Why the Pathfinder Is the Best Nissan for Wanderlusters

Let’s face it, Nissan is a desirable brand due to its affordability and standard technology features. However, capability isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when people hear the word “Nissan.” If you’re the type of person who likes to travel and see nature, you need something that’s both fuel-efficient and capable. Oh, and needs to be able to either haul tons of cargo, several family members, or both. Sound familiar? We’ve got the information you need. As your Lynchburg Nissan dealer, we have all the information you need to know about the 6th-generation Nissan Pathfinder.

The 6th-Generation Nissan Pathfinder (2022 – Present)

This model is true to its name. The Nissan Pathfinder has been around since 2001, offering plenty of space for large families, along with all-terrain capability to boot. While the Pathfinder has always been a great vehicle for travelers, its recent redesign makes it an even more travel-friendly model. The 6th-generation Pathfinder has a new, faster 9-speed transmission than previous generations, along with more space and an intelligent 4×4 system that includes up to 7 different drive modes. If you need to haul a boat or tow a camper, the Pathfinder’s got you covered, thanks to its 6,000-pound max tow capacity. In addition to performance features, this model also offers great towing technologies and safety features.

Impressive Cargo Capacity

Let’s just start off by saying that the Pathfinder isn’t for minimalists, so if that’s the kind of wanderluster you are, you may want to stick with something like the Nissan Rogue. This third-row SUV offers up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which for reference, is enough interior space to haul a mountain bike in the cabin. That said, large families may prefer using a bike rack as the 6th-generation Pathfinder can carry up to 8 occupants. If you’re fine with only having space for 7 passengers, you can choose 2nd-row captain’s chairs to make your guests feel as if they have a little more room.

Performance That’ll Take You Far

You don’t know where you’ll end up. Wanderlusters love to explore nature and take risks, which are things you just can’t do without 4×4 capability. The good news is that the Pathfinder not only offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive; it also includes 7 different drive modes that cover all terrain types. These modes include the following:

• Snow – This mode kicks you into a higher gear to help cope with slick surfaces. It is designed specifically with winter weather in mind, which isn’t something we have to worry too much about.
• Mud/Rut – Sensors will monitor and dictate which wheel needs traction most and when it needs it. This helps even out power when you’re traversing a muddy backroad.
• Sport – When you kick it into Sport Mode, you get a little more pep in your step. This mode kicks up your engine power and allows for the highest horsepower and torque usage.
• Eco – Feel like saving some cash? Drop the pep and kick it into Eco Mode to reach the Pathfinder’s optimum fuel efficiency.
• Sand – Sand Mode increases your rear torque to improve traction in sandy areas.
• Tow – The Pathfinder is tow-capable on its own, but Tow Mode makes the towing experience smoother by increasing traction and capability. This mode also includes Downhill Speed Control, which makes declines easier on your gears when you’re towing.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive kicks in whether you activate a specific mode or not. Unlike regular all-wheel drive capability, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive activates when you need it. You won’t have to manually trigger it. When it’s time to start towing, Tow Mode is handy, but Trailer Sway Control is also there to help prevent fishtailing and assist with high wind effects. Even better, the Intelligent Around View Monitor helps you hook and unhook your trailer without needing a passenger’s help.

Safety Features That Secure the Trip

The more you’re on the road, the more your risk of being in an accident increases. While traveling is fun, you want to make sure you do it as safely as possible. The Pathfinder includes Nissan’s standard Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes 6 different driver assist features at no additional cost to you. This safety suite is on every 6th-generation Pathfinder trim level. These technologies include the following:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection – A technology that sends alerts when you may collide with a person or object. When you don’t stop on your own, the Pathfinder brakes for you.
• Rear Automatic Braking – You no longer have to worry about backing into a mailbox, thanks to this feature. When you’re in reverse, Rear Automatic Braking can detect objects and automatically apply the brakes for you.
• Blind Spot Warning – This technology monitors your blind spots and alerts you when it’s not safe to switch lanes.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert – Backing out of a parking space has never been easier, thanks to Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This feature monitors vehicles in parking aisles and sends alerts when they are approaching.
• Lane Departure Warning – When you unintentionally lane drift, this feature will notify you.
• High Beam Assist – This technology keeps you from bright lighting oncoming traffic. When an oncoming vehicle approaches, your headlights will automatically dim.

Everyone wants to own a safe vehicle, but when you’re frequently traveling, this is even more important. Many brands will upcharge you for features like these, but the Pathfinder includes them for free. No matter how far you travel, the Pathfinder makes it easy to maintain additional highway and off-road protection.

Amazing Travel Technologies

Performance specs and safety features are essential when you travel. However, convenience features are also very important to have when you’re on the road. The Pathfinder’s travel technologies make navigation easier, offering multiple seamless technology features. First off, you can choose from 3 different built-in navigation features. These include Nissan’s own Door-to-door Navigation, Google Maps, and Waze. Whether you prefer Nissan’s 3D building models, real-time Waze Traffic updates, or you’re simply accustomed to Google, the choice is yours.

The 2022 Pathfinder’s interior is loaded with digital features that help you keep track of important specs. You get a Heads-Up Display that projects directions, your speed, and other pertinent information directly onto your windshield. This convenience and safety feature is designed to help you keep your eyes on the road. Furthermore, you’ll get a 12.3-inch widescreen digital display, along with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment center. You can use Bluetooth and voice commands to control the infotainment center, making it even easier to focus on the road and your occupants. The Pathfinder also includes available NissanConnect Services, which allow for remote start, Door-to-door Navigation, emergency alerts, and much more.

This is all handy, but how about the fun? Practicality isn’t all that matters, especially when you’ve got a vehicle full of kids to entertain. The good news is that the Pathfinder includes available wireless device charging, along with a 13-speaker Bose Sound System. This sound system is paired with a Sound Reduction feature to help isolate you from exterior noise. Put simply; you’re getting luxurious features without the price tag that typically accompanies them.

Follow a New Path

When you’re a wanderluster, there’s no better vehicle than an SUV, period. You need a model that can haul a kayak or two while making sure the kids have plenty of space and you can get where you need to go, even if it’s a bit rocky or muddy on the way. But these models come in all sorts of brands, body styles, and engine sizes, making it hard to choose the perfect travel mobile. We like the 6th-generation Nissan Pathfinder because it offers the perfect balance of everything you’ll need – space, performance, safety, and convenience. This third-row model can tow a boat or even a small camper, it can climb backroads, and it still gets reasonable enough fuel economy to act as a daily driver.