Used 2015 Nissan Pathfinder

Once known for its rugged body-on-frame design, the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder has morphed into a much more family-friendly crossover SUV, with a roomy, modern interior, good ride and handling characteristics and impressive power. Although still available with all-wheel drive (AWD), the Pathfinder is no longer the choice for those who need to venture off-road or tow heavy loads. It can, however, manage a gaggle of teenaged soccer players and their gear, or double as a light-duty truck for those weekend runs to Home Depot. Up against such heavyweights as the Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango and Toyota Highlander, the Pathfinder holds its own, offering a full complement of technology and creature comforts. The Pathfinder Hybrid doesn’t appear to be returning for 2015.

If refinement and car-like handling are more important than off-road and towing ability, we think Nissan’s 2015 Pathfinder crossover SUV should be at the top of your shopping list. Thanks to its unit body, the 7-passenger Pathfinder can accommodate a modern suspension that returns a stable, smooth ride and excellent road manners. Body roll is minimal even under hard cornering, and the nicely weighted steering feels responsive and on-center. Last year’s CVT automatic didn’t thrill us, but the addition of D-Step Shift Logic makes the 2015 Pathfinder much more enjoyable to drive. We have nothing but praise for the Pathfinder’s V6 engine, which offers both impressive power and fuel economy. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the standard setup for the Pathfinder, but an All-Mode 4×4-i intelligent all-wheel-drive system is available. The system enhances traction and offers a full-lock setting for use on rough terrain.

Nissan’s Pathfinder crossover SUV for 2015 can seat up to seven passengers across three rows. Legroom is generous in the first two rows, but the last row is tight for adults. We like the charcoal coloring of the seating surfaces, contrasted by white stitching. Thankfully, Nissan passed on the finicky, all-touch infotainment systems used by others. Here, you can easily tune the radio or adjust the volume by twisting a dial. The same goes for setting the temperature and fan speed. Other features we like include a hidden storage bin aft of the third row, built-in tie-downs and flip-out coat hooks.

No longer the squared-off utility vehicle it used to be, the 2015 Pathfinder is all windswept curves and rounded edges. A large, upward sloping grille and two large headlight housings convey toughness, but for the most part the latest Pathfinder projects a friendly image. Roof racks can add functionality to the Pathfinder, and an available dual-panel moonroof does a great job of opening up the cabin, even for 3rd-row passengers. With just 6.5 inches of ground clearance, today’s Pathfinder isn’t meant for hard-core off-roading.

AROUND VIEW MONITOR
Nissan’s clever Around View monitor places four cameras at various positions outside the Pathfinder to create a bird’s-eye 360-degree image. The cameras also show individual images of what is ahead and behind the Pathfinder.

EZ FLEX LATCH & GLIDE SYSTEM
Another innovative Nissan feature, the EZ Flex & Glide System found on the 2015 Pathfinder SUV allows a child seat latched in the second row to remain attached when the seats are slid forward, typically to allow access to the 3rd-row seat.

The Pathfinder is available in four trims: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Spend the least on a base S model, and you still won’t feel like a pauper with features such as 3-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, in-dash 6-disc AM/FM audio and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Climbing trims brings amenities such as leather seating, a heated steering wheel, heated and cooled front seats, Bluetooth streaming audio, navigation and a power liftgate. Top trims bring a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system, the Around View Monitor, 20-inch wheels and a panoramic moonroof.

Aside from the option of all-wheel drive, most other extras for Nissan’s 2015 Pathfinder crossover SUV come as packages, which themselves are limited since many of the trims bundle the features. Among the offerings are a tri-zone entertainment system, a panoramic moonroof, Bose audio and navigation. A tow hitch receiver is also available for those who plan to haul their toys.

The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SUV uses a V6 engine that has a good balance of power and fuel economy. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and returns up to 27 mpg. The sole transmission is a continuously variable automatic. Enhanced for 2015 with Nissan’s D-Step Shift Logic, the CVT feels more like a traditional automatic with stepped gears. All Pathfinders come in front-wheel drive (FWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional for those desiring the extra traction it provides.

3.5-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
240 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (FWD), 19/26 mpg (AWD)