Advantages and Disadvantages of 2020 Nissan Pathfinder

Overview

Boasting a spacious three-row interior, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is an ideal family car for long trips. Although unremarkable in comparison to other models out on the market, it provides great value and comfort with its practical V6 powertrain as well as optional all-wheel drive. With lower fuel efficiency when driving on highways however, this crossover offers dutiful yet passive performance.

The 2020 Pathfinder can tow more weight than many mid-size vehicles, providing an unparalleled sense of isolation on the road. It also offers plenty of driver assists and a simplified infotainment system that are sure to make your ride as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Although it may not be particularly exciting, this vehicle is undeniably reliable and comfortable - all essential for any journey!

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Nissan Pathfinder's V-6 engine is satisfactory but unfortunately falls short of the fleetness of vehicles such as the Chevy Traverse and Honda Pilot. Boasting 284 horsepower, this 3.5-liter powertrain ranks somewhere in between sluggishness and swiftness for its class. Further bolstering performance is a standard CVT which operates seamlessly in everyday driving conditions without disruption or disturbance.

The Pathfinder is capable of towing up to 6000 pounds, an impressive 1000 more than many of its competitors. When you press the accelerator harder for merging or passing, it begins to drone which can be irritating through extended drives. Although lightweight steering and considerable body rolls make driving this larger-than-average vehicle a bit challenging at times, it does provide a generally pleasant journey with minimal noise on highways - though other well-handling cars offer similar opportunities as well.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA's benchmarks, both front- and all-wheel-drive versions of the Pathfinder rank highly—the only model that outperforms it is Mazda CX-9 with its turbocharged four cylinder in some categories. The particular all wheel drive Pathfinder we tested was a low achiever however, hitting just 22 mpg on our 200 mile highway fuel economy route - significantly lower than its posted EPA highway number of 26 mpg.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Pathfinder performed well across the board in crash tests, earning a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Entry-level models come with basic driver-assistance features, but opting for a more expensive version of Pathfinder adds a few extras to the mix.