Beyond the futuristic and fully electric Nissan Ariya concept at the Shanghai Auto Show, the Japanese automaker revealed a second study that’s much closer to production. The new Nissan Pathfinder Concept previews an ICE-powered SUV specifically developed for the Chinese market, with a design that bears no resemblance to the North American Pathfinder model.
According to Nissan , the Pathfinder Concept was developed with the Chinese market in mind while staying true to the history of the nameplate. The upcoming model will be locally produced through the partnership with Dongfeng Nissan, reflecting Nissan’s commitment to offering models that are tailored to the unique preferences and needs of Chinese customers.
Read: Nissan Arizon EV Concept Is A Futuristic SUV Designed For China
The model appears to have a generous footprint, with proportions similar to the Nissan X-Trail but the cleaner surfacing and modern styling touches result in a more premium stance. At the front, the large V-Motion grille integrates LEDs. The side windows connect to the rear glass, while the glossy black accents contrast with the gold exterior shade. At the back, the full-width taillights feature pixel LED graphics, and there is an illuminated Pathfinder lettering on the large tailgate.
Inside, you’ll find seven seats arranged in a 2+2+3 layout. The trim combines black and white leather upholstery with gold accents all around the cabin. The dashboard integrates a digital cockpit with dual screens mounted on a single panel, and a head-up display. Other details include the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, the high-mounted center console, and the separate climate controls for the rear passengers.
The Nissan Pathfinder has a long history, first introduced as a body-on-frame SUV in 1985, before shifting to a unibody chassis in 2012. Details about the underpinnings of the new Pathfinder Concept are scant, with Nissan yet to confirm whether it will be built on the CMF-CD unibody architecture of the Nissan X-Trail or the older D platform of the US-spec Pathfinder. However, Chinese media suggest that the production version could feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine coupled with an automatic gearbox, likely with a four-wheel-drive option.
Aside from previewing the next Pathfinder, Nissan also unveiled the Chinese-spec version of the Qashqai in Shanghai. The compact SUV is identical to its EU-spec counterpart and will be manufactured by Dongfeng Nissan in China. Sales of the Qashqai are set to commence in August this year.
