Among many new or refreshed products deserving a look at the 2013 Denver Auto Show, the start of which is only 11 days away, is the redesigned Nissan Pathfinder.
The 2013 Pathfinder will show up much larger in form, yet considerably lighter on its feet. It’s 5 inches longer than last year in overall length, with a 2-inch longer wheelbase, and is 4 inches wider.
Contrasting the added size is the reduction of 450 pounds in curb weight, achieved through a complete rebuild on a front-drive unibody chassis instead of the old, tough rear-drive ladder-on-frame type chassis. The Pathfinder, equipped with four-wheel drive, rides more comfortably than it did with the truck-based platform. It shares the structure with the new Infiniti JX crossover.
Emphasizing the lesser heft is a milder powertrain, in the name of economy. A 3.5-liter V-6 has replaced the previous 4-liter, and a continuously variable transmission has been installed in place of last year’s 5-speed automatic.
For those familiar with Pathfinders, noticeable at first glance will be the conventional handles on the rear doors. Since the first Pathfinder four-doors were sold in 1990, the handles for rear doors have been placed vertically along the C pillars. The new horizontal placement is much easier to use.
Nissan’s display will be up front, far to the right inside the main entrance of the Colorado Convention Center. The auto show will run from Wednesday, March 20, through Sunday, March 24. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 7 through 12; those 6 and younger are admitted free. The show is hosted by the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association and produced by the Paragon Group of Needham, Mass.
I’ve recently driven the well-equipped Platinum edition of the ’13 Pathfinder. Curves and sleekness have been added to its former boxy style, and a bold grille features wide chrome bars.
Shifting the drivetrain from two-wheel drive to automatic four-wheel drive, or even locking it into 4WD, is as simple as twisting a dial on the center console.
With cruise set on the highway, speed will vary on the hills due to the CVT responding to demand, losing and then slowly regaining the set speed; push a button on the shifter and it drops out of overdrive and has more power to maintain a steady higher speed.
With lots of driving in the snow, the Pathfinder’s overall fuel mileage average was 20.8 miles per gallon. Its EPA estimate is 19/25.
Interior spaciousness has been gained for the front and middle row passengers, highlighted by dual sunroofs and DVD screens on the back of front-seat headrests for rear-seat passengers.
The second-row cushions and seatbacks will tilt, fold together and slide far forward to open up easy entry into the third row, where seats are small with little legroom and lots of headroom.
Cargo space is limited behind the third row of seats, only 16 cubic feet. The Pathfinder Platinum is equipped with 20-inch wheels.
While pricing for a basic Pathfinder four-wheel-drive model starts around $31,000, sticker on the Platinum review unit was $44,395. Highlights include an “around-view” monitor, in which four cameras provide an overhead look, and a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system, with navigation
and USB port.
Horsepower of the 3.5 engine is 260, with 240 lbs.-ft. torque. Tow capacity is 5,000 pounds, compared with 6,000 a year ago.
The new crossover, assembled in Smyrna, Tenn., is finding favor with buyers. More than 7,000 Pathfinders were sold across the country in February; only the Rogue sold more among Nissan trucks/SUVs/crossovers. For offroad enthusiasts, Nissan still offers the tough Xterrra SUV.
Notes from e-mail
Q: Bud, as an avid reader of your weekend columns, I am wondering how you rate the 2012/13 Land Rover LR series for reliability. There are several on sale at Land Rover Denver South and my son tells me people have numerous reliability problems with this brand. – D.C.
A: Yes, Dan, I believe Land Rover products certainly have their share of shopwork, though look at what is offered in capability by those four-wheelers. Because of the nature of mechanization and high-tech innovation, all four-wheel vehicles require maintenance and some repairs. Even when I walk through a Lexus shop, it seems the stalls are filled with Lexus products, which often are rated near the top in frequency-of-repair ratings.
Saturday Drive can also be viewed online at DenverPost.com/budwells. Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
