2015 Nissan Pathfinder
Totally redesigned just two years ago, the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder once again offers exceptional levels of versatility, fuel efficiency and full-size comfort for seven passengers. Pathfinder is available in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations, with all models powered by a fuel-efficient 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC V6.
The attractive interior design includes comfortable seating for seven, along with Pathfinder's innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™ – an industry first 2nd row tilt and glide seat that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat still installed. A range of available features is also offered, including leather-appointed seating, Around View® Monitor and 13-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system.
A number of enhancements have been added to the popular Pathfinder for the 2015 model year, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) to SL and Platinum grades. Hill Descent Control has been added to 4-wheel drive models.
All grade levels also add an enhanced D-Step Shift Logic control to the standard Xtronic transmission. The D-Step simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling without holding a high rpm constant, letting rpms build as speed builds – without compromising Pathfinder's best-in-class fuel economy* of 27 mpg highway (2WD model).
Other changes for 2015 include revised SL Tech Package contents, with Around View® Monitor and tow hitch and harness added; revised SL Premium Package contents, with Around View® Monitor and Nissan Navigation system added; and a new Family Entertainment Package added, with dual headrest 7.0-inch DVD Family Entertainment System. Also, the SV trim level adds fog lights, auto dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, heated side rearview mirrors; SL trim level adds 120V power outlet; and the Platinum trim level adds standard Dual Panorama Moonroof. Six new exterior colors (nine total) are added for 2015: Java Metallic, Midnight Jade, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Glacier White and Pearl White.
What remains unchanged is Pathfinder's core values of fun, utility and fresh style – along with the most standard towing capability in class* (5,000-lb.), best-in-class passenger volume*, Pathfinder is also the only vehicle in class* with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system.
The 2015 Pathfinder also offers best-in-class front headroom and front legroom**, along with class-exclusive Xtronic transmission**, 3rd row seat recline**, Around View® Monitor*** and Easy Fill Tire Alert System**.
A Refined Drivetrain and Stylish, Aerodynamic Body
The 2015 Pathfinder provides drivers with the levels of responsive acceleration, braking, handling and ride comfort expected of a Nissan product. It utilizes a refined drivetrain featuring a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine mated to a next-generation Xtronic transmission) – helping provide fuel economy rated at 27 mpg highway / 20 mpg city and 23 mpg combined for the 2WD model and 26 mpg highway / 19 mpg city and 22 mpg combined for the 4WD S, SV and SL models (26/19/21 mpg for Platinum).
The 3.5-liter V6 engine and Xtronic transmission combination delivers responsive acceleration in a variety of conditions. The Xtronic holds the engine at the ideal rpm for the conditions at hand, offering responsive power for passing or towing when needed and quiet efficient running at cruising speeds or around town, with the new D-Step Logic adding the feel of a traditional stepped automatic.
With the available intuitive four-wheel drive, Pathfinder continues to serve as an excellent vehicle for inclement weather driving conditions. Pathfinder is the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. The system lets the driver choose full-time 2WD for maximum fuel economy, Auto mode to automatically monitor conditions and adjust the balance of power between front and rear wheels for best traction, or 4WD Lock mode when the confidence of full-time 4WD is desired.
In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps add control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models), while standard Hill Descent Control (4WD only) helps facilitate control when traveling slowly down steep, rough terrain grades.
With best-in-class standard 5,000-pound towing capacity (when properly equipped), Pathfinder also retains its ability to tow boats, jet skis, trailers and a variety of other recreational gear. A tow hitch and harness is standard on Pathfinder Platinum and available on SV and SL grades.
Pathfinder's unibody platform weighs almost 500 pounds less than the previous generation Pathfinder's body-on-frame design, which helps contribute to the enhanced fuel economy performance. Along with reduced weight, Pathfinder's unibody platform provided the designers an opportunity to create the more aerodynamic exterior without compromising headroom or cargo capacity.
The upscale exterior styling presents a smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength. The look is adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong, stable stance. The upper body features an open cabin with a low beltline and thin A- and D-pillars, which flow smoothly into the rugged, durable-looking lower body. And, through the use of front and rear spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension fairings, Pathfinder achieves one of the best aerodynamic performances in the segment – a 0.34 coefficient of drag, representing a 13 percent improvement over the previous generation design.
Other exterior details include a wide chrome grille and large aerodynamic headlights, recessed front windshield wipers, chrome door handles and large rear combination lights. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof (now standard on Platinum), with sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows, combines with the large windows to create an open, airy interior environment.
A Mid-Size SUV with Full-Size Comfort
The 3-row/7-passenger Pathfinder combines comfortable seating with the cargo capacity that families need everyday, offering the benefits of a modern crossover with the comfort of a larger SUV. Use of the unibody platform provides numerous benefits, including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility and ample space. Overall interior roominess is 173.8 cubic feet (passenger and cargo areas combined).
Beyond just numbers on a specifications sheet, Pathfinder's roominess and unique versatility comes to life in the design of the 2nd and 3rd rows – with exceptional 3rd row access provided by the large rear door openings and the EZ Flex™ Seating System with 5.5 inches of 2nd row seat travel for ease of entry and exit to the 3rd row. The 60/40-split 2nd row features innovative LATCH AND GLIDE™ technology that allows forward movement and access to the 3rdrow with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the passenger curb side).
The 3rd row seat is a 50/50 split-folding design, offering added cargo flexibility, and it also reclines for greater passenger comfort – a feature not offered with other SUVs in class. Both the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold flat for optimal cargo capacity and there is additional under floor storage in the rear cargo area.
Pathfinder's quiet, comfortable interior also includes a wide range of available features, including two rows of rich leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Start, multiple user memory settings and an advanced Bose® Audio System with 13 speakers.
Thoughtful, Advanced Technology
Thoughtful technology is found throughout the 2015 Pathfinder interior, starting with the instrument panel, which includes the Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display in the center of the instrument cluster right in front of the driver.
The instrument panel also includes a large multifunction center IT display, available Nissan Navigation System with NavTraffic real-time traffic and NavWeather weather information (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and RearView Monitor.
Pathfinder also features Nissan's advanced, class-exclusive Around View® Monitor, which provides the driver a virtual 360-degree image of the area around the vehicle. Other technology includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, power rear liftgate with liftgate position memory, iPod® integration and tri-zone entertainment system with 2nd row head restraint-mounted DVD display screens.
An available remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), available with individual tire pressure display, comes with standard class-exclusive Easy Fill Tire Alert that provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge.
Standard safety and security features include Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor), 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard passengers in all three rows, 3-point seat belts for rear seat occupants, including 2nd row center position, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) – 2nd row outboard seating positions only, child safety rear door locks, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
A Choice of Models and Packages
The 2015 Pathfinder comes in four well-equipped models, starting with the Pathfinder S with 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, Xtronic transmission and available ALL-MODE 4x4-i system.
Pathfinder SV models add a range of features including Nissan Intelligent Key®, 8-way power driver's seat, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 7.0-inch color display, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), auto on/off headlights, fog lights, roof rails, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and much more.
Pathfinder SL models include leather-appointed heated 1st and 2nd row seats, 4-way power front passenger's seat, driver's seat 2-way power lumbar support, remote engine start, power liftgate with liftgate position memory, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and more.
Pathfinder Platinum models offer unique 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, 235/55R20 tires, Around View® Monitor, Nissan Navigation System, Bose® 13-speaker premium audio system, cooled front seats, heated steering wheel, Dual Panorama Moonroof, Trailer Tow Package and more.
Four option packages, with revised content, are offered for 2015. The SL Tech Package features the Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, Nissan Navigation System, Around View® Monitor and tow hitch receiver with integrated finisher and trailer harness.
Also available is the SL Premium Package with the Nissan Navigation System, Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, Streaming audio via Bluetooth®, Dual Panorama Moonroof, Around View® Monitor and tow hitch receiver with integrated finisher.
The Family Entertainment Package adds the dual 7.0-inch headrest DVD/Family Entertainment System with rear seat wireless headphones, wireless remote control, VTR jack and rear headphone jacks with volume control. The Trailer Tow Package includes tow hitch receiver, trailer harness and finisher.