7th place: 2011 Nissan Pathfinder LE - 63.3%
Coming in at the bottom of the pack is the most truck-like of the group, the Nissan Pathfinder. Despite being new, the Pathfinder instantly felt years behind the rest of the pack. Thanks to cheap plastics and an overall average finish coupled with a simplistic, truck-inspired dash, the Pathfinder disappointed from the moment we drove off.
As the only member of our pack with a body-on-frame structure, the Nissan may have been doomed from the start. While it boasted the second-fastest 0-100 km/h sprint in the line-up with its 4.0L V6, it just as quickly got bumped back down with twitchy handling on uneven surfaces, a lurchy drive around the twisties, a suspension that bottomed out when fully loaded and a high centre of gravity which made the ride that much more uncertain.
Unfortunately, things didn't get better from there. Without a telescopic steering wheel, the Pathfinder once again felt dated and old compared to the others. Ergonomics were average, but nothing to write home about. And on a hot summer day, we all noticed that the A/C was quite weak in comparison to the others, and was especially so when the Pathfinder was loaded.
As for space and access, one of the major tests in our comparo drive, as should be the case with any SUV/CUV, the Nissan fell a bit short in that category, too. The backseat has a very narrow access and the second row is quite tight when three adults are squeezed in. There's very little room between the outer passenger's heads and the glass of the passenger doors. The third row is also very tight and really only suitable for children. The cargo room is acceptable, but it's important to note that the second-row seats do not fold flat.
In the end, the Nissan did little to impress in this field. Of course, to the right buyer, this is a fantastic vehicle. As the only contender in the test with an old-fashioned transfer case, if you want a truck-inspired 7-seater that you plan to off-road at low speeds, then this is the right pick for you. But that's the only time it's the right pick.
Coming in at the bottom of the pack is the most truck-like of the group, the Nissan Pathfinder. Despite being new, the Pathfinder instantly felt years behind the rest of the pack. Thanks to cheap plastics and an overall average finish coupled with a simplistic, truck-inspired dash, the Pathfinder disappointed from the moment we drove off.
As the only member of our pack with a body-on-frame structure, the Nissan may have been doomed from the start. While it boasted the second-fastest 0-100 km/h sprint in the line-up with its 4.0L V6, it just as quickly got bumped back down with twitchy handling on uneven surfaces, a lurchy drive around the twisties, a suspension that bottomed out when fully loaded and a high centre of gravity which made the ride that much more uncertain.
 |
| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com |
Unfortunately, things didn't get better from there. Without a telescopic steering wheel, the Pathfinder once again felt dated and old compared to the others. Ergonomics were average, but nothing to write home about. And on a hot summer day, we all noticed that the A/C was quite weak in comparison to the others, and was especially so when the Pathfinder was loaded.
As for space and access, one of the major tests in our comparo drive, as should be the case with any SUV/CUV, the Nissan fell a bit short in that category, too. The backseat has a very narrow access and the second row is quite tight when three adults are squeezed in. There's very little room between the outer passenger's heads and the glass of the passenger doors. The third row is also very tight and really only suitable for children. The cargo room is acceptable, but it's important to note that the second-row seats do not fold flat.
In the end, the Nissan did little to impress in this field. Of course, to the right buyer, this is a fantastic vehicle. As the only contender in the test with an old-fashioned transfer case, if you want a truck-inspired 7-seater that you plan to off-road at low speeds, then this is the right pick for you. But that's the only time it's the right pick.
| BASE PRICE | PRICE AS TESTED | |
| 2011 Dodge Durango Crew Plus | $45,995 | $47,695 |
| 2011 Ford Explorer XLT V6 4WD | $38,899 | $41,349 |
| 2011 GMC Acadia Denali | $60,030 | $63,640 |
| 2011 Honda Pilot Touring | $48,420 | $48,420 |
| 2011 Mazda CX-9 GT | $45,595 | $48,470 |
| 2011 Nissan Pathfinder LE | $47,748 | $52,683 |
| 2011 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport | $39,900 | $39,900 |