The announced 2021 Nissan Pathfinder will have at least one thing that will separate this SUV from the rest of the class – the powerful 3.5-liter engine. The upcoming model will deliver maximum safety as always, enhanced with a couple of new features. The exterior is revamped a bit, but all the changes are done with style and in a subtle manner. The cabin will include a higher level of soft-touch materials and a next-gen NissanConnect infotainment system. Also, an upgraded 8-inch touch system will be the focal point of a new, modern dashboard.
The 7-seat mid-size SUV class is known by vehicles with similar luxuries. So, we expect that the new Pathfinder will shine with features like a dual-pane panoramic moonroof, gesture-controlled tailgate, and brand-new color option. The price of the new model will be very similar to the rest of the vehicles from the class. The main Pathfinder rivals on the market will be Honda Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas, Mazda CX-9, and Buick Enclave.
2021 Nissan Pathfinder Redesign
One of Nissan’s trademarks is that they are ready to take risks, especially when it comes to the design and exterior shape. Just take a look at Juke, for example. But, for the upcoming 2021 Nissan Pathfinder changes in the design language will be more conservative. However, that’s not a bad thing at all. With the forthcoming facelift, the vehicle surely will be more appealing and attractive than the previous version. The dimensions of the new model are balanced very well, and the exterior design has all ingredients to stay fresh long enough, so the customers will avoid the “this is an old-timer already” feeling.
Furthermore, the optional dual-pane moonroof will add a bit of fresh air in the cabin, and make the interior a more comfortable. The brand-new gesture-controlled tailgate is one of the most favorable features, and it will be optional with higher trim levels. The 2021 Pathfinder include rear parking sensors and two newly-designed Type-C USB ports. Also, the four Type-A USBs still are part of the standard equipment. As for the other standard features, there are blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. New Pathfinder will offer one brand-new paint choice as well – Mocha Almond Pearl will be the latest addition to the color palette.
Interior
The forthcoming 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will be a 7-seat mid-size SUV. As you can see from the configuration, there will be plenty of space in the first two rows. But, the third row won’t be so friendly to the adults. It is actually perfectly designed for the kids. Moreover, the reclining second-row can slide, and provide easier access to the back of the vehicle. The folks in the front will enjoy the latest infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen. New infotainment is pretty awesome, with a simple interface, and even more user-friendly than before. Furthermore, the seats are leather-covered and include a height-adjustable driver’s seat system. The cargo space behind the third row offers 16 cubic feet. But, with the second row folded it expands to 47.8 cubic feet. The maximum cargo space is 79.8 feet, with both rows folded.
As for the standard equipment, new Pathfinder includes a serious number of technological upgrades and innovations. You’ll find 18-inch wheels, push-button ignition, rear parking sensors, 8-inch touch screen, and 3-zone climate control. All of these fine things are available for the base Pathfinder S model. On top of that, a 6-speaker audio system with HD radio and CD player, Rear Door Alert, and forward-collision mitigation are on the checklist as well. The Nissan is the uncrowned king of the mid-size class when it comes to the infotainment section. But, for the new Pathfinder, they decided to go even further and include the next-gen NissanConnect system. It will be a real pleasure to see this feature in action.
2021 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum
The most interesting trim level of arriving 2021 Nissan Pathfinder is the Platinum. Surely, the most luxurious version will bring out the best from this mid-size SUV. Still, the luxury comes with the price. The current Platinum has a starting price of just above $42,000. That’s almost $10K more than the starting price of entry-level Pathfinder S. So, expect even more gap for the 2021 version. But, keep in mind that the Platinum package will include navigation, a premium audio system, new alloy wheels, and other exclusive features.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find a heated steering wheel/front seats/side mirrors and the new towing package. Driver’s aid features include adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Moreover, the dual-pane panoramic moonroof is available as well. The Platinium will improve the audio, with a 13-speaker Bose system. Also, one of the coolest features of this trim is a rear-seat entertainment system. With all of these goodies, we expect that the Platinium version will be close to the mid-size luxury class.
Engine
The upcoming 2021 Nissan Pathfinder will be powered by an all-aluminum 3.5-liter V6 unit. For the moment, this will be the one and only engine option. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is capable to develop 284 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. With such power, new Pathfinder will have the maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. That rating is in the very top for those with 2-axle trailers.
Moreover, the V6 drivetrain will work with regular gasoline. The EPA city/highway fuel economy is 20/27 mpg for FWD and 19/26 mpg for AWD models. Also, CVT transmission is standard on all trim levels, as well as the front-wheel drive. Of course, the customers will have a choice to choose the AWD instead.
Release Date and Price
2021 Nissan Pathfinder S will come with an MSRP starting at $32,500, But, this price doesn’t include $1k of destination charge. The upcoming Pathfinder will present three versions, besides the entry-level S model. They are SV, SL, and Platinum. The SV will cost around $35,500. The AWD version will add extra $1,700 to that price. The starting price of the SL model will be $37,100. The topline Pathfinder model, Platinum will come with a price tag of $43,500. However, with the AWD and the mentioned rear-seat entertainment system, the price can go over $47,000.
The price of 2021 Nissan Pathfinder is in the middle of the class table. The Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander have a similar price. The Ford Explorer starts slightly higher, and the Kia Sorento is under the price of forthcoming Nissan. As for the release date, we don’t have precise information regarding the new Pathfinder. Probably the sales won’t start until the last quartal of 2020.