Pathfinder ready for Oz in 2022

NISSAN has confirmed it will launch its fifth-generation (R53-series) Pathfinder in Australia in 2022. 

Nissan’s self-titled “all-new” model rides on the same platform as the outgoing model and will be offered in Australia only with V6 petrol power with Nissan saying sayonara to the four-cylinder hybrid model currently offered with the last of its fourth-generation stock.

Paired exclusively to a ZF-sourced 9HP nine-speed automatic transmission, the new Pathfinder features the carryover VQ35 direct-injected 3.5-litre V6 engine from the outgoing model which continues to develop 212kW/351Nm. 

Nissan has yet to detail fuel economy or emissions details for the 2022 Pathfinder. The rear-drive versions of the previous V6-powered model used 9.9 litres per 100km of fuel on the combined cycle and 4WD models claimed 10.4L/100km. The CO2 emissions were listed at 230 and 241g/km respectively.

The Pathfinder will be offered in two and all-wheel drive configuration with the latter getting a drive and terrain mode selector with a direct coupling that Nissan says “allows torque transfer directly on the clutch pack using oil pressure allowing for confident, immediate take-off in low-traction situations”. 

The seven-mode driver select dial offers standard, sport, eco, snow, sand, mud/rut and tow settings.

Trailer sway control is also included as standard as part of Nissan’s ‘Safety Shield 360’suite of active safety technologies.

Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson said the Pathfinder had more than 30 years of history in Australia as a capable and comfortable large SUV. 

“This all-new Pathfinder has been reinvented from the ground up, with a striking new exterior design, the latest safety, technology and interior comforts, and, for the first time, a customisable seating configuration,” he said.

“We are excited to confirm the all-new Pathfinder will arrive in Australian showrooms next year.” 

Nissan said that the Pathfinder debuts its customisable seating configuration and can be optioned with up to eight seats or with second-row captain’s chairs. It also features a “no-tools-required” removable centre console and EZ FLEX one-touch passenger seat folding capabilities allowing easier access to the third row.

Up front, the Pathfinder’s 8.0-inch infotainment array offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity and is available with a BOSE premium audio system and 13 speakers. 

Nissan’s Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system is also available, as is a wireless smartphone charging pad and USB power outlets. The interior also gains Nissan’s ‘floating bridge’ console and electronic gear selector, and is available with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Nissan says the “rugged yet modern” exterior design of the new Pathfinder “conveys a sense of strength and capability”, the frontal design recalling themes similar to those of the recently revised Navara light commercial utility. 

The Pathfinder now measures 5004mm long (down 38mm on the outgoing model), 1961mm wide (-2mm), and 1768mm tall (+2mm) while continuing to ride on a 2900mm wheelbase.

LED headlights are standard across the Pathfinder range and include slimline daytime running lights. The U-shaped tail-lights are likewise LED and slimmer than the previous design, flanking oversized, satin chrome PATHFINDER lettering across the automatic tailgate.

The Pathfinder will be offered with 11 exterior colours including four new two-tone treatments.

Further pricing and specification details will be announced closer to the Pathfinder’s local launch in 2022.

Nissan has sold just 146 examples of its aging Pathfinder this year, the model languishing behind segment favourites that include the Hyundai Santa Fe (4032), Kia Sorento (4111), Mazda CX-9 (5574), and Toyota Kluger (5913).