now
	2012 NISSAN PATHFINDER ST-L R51 MY10 775 Kms Tuscan Wagon Auto Other WA	$69,990* Enquire Now
	2000 NISSAN PATHFINDER OTHER OTHER 202,000 Kms Black Sedan Auto Other NSW	$8,995* Enquire Now
	1988 NISSAN PATHFINDER DX OTHER 97,770 Kms Red 2d Wagon Manual Petrol NSW	$2,990* Enquire Now
	2008 NISSAN PATHFINDER ST-L R51 MY08 86,944 Kms Red Wagon Auto Diesel QLD	$37,990* Enquire Now
	2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER ST R51 MY08 56,707 Kms Silver Wagon Manual Diesel SA	$37,990* Enquire Now

Showrooms > Nissan > Pathfinder

http://www.caradvice.com.au/98202/nissan-pathfinder-review-road-test/
Nissan Pathfinder Review
Nissan
Pathfinder
A package worth considering if off-road ability means anything to you.
KPV11A

http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Nissan4x4-10-16350-625x416.jpg

Alborz Fallah
Nissan Pathfinder Review
A package worth considering if off-road ability means anything to you.
2.5 stars

Neil M

I own the previous Diesel model and find it’s incredibly gutless on hills at highway speeds or trying to overtake at anything faster than 100km/h. It literally won’t hold cruise control at 100km/h on the Princes Hwy to Wollongong. Is the tweaked engine any better?

http://www.caradvice.com.au/ Alborz Fallah

Yes, it is. We have MY08 Pathfinder Ti in the family and the old 2.5-litre is rather gutless in comparison. The extra 48 Nm of torque really help.
Rob

The new engine with 450nm is much better. I tow a small van and can easily cruise at the speed limit on the open road. However I have found parts supply very poor. Recently stuck in Kununurra WA for weeks waiting for front shock absorbers (ex Japan)which you would have thought would be a stock item in Australia.

Sam 300TD

Look, it is a nice car but the price kind of puts you offside right from the start. That’s why they don’t sell very well, I suppose.
Shak

I guess if i was in this market, and had that much money, i would consider it, but the price seriously puts me off. The Pajero also seems to have a better interior. Good effort though Nissan
Karl

If you intend to “never leave the tarmac”, please don’t buy an SUV.
Kind regards,
society.

Hung Low

I dare say Karl this is a 4wd not a SUV, and agree on the part if its not going to get used off road bit do not buy it in general. But some people have to buy something like this for towing a large boat, caravan, trailer or horse float.

Jez

Idependant front and rear suspension? I think it borders on the SUV if it weren’t for the transfer case. Says it all that for the latest update, they increased the overhangs!

Also lamenting the loss of the coil-sprung live axled Patrol. Only the Land-Rover Defender, Toyota Landcruiser 70-series and Suzuki Jimny remain as true 4wd off-roaders.

Hung Low

Yeh, the only thing that really standout to separate them these days is the proper transfer case, ride height and the type of tyres fitted. But most of the traditional/proper 4wds still have a ladder frame chassis

Rick

If you have 4 children there aren’t many other alternatives

Cranky Franky

Hey Karl, I look forward to crushing your buzz box with my big SUV and burning up heaps of fossil fuels.

Karl

Sorry to disappoint you Cranky Franky, but I drive a commodore. No “buzz box” here. I look forward to watching your “big SUV” roll repeatedly in an emergency manoeuvre. Say hello to my little friend; physics!

Cranky Franky

Say hello to my little friend ESP. Commodores are overated anyway get over it!!!!
Karl

I’m not sure how you think I’m bragging?
Cranky assumed I drive a buzz box because I don’t like SUV’s, I stated that I drive a commodore.
Oh, and Cranky almost every new car has ESP, but you’ll still be better off in a vehicle with a lower centre of gravity. Hence my reference to physics.
Cranky Franky

@Karl, you may not need an SUV, other people do. So keep you ill informed opinion to yourself.

http://n/a Jumbo

are you kidding Karl?
i would like to see you seat 7 people in your commodore and also tow over 3tonne on the back!

also seeing as this is a 4Cyl TDi, it probably gets better mileage than your commodore too.

have you ever thought out side of your world to think that maybe other people have different needs to you?

t39

Karl, if you did not know, SUVs’ purpose is for high driving position and extra safety of the added metal. It is not for driving off-road, although that is a nice non-essential benefit.

Dave S

Lets not forget that high riding (high centre of gravity)position is great roll-overs and great for blocking other drivers vision.

Zej

This also applies to vans, buses, trucks and many vintage/classic cars. Point being?

Princess

Point being those vehicles serve a practical purpose

http://n/a Jumbo

and a 7 seat high towing capacity SUV/4WD doesnt have a practicle purpose?

dazzer01

I see the Ti550 as a very worthy competitor in the tow tug stakes against the Cruiser 200 GXL. And without the oil consumption problems that currently plague the Cruiser’s deisel V8.

MK

Yes and good luck selling it in three years time.

Ethan

Hard to believe that a company which produces a super car rivalling GTR can produce something like this patrol, which in my mind seems to be a half ar$ed effort that is priced no where close to what it’s worth…

Hung Low

Seems like you know your stuff there Ethan, with this patrol and all…………

Richo

It’s a heap of sh*t, sorry but it is. We owned an ’07 model from new and only bothered keeping it 2 and a bit years, was an utter load of rubbish.

Hung Low

Your model and the early D40′s were the worst Nissans in years…..plenty of issues with dual mass flywheels and clutch problems, heads cracking and general quality issues etc
MADE IN SPAIN!!

I hope they have sorted it out with the update!

Sumpguard

Mine was an 07 plate Richo and it gave me nothing but trouble. Never again will I buy a nissan.

Hung Low

Nissan still make very reliable cars, as I mentioned your Pathfinder and D40 Navaras have been the problem child, the rest of the range does not have the same issues!

Sumpguard

Actually that’s not true. The D22 had a problem with engines blowing up (the 3.0ltr non intercooled engine) and it was made in Japan .

I owned one before the D40. Mine was fine but a few people asked me if I had it replaced yet. At 50,000 k’s I got rid of it just in case and bought a bigger problem with the D40. Like I said I will NEVER buy another nissan.

Google “D22 Engine Failure”. It certainly isn’t just the D40 that had issues.

Meanwhile $76,000 for a Pathfinder is ridiculous. And people complain about the price of Korean cars. Even with the bit of extra kit you are still paying $25,000 for that engine. Whatever.
rob

Sump, You have no idea what you are talking about, Firstly, You say the D22 had a major problem with the engines blowing up??? thats funny i work at a nissan dealership and i can not say that has been a common problem one bit, we had a few issues with them as ALL CAR MAKERS DO, secondly if you google any vehicle, say “toyota corolla engine problems” guess what comes up??? thousands of pages with people complaining about there corolla, my point is, is that people only ever complain about the bad, you think of all the navaras that have been sold, tens if not hundreds of thousands over the years, and all in all most of the people are happy and will keep buying them. also the pathfinder is not expensive, how much do you pay for a top toyota landcruiser again??? and i understand the nissan will tow more.
rob

btw, landcruiser prado VX
Princess

REALLY! Isn’t it great that we have someone blogging here that knows EVERYTHING
Sumpguard

You’re too biased to be taken seriously Rob. Comparing the Landcruiser to the pathfinder for towing may appear simple on paper but the landcruiser won’t get steered by its trailer. My D40 could tow 3 tonne and did but it wasn’t a relaxed experience and often ended with the wonderful aroma of clucth burn. Reversing a load on the slightest incline was a no go. Again cooked clutch. Tow 3 tonne with the landcruiser and the car is in control, not the load.

Nissan were well aware of the issue with the 3 ltr engine. Hence why rather than bothering to make it comply with Euro 4 they actually pulled the D22 from the local market for several months whilst they worked to detune the D40′s engine for it. Effectively killing two birds with one stone. The failing of the engine wasn’t minor either. The blocks were being penetrated by the internals.

In fairness to nissan (once I leaned on them) my issues with the D40 were addressed. Being a regular visitor I had time to chat with the mechanic that was assigned my vehicle each time it went back. He acknowledged the issue with the D22 and this is at one of the biggest dealers in Australia. He did state that since they put the smaller engine in the D22 they had no issues with the vehicle other than minor ones. For me however it was too late.

My D40 issues included;

Oil leaking onto the rear brakes from the back axles causing the front ABS to slam the brakes on.

3 visits for injectors (including two sets replaced).

recall for airbag callibration.

recall for bullbar/ Bonnet issue.

2 weeks without vehicle while they tried to work out
why it lost power.

Ducting to turbo coming off and subsequent power loss.

Clutch replaced and still not right when it was.

….and $76,000 for a pathfinder is absurd. I agree the Landcruiser is dear but you still get far more vehicle for the money than you do with the pathfinder. It is in a different league to the Nissan Pathfinder so comparison is a little silly. The pathfinder was developed off the Navara afterall, not the patrol.

Rick Patterson

I’ve said it before I’ll say it again I wouldn’t own a current 200 series cruiser we had a few at work, less than 12 mths old and had 2 gearboxs replaced ,and on average they were using roughly 2-3litres of oil between services ,on over half our fleet . We replaced them with pajeros and 2 Santa fe ‘s so far no problems all cars have now completed over 100,000 km . By the way we just got a prado 4 weeks old and been in the shop twice once for no electrical power and second time for a failed wheel bearing car has only done 3000 km . not a good start Toyota not good at all

subeylover

In reference to the paltry sales of 1620 last year, I really really wanted to test drive a petrol one about 18months ago but no dealer in Sydney had one available for test drive and none were interested in getting one. They all just said we dont sell enough so tough and would I like a Patrol instead?
So thats why they dont sell – doesnt matter how good the car is on paper and how good the marketing is, if an interested buyer can’t test drive one then none will sell – a car isn’t something u buy from a internet catalogue without a test drive.

RickyC

What happened to the Pathfinder – the previous model (3.3L V6) was a great looking truck, and cost only $39,990. Why has it become so expensive and ugly now? The US model is a little better looking as it has an updated tail-gate, which we don’t get. They also get an optional 5.6L V8.

Alex

I am afraid that as nice as these are on paper, the price is just too high for its size, features, and quality.

Like most said there are many issues with the early models, and for the money, there are much better SUVs for those who stick to the black top or dirt roads, and for a tiny bit more coin there are much better (and bigger) 4WDs for those who what more off-road credentials.

Its a bit of an orphan, espicailly the V6 which will be $80K on the road. Thats Land Rover D4 territory with an even better V6.

MK

Yes, like a one year old Prado GXL for $50k or a new one for $60k.

Crossy

I’m interested in a Pathfinder but I struggle with $65 – $75K for what looks like a Navara with a canopy. That Ti 550 would want to be pretty good to command a $10K premium over the standard Ti as well.
We own an 09 Navara and I agree with some of the other comments that you sometimes have to wring it’s neck to get the most out of it but that aside, it’s been a very reliable vehicle for us, not a single issue to speak of.
CS

I read a recent review in a 4WD mag, and it gave both Pathfinders a decent caning. Great on road, but as far as a offroad 4WD goes it is way off the pace. Not much more than a big softroader.
Mani

You say it has “rugged looks” I say it’s just plain ugly. The interior is drab, dour, and dated. The price tag is a complete joke. The 2.5l engine is not as powerful as the 2.2l version found on the Sorento and Santa Fe and uses a heap more fuel – not comparing these cars just the engines before anyone jumps down my throat! I’m betting Nissan will sell less then 1000 of these things this year and it will only get worse.
Reckless1

A friend has one of these, he put a lift kit in and BFGs and a snorkel, so he could go off-road with it.

We’ve done two trips in the Vic High Country, around Dargo, and his new tyres are now scrubbed badly due to the front and rear wheel alignment being knocked out by a bit of off-roading. The alignment shop said this was entirely normal for these soft-roader pretend off-roaders.

$75000 for a V6 one – puts it squarely at the price of the outgoing V6 Touareg – a pice of Jap Crap at Touareg or dare I say TD4 prices – ya gotta be joking.
jojo

We had the pathfinder ST-L Auto on our shortlist but ended up with a a Kia Sorento SLi which was approx $14k less ($50k vs $64k for the Nissan)driveawy as a RRP.

The 5 star safety rating modern interior/exterior design 5 year warranty and substantial $ saving couldnt be overlooked for us. We just came back from One Mile Beach (Port Stephens) which has a 2 km steep and rutted sand and dirt track which leads to the beach.

With its 436Nm of torque and 145kw from its 2.2 Turbo Diesel, VDC,TC (switchable)downhill descent and lockable 4wd mode it was a piece of cake. Only serious proper 4wd were on this trail.
More ground clearance and low range would be nice but still capable enough.

We get 8.5L/100km in the suburbs as low as 7.4l/100km on the open road so we are pleased so far with 9000Km on the clock.

Hearing that it has just picked up Australias Best New Car Award for SUV over $40k is a bonus and didnt please my neighbour who just shelled out for a new Kluger.
Leon

Commodores are for bogans. Says a lot about you Karl.

Karl

Bogan are impressionable and don’t judge vehicles on merit, but rather on the stereotypes surrounding that vehicle.
Much like what your doing right now.

Pat Bowtell

550nM and 170kw and 3500kg tow capacity all from a 3.0 litre motor. I’d reserve judgement until this motor/vehicle has done at least 50,000 heavy duty kilometres and then do a check on Motor Complaints page. Navara’s have a bad ,but well deserved reputation for destroying clutches and dual mass fly wheels with considerabley less power and torque and 1/2 tonne less towing capacity. Bragging rights for the moment but expect to see lots of tears in the future. One reason why Toyota had the nous to reduce tow capacity on Hi lux to 2500kg

JEKYL & HYDE

the clutch and flywheel in the new v6 will be unbreakable,and won’t wear at all in 100 years time pat…

Scott

I just don’t understand Australia’s love affair with Toyota. The whole range is overpriced. Compare the Prado where you would have to get the Prado VX Diesel model to remotely compare features with the Pathfinds ST-L. Prado VX $75-$80K. Pathfinder currently $59K drive away. Pathfinder has more features such as Rear Parkings Sensors, Intelligent Key System (no key ignition), Driver Seat Memory and probably more I’ve missed. I just can’t see the $15-$20K difference at all.
Alan

I’m actually seriously considering buying the TI 550 version and as a potential buyer, have a few comments.
I’m primarily interested in the TI550 because of the renault sourced engine (so I’m told) and the 7 speed auto. Toyota for example only offers 5 speed auto at best and the diesel engine is just old tech (which I do admit might survive in the bush better). I’m thinking of the pathie because it’s not as large as the Patrol/Cruiser and I don’t exactly need to go to Cape York anytime soon. I just need a SUV/4×4 that is capable enough to go to the beach and not get bogged and I do find some comfort that the pathie is better than most SUVs, i.e. at least with low range.

However, $75K RRP is expensive and considering once you add a few options and the drive away price is well over 80K. For which I’m thinking, well for this money, most as well go to the Euros, at least I get a chance to be a ‘pretentious numbnut’. Let’s face it, if you have this sort of money to spend on a car, would you rather 2 commodore omega or an Audi A5, etc? Yes there are Holden die hards who will say Holden everytime no matter what car it is but still there will be plenty of people who just like to drive some other imports.

So the hint to Nissan is, good on you for introducing some new technology to the segment but at best, the TI needs to be 70K drive away to attract any real sort of numbers. Time to start the next sale.
Hak

Its about time the pathie gets a V6 diesel and this will be a serious comp for the pajero and prado. But the price $75k + frightens me. I think they will not sell well at this price as if you have that sort of money you might as well get the euro imports. Nissan got to be realistic, in general people that buy the pathie is not the $75k+ types. If they keep it below $70K they will sell well. I for one will definitely swap my 2009 Pathie Ti for the new V6 Pathie Ti!
peter vijayasingam

Hi ho ho off to the bush I go,after reading this forum I went to a Nissan Dealer and took a test drive in a 2011 Pathfinder STL.I was a bit aprensive on the diesel engine as I have never owned one. I was very impressed with this car,cabin is very flexible and presentable it is very driveable on road and armed to the teeth for off road use.The next day I drove away at $52k in my Pathfinder.This car suits my family 6 my boys are keen lake fisher man and the Pathfinder will be more than able to navigate some of the best spots in Lake Eildon.As for dad if Í needs to feel young again I’ll jump into my R32 GTR and kick some V8 ass.If the price is right for you and the car can do the job for you it is a Good car.

conerking

Good cars Dad

http://conerking peter vijayasingam

For the price a the versitily the Pathfinder ST L 2011 is a good choice
peter vijayasingam

abc
Ken

I brought a ST-L in 2006 and it has been a great unit, to me it flys tows great and can pass on the freeway towing no problem. Be for this I had a Navara 3 ltr turbo diesal and the pathfinder eats it.. I was very supprised that a 2.5 ltr was so good.
Went to sydney from Kilmore on one tank,
Now I am not easy on cars and I drive it hard and in paddocks and off road a lot, it is loaded heavy with tool and will still tow a couple of tonne with no problem.
My freind has a v6 1999 pathfinder and has driven my and stated that his could not tow as good or drive as well as mine.
The main problem I have had with the car is it gets a vibration at 80 ks aprox when under load, Nissan could never fix it, that is why I will most likly not replace it with another Pathfinder, also it has done 160000 ks and runs like a dream, brakes should last a little longer.
Over all it in my opinion it is comfortable, and good to drive, and after a long trip I feel fine.
Neil

You do not need to pay the RRP for an ST-L Auto. I drove away in an ST-L Auto with numerous extras on for less than $54500 in April this year. It is great, love it…
Zico

having issues with the car kit on the 2011 TI model, people say I sound like a robot, anyone else with similar problems
Loz

Comparing a Prado and Pathfinder. Pathfinder wins hands down!! Prado models still up around the 28000 mark for doing 20000+mm. Pathfinder same price for under 100000 km. Plus pathfinder 5 years newer. Both diesel. Also boot opening much easier as if your on a hill try keeping the door of the Prado open. Risky closing on little kids gaining access to back seats.
Day care mum.
pathy owner

I’ve owned a pathy for a few years. Soft-roader..no way. Very capable off road. Its gone everywhere I’ve pointed it. Only winched out once – from the same hole the LCs and Patrols got stuck in. Pathy vs Prado – Pathy easy!
On road, gobbles a bit too much fuel for my liking. Interior, could be finished a little better but still ok. (I have the ti model)
Having driven the new ti550, what my model lacks, it makes up for. Goes like stink! Handles great, very quiet, interior starting to finish off a bit better.
After market accessories are a bit more limited, but as it said in the review, Prado has 10 times more sales, so the demand hasn’t been there.
The big however though….3000kg tow with a 300kg towball. NOT TRUE. As the load weight of the vehicle increases (passengers, fuel, bullbar) the tow ball decreases. With a family of 5, a steel bar with winch on the front, I found I can not legally tow a 1800kg van.
Fantastic 4wd, but not suitable as a family *caravan* towing vehicle.
the ti550 model is better for towing ability, but still problematic.
pathy owner

BTW, as for looks, many say the looks are outdated. Personally I like it’s looks and that of the Patrol. There’s something about it’s ‘brick’ shape that I find appealing….I think a 4wd should loo like a 4wd. I don’t tend to like 4wds trying to look like a crossover or a sports car:-) IMHO
Dennis Meechan

I am on my second pathfinder, first was an R50, current is a 2005 R51. I love the car, just got back from a 3500km road trip from brisbane to perisher and back towing an outback swan. Can’t understand the comments about poor cruise control or lacking power above 100. I sat easily on 110 with the van. The only criticism I have with the new pathy is there is no incentive to upgrade, throw in a stupid price tag, means I will probabley upgrade to Prado later this year

me again

had a change of heart afer test driving the prado, mitsi and Kia I couldn’t go past the pathfinder. Just picked up my new 2011 ST yesterday. $49k drive away for the Auto. They also gave me 22k for the old pathie the highest trade offer from Toyota was 18k.
Different strokes for different folks. FOr me the Pathfinder represents the best value and fills all my needs for a 4wd, as to the comments about it lacking off road, I had fun pulling a mates prado out of the soft stuff at fraser in april.

Neville Geoghan

Changed from a Navara ST-X to the new 2011 Pathfinder 450nm motor and have nothing but problems with the truck going into a limp mode regularly , Nissan cannot find the problem, but basically you can be driving along anywhere from 60-100kms and all of a sudden the pathfinder goes into a limp or safe mode which still allows you to drive it but at a very low and slow speeds, most of the time it happens under acceleration and without warning. I also can not get used to the transmission which tends to want to change up when going up hills when it would normally change down,. i was told by the dealer that it is because of the high engine torque ?. I wish i had of kept my Navara.To date Nissan cannot find the fault and i am in the process of making them take it back.

Neville

Ok,they now have a software update for the 450T model which fixes a lot of the bugs like going into limp mode, they also put a brand new rear diff ( surprise surprise) the only thing now that i don’t like is the way it changes up in the transmission which i believe can be re mapped ( fingers crossed)

Neville

I have to say Nissan have been absolutely brilliant and have stood behind their product making sure they fixed everything they could. 10 out 10 for back up and service,
Thanks Guys.

Naickera

They did a software update on mine but mine is still LIMPing. Very worried. It is an unreliable car now. did only 29Ks.

GladstonePhil

The extra power and the fact the ride will quiter with the v6 will be a plus. I hope the the brake system is more reliable as I have replaced my brake rotor the second time at 40-50K each in the R51 series. My 1999 model ran 140k and showed another 20k to replacement. This is a major designe flaw with no possibly of replacement under warranty. Will look else what’re next 4×4.
Don

I plan on buying a ti550 PATHFINDER only for TOWING it will not be going bush as I am not into that but the 3-5 tonne towing capacity will be ideal to take my TOYHAULER any where in AUSTRALIA what a shame the ti550 is not available in RED loks like the BOSS picks the colour this time.
Geoff

I have a new pathfinder doing exactly the same thing and they have just put a brand new diff in the rear as well ( not a good start!!)

Naickera

Have a 2010 ST…this is my problem too. Am very worried. Nissan cannot find the problem. LIMP mode. Got towed away three times.

Stow6712

My wife’s family car a 2006 STL diesel so far few issues other than firm ride and limited legroom(all jap companies need to look at a disco to understand how to make an interior). Plastics could be softer also brake rotors needed replacing at 30000km But overall has been a good family vehicle and much more practical and useful than my car Ve SS Commodore 15000km no paint left under front bumper, never been off bitumen it might handle and ride better than pathfinder but is not suited to real roads in aust. As far as stupid comments made about suv’s rolling over. Vehicles need to be driven within limits imposed by there design. An suv due to increased ride height and weight won’t handle like a commodore same way a commodore won’t handle like a wrx or evo .
Fred

Hi everyone… just drop in to give an input as owner of a 4WD fleet used in Western Australian’s mineral exploration. We have 6 Pathfinders of different age in our fleet – compeeting against 26 Toyota Land Cruisers.. There is no comparison when used in rough off road conditions. The maintenance costs of Land Cruisers are 40% higher, fuel consumption 52% and down time due to mechanical failure 18%. The Pathfinders had no troubles in any off-road situations our work requiried.

So much for facts from a real off-road user and owner …
Have fun and try…

Fred