HAVE you ever felt you were completely oblivious to your surroundings until you started actively paying attention to them? That’s what we experienced with the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder ST+. They’re everywhere, and we never noticed.
Undeniably popular, and recognised as a solid and capable family SUV, the Pathfinder ST+ sits just above the ST base model, adding intelligent around view monitor with moving-object detection and satellite navigation to its standard features.
Available in 4×2 and 4×4, the 3.5-litre V6 ST+ 4×4 version (our test vehicle) delivers a spacious interior, with seven adult-sized seats ensuring you can take the whole family (and the in-laws… eek!), in absolute comfort.
With the second and third row seats offering a flat floor, loads of legroom, individual arm rests and cup holders, there should be no complaints from the back about being squished or uncomfortable.
The ST+ comes with a rugged and family friendly cloth interior, with higher spec models offering black or ivory leather. The rest of the interior though feels a little dated for our tastes, with buttons, interior materials and the general layout is in need of an update.
It’s remained largely untouched for almost four years now, and it shows. What does excel inside though is Nissan’s EZ Flex seating system, which lets you arrange seat positions and configurations to suit your lifestyle.
Loaded up with four adults and four full size golf bags, the Pathfinder took everything on board with ease, and room to spare, thanks to the ability to stretch to a massive 2260-litres of storage space with the second and third row seats folded down flat.
Measuring 200cm deep and 116cm wide, there will be little you won’t fit in the Pathfinder.
Taking on the school drop-off and pick-up is a breeze too, thanks to Nissan’s intelligent mobility safety features.
The Pathfinder’s 360-degree around-view monitor will give you a clear view of in front, behind, beside and even on top of the vehicle, so that you can see whatever obstacles may be hidden or about to jump out into your path.
Backed up by emergency braking, blind-spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, the Pathfinder ST+ will give you a new feeling of confidence on the road. That feeling of confidence is further enhanced with the intelligent 4×4 intuitive system.
Whether you’re taking the family off the beaten track for an adventure, or even if road conditions get a little tricky, the Pathfinder’s 4×4 system offers three modes which can be chosen via the turn of a dial.
Select 2WD mode for greater efficiency in everyday conditions, AUTO mode to let the system constantly monitor conditions and adjust power distribution for maximum traction and safety, or select 4WD lock mode for when the conditions get really tough.
If you do find yourself on an adventure, rest assured the Pathfinder will have the power to keep you out of trouble. Producing 202kW and 340Nm from its engine, power is put to the ground via Nissan’s XTronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).
The CVT holds the engine at the ideal RPMs for the job and is extremely linear in its application. While we aren’t great fans in general of CVT transmissions, there is no doubt they have their place, and are buttery smooth in their delivery.
With the Pathfinder though, Nissan have done a great job. The CVT is responsive and flexible in the way it responds to your inputs, which helps it achieve a combined fuel consumption of 9.9-litres/100km.
On the road, the Pathfinder is comfortable and capable. The V6 petrol engine up front sounds very throaty, with a nice note if you decide to provoke it with some throttle, which is a nice surprise for a family SUV.
We put it through its paces over a series of tests, including school drop-off and pick-up, weekly grocery shopping, a family sports trip and everyday work commute, and it proved itself more than capable.
Around town though and during everyday driving conditions, it feels light and easy to drive, with plenty of vision of your surroundings.
Standard features are impressive and include key-less entry with push button start, an 8-way power driver’s seat and tyre pressure monitoring system being the highlights.
Throw in tri-zone climate control, reversing camera with predictive path technology and rear parking sensors and the Pathfinder ST+ has you covered for almost everything life can throw at you.
Being a family SUV in 2019, as you can imagine, the Nissan Pathfinder has many competitors, and it carries itself pretty well against most. But because it’s coming towards the end of its current life cycle, it misses out on some key items.
For example, a diesel engine, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and as we mentioned earlier, a more up to date interior. Yours for $49,139 plus on-roads, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder ST+ is competitively priced though, and offers value for money.
If you can overlook its downsides, it makes a pretty compelling case for itself. It’s a safe and practical family SUV that can take whatever you and the family can throw at it. Keep an eye out for it on the road, that many people can’t be wrong.
Our test vehicle was provided by Nissan Australia. To find out more about the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder ST+, contact your local Nissan dealer.
