Introduced for the 2005 model year, the current-generation Pathfinder is seriously starting to look and feel old. The competition (read: Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse and Ford Explorer) has improved since then, offering more interior space, better ride quality, more modern looks, and better fuel economy.


For the 2013 model year, Nissan will serve up an all new Pathfinder. Not only will it boast new sheet metal, but the big SUV will shed its body-on-frame structure for a unibody platform and, technically, the right to be called a crossover vehicle. It will be built in Tennessee.

The biggest improvement is that the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will weigh some 500 pounds less than the old model, which is a significant number; less mass normally means better handling and better fuel economy.

Gone is the squared-off, boxy look of the current-gen Path; the new model boasts a more aerodynamic shape, smoother flowing character lines and a less SUV-like appearance.

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will weigh some 500 pounds less than the old model. (Photo: Nissan)

Gone is the squared-off, boxy look of the current-gen Path; the new model boasts a more aerodynamic shape, smoother flowing character lines and a less SUV-like appearance.

Replacing the old 4.0L V6 will be the brand's ubiquitous 3.5L VQ engine mated to a continuously variable automatic (CVT) transmission, good for 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The driver will also be able to select one of three modes offered by the all-wheel drivetrain: 2WD, 4WD or Auto.

Nissan claims the seven-passenger Pathfinder will still be able to tow up to 5,000 pounds, while fuel consumption for the 4WD version (we'll assume the 2WD Pathfinder likely won't be offered in Canada) is rated at 10.8/7.9 L/100km, city/highway, respectively.

The new Pathfinder will feature many of Nissan's new features such as the LATCH AND GLIDE system which allows access to the third-row seat without needing to remove a child seat strapped to the second-row bench.

It will also offer a panoramic dual-panel sunroof, a navigation system, a 360-degree camera system, an intelligent key system, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, a 13-speaker Bose stereo, heated and cooled front seats, a remote engine starter, and a DVD entertainment system.

The new Pathfinder will feature the LATCH AND GLIDE system which allows access to the third-row seat without needing to remove a child seat strapped to the second-row bench. (Photo: Nissan)

If all this sounds familiar, it's because the new Pathfinder will be very similar to the recently introduced, 2013 Infiniti JX.

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder will be on sale this fall, available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Pricing has not yet been announced for Canada, but since the JX starts at $44,900, we'll go out on a limb and guess that the Nissan will start at about $36,000, or roughly $2,000 below the 2012 model's MSRP.