After a robust and thorough update in 2017, Nissan has continued to build upon the Pathfinder platform in 2018 by adding automatic emergency braking as standard equipment and a system called Rear Door Alert that helps remind drivers of anything they may be forgetting in the back seat, including children and pets.
Model Highlights
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5L V6 making 284 horsepower. The Pathfinder is rated at 27 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in the city for 2-wheel-drive models, while 4-wheel-drive versions are rated only 1-mpg lower in both ratings. Part of this economy is attributable to Nissan's standard continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, unlike traditional automatics, has an infinite number of gear ratios and is consequently always able find the best compromise between economy and power.
With a third row for seating and passenger capacity up to seven, Nissan boasts that the Pathfinder has best-in-class front headroom, front foot room and overall interior passenger volume. While the Pathfinder has an additional 8.4 cubic feet of interior room over the outgoing model, it also makes better use of its interior space, with a flat load-floor and second-row seats that slide a full five-and-a-half inches to make third-row access much easier. The third row even has a reclining feature, which is uncommon for vehicles of this size.
The 2018 Pathfinder comes in four different trims -- S, SV, SL and Platinum -- which allows for a broad range of pricing and features. Base S models come with plenty of nice features, including attractive 18-inch wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 6-speaker stereo with auxiliary input, keyless entry and a dashboard-mounted monitor. SV Pathfinder models add roof rails, automatic headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, a rear view monitor and Nissan's Intelligent Key system. The SL Pathfinder begins to add some serious luxury, featuring leather seating, heated steering wheel, a remote engine start and a power rear liftgate. It also features additional exterior amenities such as fog lamps, heated mirrors and chrome side moldings. An SL Premium Package adds a dual panorama moonroof, a tow hitch and a Bose sound system. The Platinum Pathfinder is the next step up and features 20-inch wheels, a navigation system and climate-controlled front seats. The Platinum Family Entertainment Package includes pretty much every feature listed above plus a tri-zone entertainment system.
Safety is addressed in the Pathfinder with dual stage front airbags, side impact airbags, side curtain airbags and a rollover sensor. Preventative safety systems include anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system. SV-level and better Pathfinders also include a rear view monitor to make backing out of parking spaces easier and safer.
Radio: AM/FM/CD Audio System w/NissanConnect -inc: 8" color display w/multi-touch control, voice recognition for audio, Bluetooth and vehicle information, including music search by voice, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, USB connection ports (2) for iPod interface and other compatible devices, SiriusXM Travel Link (weather, fuel prices, movie listings, stock info and sports), Bluetooth hands-free phone system, streaming audio via Bluetooth, hands-free text messaging assistant, RCA AUX input (inside center console), 6 speakers, Radio Data System (RDS), MP3/WMA CD playback and Speed Sensitive Volume control (SSV)
Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock and Steering Wheel Controls
Window Grid And Fixed Antenna
2 LCD Monitors In The Front
Front Bucket Seats -inc: 8-way power driver's seat w/2-way manual lumbar support and 4-way manual front passenger seat
Driver Seat
Passenger Seat
60-40 Folding EZ Flex Split-Bench Front Facing Manual Reclining Fold Forward Seatback Rear Seat w/Manual Fore/Aft
Voice Activated Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
Rear HVAC w/Separate Controls
HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts, Headliner/Pillar Ducts and Console Ducts
Illuminated Locking Glove Box
Driver Foot Rest
Interior Trim -inc: Piano Black Instrument Panel Insert, Metal-Look/Piano Black Door Panel Insert, Piano Black Console Insert and Chrome/Metal-Look Interior Accents
Full Cloth Headliner
Cloth Door Trim Insert
Leather Gear Shifter Material
Cloth Seating Surfaces
Day-Night Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination, Driver And Passenger Auxiliary Mirror
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console w/Storage and 4 12V DC Power Outlets
Front And Rear Map Lights
Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
Full Carpet Floor Covering
Carpet Floor Trim
Cargo Area Concealed Storage
Cargo Space Lights
FOB Controls -inc: Windows and Remote Engine Start
Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
Delayed Accessory Power
Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature
Power 1st Row Windows w/Driver And Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down
Systems Monitor
Trip Computer
Outside Temp Gauge
Analog Display
Seats w/Cloth Back Material
Manual Adjustable Front Head Restraints and Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
Front Center Armrest and Rear Center Armrest w/Storage
2 Seatback Storage Pockets
Perimeter Alarm
Engine Immobilizer
Air Filtration
4 12V DC Power Outlets
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Automatic Emergency Braking
Rear Parking Sensors
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners