2018 Nissan Pathfinder Overview

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Overview

2018 Nissan Pathfinder adds Midnight Edition, standard Automatic Emergency Braking and innovative Rear Door Alert

Following last year's major redesign, 2018 Pathfinder continues to add new features and technologies
Innovative Rear Door Alert1 system can help remind customers of anything that may be forgotten in the rear seat – pets, valuables, dry cleaning, groceries and more
Midnight Edition package, now on SL model, features exclusive black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler and more
Standard Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)2, an element of Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield Technologies, helps avoid or reduce the severity of potential frontal collisions
Just as owners of the Nissan Pathfinder seem to always be on the move, the Pathfinder itself is not slowing down. After a major redesign just last year, the 2018 Pathfinder adds some additional new features, including standard Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), a new Midnight Edition appearance package and an innovative Rear Door Alert (RDA) system.

Other enhancements for the new model year include two new colors – Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine – standard Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Services on Pathfinder SL grade (previously standard only on Platinum grade), additional four USB ports (six total) and revised option package naming and content.

The Rear Door Alert system, developed by a pair of Nissan engineers and mothers, can help remind Nissan owners to check the rear seat by using a series of distinctive honks as the driver is walking away from the vehicle. The audio alerts distinguish the Nissan RDA from other systems in the marketplace.

Elsa Foley and Marlene Mendoza led a team of co-workers at Nissan North America, Inc. in Nashville, Tenn. and Nissan Technical Center North America in Farmington Hills, Mich. in the development of the RDA system. RDA monitors the rear door switches to detect their open/closed status prior to and after a trip. If the system detects that a rear door was opened/closed prior to a trip, but then was not re-opened again after the trip was completed, given the vehicle was put in park and the ignition cycled off, the system responds with a series of notifications, starting with a display in the instrument panel and progressing to subtle but distinctive chirps of the horn.

The new RDA technology makes its debut as standard equipment on all 2018 Nissan Pathfinders and will be available on other Nissan models in the coming years.

The refined Pathfinder Midnight Edition (late availability), which was introduced late in the 2017 model year on the exclusive Platinum model, is now available on the most popular SL trim, features exclusive black 20-inch Midnight Edition aluminum-alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black spoiler, black roof rails, black grille surround, black front and rear fascia accents, black license plate finisher, black badging, black splash guards, illuminated kick plates, exterior approach lighting, and available Midnight Edition floor mats. It is offered in a choice of Pearl White, Gun Metallic and Magnetic Black.

In addition, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is now standard on the 2018 Pathfinder –  part of a projected one million 2018 U.S. Nissan vehicles, including seven of the company's most popular models, to offer the advanced system.

AEB (previously known as Forward Emergency Braking) uses radar technology to monitor a vehicle's proximity to the vehicle ahead, giving the driver audible and visual display warnings to help the driver reduce the vehicle's speed if a potential frontal collision is detected. If the driver fails to respond, the AEB system can apply the brakes, helping the driver avoid the collision or reduce the speed of impact if it is unavoidable.

The seven-passenger 2018 Pathfinder is offered in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive configurations and a choice of four well-equipped grade levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum.

Signature Nissan Style
Pathfinder, one of Nissan's best known and most popular nameplates in its nearly 60-year history in the United States, was reborn for the 2017 model year with more adventure capability – including a freshened exterior look, adding a stronger sense of adventure, character and presence and continued fine-tuning of aero efficiency.

The design incorporates a number of Nissan signature design elements such as the "V-Motion" grille and boomerang-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights. LED headlights are standard on the Pathfinder Platinum grade. Other exterior elements include an aggressive hood, front bumper and fog lights. The outside rearview mirrors include standard integrated turn signals.

In addition, aerodynamic optimization efforts include the grille design with enhanced cooling performance (negating the need for an active grille shutter) and a front chin spoiler design that directs air downward without compromising the approach angle for off-road driving. These details help optimize air flow around and below the Pathfinder exterior, which has a coefficient of drag of 0.326.

Pathfinder SL and Platinum grades feature a Motion-Activated liftgate with liftgate position memory. A simple wave of the foot under the center of the liftgate activates the power opening function. Other exterior details include recessed front windshield wipers, roof rails, chrome door handles and privacy glass. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof is standard on the Platinum grade. It includes a sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel, which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows.

Eight exterior colors are offered: Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Pearl White, Glacier White, Caspian Blue and new Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine.

A Roomy, Refined Interior
Inside, the 2018 Pathfinder offers an array of new-generation information technology. The standard Advanced Drive-AssistTM Display (ADAD), located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features a range of infotainment and driver assistance displays. Voice recognition has been enhanced with HD microphone.

The standard 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings – including the standard NissanConnectSM with Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth® and vehicle information.

In addition, the available NissanConnect Navigation system3 (offered as standard equipment on Pathfinder SL and Platinum, optional on SV) includes Voice Recognition for navigation, including one-shot voice destination entry and three years of included SiriusXM® Traffic®. The Pathfinder also includes standard SiriusXM® Travel Link3 with three years of complimentary service, featuring sports, movie listings, stock prices, gas prices and weather.

NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®2 features automatic collision notification, emergency call and stolen vehicle locator, customizable alerts, dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts. It comes standard on SL and Platinum grade.

As in previous years, the 2018 Pathfinder's 3-row/7-passenger interior combines comfortable seating with the cargo capacity that families need every day. It offers the benefits of a mid-size crossover with the comfort of a larger SUV, 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).

Every Pathfinder interior is anchored by Nissan's innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, a 2nd row tilt and glide seat that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the passenger curb side).

A wide range of seating and cargo carrying combinations are available with the 2nd row 60/40-split seat with manual slide/recline/fold flat and 3rd row 50/50-split seat with manual recline/flat fold. Cloth seat fabric is standard for S and SV grades, while leather-appointed seating is standard on SL and Platinum models. And, as needed by today's drivers, six USB ports are standard – adding two in the front console pocket and two on the center console rear (up from two total in previous model years).

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®, Remote Engine Start6, multiple user memory settings and an advanced Bose® Audio System with 13 speakers.

Pathfinder also offers available class-exclusive4 Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM)5. Other available technology includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and iPod® integration. The tri-zone Family Entertainment system includes 2nd row head restraint-mounted DVD display screens. The 8-inch QHD rear displays include auto brightness control and USB and HDMI rear source inputs. The rear display can be easily controlled from the front with a more user-friendly display.

An available Remote Engine Start6 function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving (standard on SV, SL and Platinum).

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), available with individual tire pressure display, comes with standard 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.

Advanced 3.5-liter V6 Engine, Class-Leading4 6,000-lb Towing Capacity
As part of its highly capable adventure credentials, every 2018 Pathfinder comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with Nissan's Direct Injection Gasoline™ (DIG) system. Also utilized on the flagship Nissan Armada full-size SUV, DIG provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system). The engine also utilizes mirror bore cylinder coating to help reduce engine weight by around three pounds and reduces friction between the piston ring and the cylinder wall (versus heavy cast iron cylinder liners).

Horsepower is rated at 284 hp and torque is rated at 259 lb-ft. Pathfinder fuel economy7 is 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined for 2WD models; 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (21 mpg Platinum) for 4WD models.

All 2018 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan's third-generation Xtronic transmission (similar to that utilized in the sporty Nissan Maxima). The Xtronic transmission includes D-Step Logic Control, which simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling.

Standard maximum towing capacity is a best-in-class4 of up to 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped), giving owners the ability to tow two-axle recreational trailers, whether for watercraft, flatbeds or campers. The advanced Xtronic transmission design, with standard oil cooler, helps keep engine rpm optimized while towing without the typical "hunting for a gear" feel.

As in previous years, Pathfinder also features selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available Intelligent 4x4 (I-4x4) 4WD system. 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 its class4 with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available Intelligent 4x4 (I-4x4) 4WD 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 full-time 4WD is desired.

In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps prevent loss of control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models), while standard Hill Descent Control (4WD only) helps by adjusting speed and brake pressure when traveling slowly down steep, rough terrain grades.

Pathfinder's 4-wheel independent suspension also contributes to the enhanced driving dynamics, offering improved body control and a more refined ride. Rebound springs are added to the front struts to help assist with roll balance and body control. The result is the Pathfinder remains flat while cornering and road vibrations are well controlled, especially on rough roads and during off-road driving. In addition, a hydraulic electric steering system provides solid cornering feedback and feel.

Pathfinder's advanced driver assistance technology, in addition to Automatic Emergency Braking, includes available Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)8, Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW)9 and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)10.

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 front 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 2018 Pathfinder comes in four well-equipped models, starting with the Pathfinder S with 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, Xtronic transmission and available Intelligent 4x4 (I-4x4) 4WD system. Standard features include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Rear Door Alert (RDA), NissanConnect with 8.0-inch color display, HD Radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio3, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, Push Button Start, four USB ports, RearView Monitor and Advanced Drive-AssistTM Display (ADAD).

Pathfinder SV models add a range of features including Nissan Intelligent Key®, 8-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, Rear Sonar, fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Remote Engine Start6 and much more.

Pathfinder SL models include NissanConnect with Navigation and Services3, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®2, leather-appointed heated 1st and 2nd row seats, 4-way power front passenger's seat, driver's seat 2-way power lumbar support, heated steering wheel, Motion-Activated power liftgate with liftgate position memory, Intelligent Around View® Monitor (I-AVM), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), among other features.

Pathfinder Platinum models offer unique 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, 235/55R20 tires, LED headlights, Bose® 13-speaker premium audio system, cooled front seats, woodgrain finishers, Dual Panorama Moonroof, Trailer Tow Package and more.

Several option packages are offered for 2018, starting with the enhanced Midnight Edition (SL model) – with 20-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, black outside mirrors, black roof rails, black license plate finisher, black V-Motion grille, black front and rear lower bumper accents, black rear spoiler, black exterior name/grade badge (plus 4WD badge on 4WD models), black Midnight Edition badge, black splash guards, illuminated kickplates and exterior approach lighting.

Other packages include the SV All Weather Package with heated front cloth seats, heated steering wheel and heated outside rearview mirrors; and the revised SV Tech Package with NissanConnect with Navigation and Services3 powered by SiriusXM®3, Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Intelligent Cruise Control and trailer towing package (hitch receiver, harness).

Also offered is a revised SL Premium Package, which features the Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, trailer hitch receiver with integrated finisher, trailer towing harness, Power Panorama Moonroof with one-touch tilt/open/close controls (front), sunshade, rear roof glass with power sunshade, trailer hitch receiver w/integrated finisher, trailer towing harness and 20-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 all-season tires.

The Nissan Mobile Entertainment Package adds the dual 8.0-inch headrest DVD/Family Entertainment System with rear seat wireless headphones, wireless remote control, rear headphone jacks with volume control, USB port, HDMI jack and VTR jack.