Nissan’s made-in-America big sports utility finally set to hit NZ soil.

EXCHANGE rate jitters might well have compelled Nissan to advise pricing for the new Pathfinder, released today, stands firmly for the first 100 units.

A replacement for a model that disappeared from circulation two years ago, the new car will launch at $80,990 in eight-person Ti spec and a more upmarket $85,990 Ti-L format, according to information shared from the dealer network.

With the latter changes include swapping out the mid-row bench seat for individual captain’s chairs, separated by a removable centre console. This reduces the passenger capacity by one.

The Pathfinder is again sourced from Indiana, North America, and has been selling there for more than a year. It was original cited as a late 2021 entry here, but that date was pushed back first to early 2022 and then subsequently revised again. 

The previous Pathfinder released in 2014 and initially provisioned in two trim levels, the starter being the ST at $54,990 in rear-drive and $59,990 in four-wheel-drive, with a top spec Ti from $65,990, only provisioning in all-paw.

It is understood the launch pricing will be reviewed after the first 100 registrations, with expectation of increases if the NZ-US dollar exchange rate does not improve. Potentially, too, the Clean Car Standard will also influence. As is, the model wears a $500 Clean Car penalty atop its recommended retails.

The new model presents a new styling on top of a current platform that has been extensively re-engineered.

The sole engine for export is a 3.5-litre petrol V6 that’s been a Nissan stalwart though it has slightly more power and torque, with an uplift to 212kW and 351Nm.

Plus, the transmission is new, Nissan having divorced the previous line’s controversial constantly variable unit for a nine-speed orthodox automatic.

Much of the old car remains under the new model's skin, with the new SUV sharing the previous model's 2900mm wheelbase.

Overall length has shrunk by 38mm to 5003mm, while the car's width and height have grown by around 19mm and 12mm to 1979mm and 1778mm respectively.

The body styling rework delivers the company's new design language, expressed particularly strongly up front with C-shaped LED headlights and signature daytime-running lights, plus Nissan's 'V-motion' grille.

Full local specification has not been shared, but the model can access loads up on latest Nissan technology, including a swish infotainment suite.

Comfort levels step up. The driver and front passenger enjoy climate-controlled seats and even the third row seats can be heated. The interior is dressed in semi-aniline leather.

The new infotainment provisions with a 9.0-inch touchscreen running a 'NissanConnect' system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A wireless smartphone charger is standard.  

The driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 10.8-inch head-up display.

Features at Ti level include a leather-accented interior trim with rear-seat heaters and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

The Ti-L adds cabin ambient lighting, a panoramic glass sunroof, rides on 20-inch alloys, gets additional underbody protection and has a “smart” rearview mirror with switchable digital imagery.

The Pro-PILOT semi-autonomous driving system also makes its debut and the 4WD system features direct coupling, which allows torque transfer directly on the clutch pack using oil pressure. The driver’s Mode selection – Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow – is displayed as a pop-up notification on the cluster.

Towing of braked trailers up to 2700kg is made safer and easier with a specific tow mode and onboard trailer-stability programme.

Boot space is 1274 litres with the third row folded flat, which is 80L less than in the previous generation, but boot space overall has improved – rising by 17L to 470L with all three rows in play. A power tailgate is standard. 

Although the previous generation offered a hybrid – consisting of a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a 15kW electric motor and a 144-volt lithium-ion battery pack – this one only has the petrol V6, with no current plans to introduce a hybrid. 

In addition to the Pathfinder, it seems the Juke range is also in for a modest freshen up, with a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, an intelligent key with proximity locking and unlocking and more powerful stereo.

The turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine maintains outputs of 84kW and 180Nm and continues to pair to seven-speed DCT. Nissan cites economy of 5.8 litres per 100km.