The 2018MY Pathfinder went on sale in the U.S. in September 2017, boasting a few interesting upgrades such as automatic emergency braking as standard or the rear door alert system aimed at forgetful parents.
Other improvements include the addition of four USB ports, an updated color palette (Scarlet Ember and Midnight Pine were added), plus standard Intelligent Cruise Control and Nissan Connect with sat-nav for the SL spec.
There’s just one problem, according to Kelley Blue Book: the 2018 Pathfinder is a bit uninspiring. They even suggest that, if you remove all of its badges, it just becomes yet another SUV.
Of course Nissan does have somewhat of a solution to that “problem”, specifically the Midnight Edition package. Tick this option and you get a black grille surround, black mirror caps, 20-inch black wheels, black badges, a black rear spoiler and illuminated sill plates.
The model tested, however, is in top Platinum spec, which is very well equipped, but costs nearly $49,000.
The 2018 Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 284 HP (286 PS) and 259 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque, mated to an Xtronic CVT. While the transmission is nothing to write home about, the reviewer was pleased with the overall way in which the SUV handled itself on the move.
Unfortunately, the Pathfinder only has 7-inches’ (17.7 cm) worth of ground clearance, which is less than what you get with a VW Atlas, Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander, so it doesn’t lend itself as well to off-road excursions. It’s doubtful if buyers will ever leave the tarmac, though, so that’s no great nuisance – but you can watch the following video to find out more about Nissan’s revamped SUV.