Basic Specs

Base FromTBA
Unveiling 2012 Detroit auto show
Availability Late 2012
Status In Development
Engine 3.5L V6 speculated
Body Style SUV/Crossover
Segment Sport
Size Midsize
By Mark Kleis
Thursday, Feb 9th, 2012 @ 7:00 am

Nissan showed off the next Pathfinder in what it loosely called concept form in January at the Detroit auto show, but now the automaker has revealed additional interior photos.

Concept or not, any variations between these images and the production model will almost certainly be too minute to even spot, so if you are curious what the 2013 Pathfinder will look like inside – scope the gallery above in detail.

“As families spend more time in their SUVs everyday as well as on weekends, the next-gen Pathfinder is stepping up with enhanced comfort, innovative technology, increased fuel efficiency, and most importantly, more flexibility for the family,” said Nissan regarding the new approach for the Pathfinder. Nissan says that the next Pathfinder is intended to make a big push towards premium interior looks, touch and features. Also high on the list is functionality, as found with the close to best-in-class second-row space, 5.5-inches of seat travel for the second row, a 60/40-split second row that allows third row access without having to remove a child seat from the second row.

The third row makes use of a 50/50 split design, intended to offer optimal cargo and passenger comfort.

Where does it find its motivation?
The next Nissan Pathfinder will be powered by the latest version of the Japanese automaker’s venerable 3.5-liter V6, the same unit that provides motivation for the Infinti JX35. The engine is expected to produce the same 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque as found in the luxury counterpart, but a different tune may change that.

The V6 is expected will be the exclusive engine for the vehicle, mated exclusively to a CVT transmission. Fuel economy will be 23 miles per gallon combined, up 25 percent over the outgoing model.

What we know so far
Based on a version of the unibody platform that also underpins the recently-unveiled Infiniti JX35 crossover, the Pathfinder features room for seven passengers, V6-only power and a next-generation continuously variable transmission. By contrast, the outgoing model was a body-on-frame SUV with both V6 and V8 power and traditional multi-gear transmissions.

Despite its move away from its truck-like roots, Nissan says that the Pathfinder will continue to offer all-wheel motivation (almost certainly as an option) and “competitive” towing compared to rivals like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer.

Nissan’s lineup will still contain its off road-oriented Xterra, so buyers looking for more traditional capability will still be able to step foot in a Nissan showroom. For those looking for a towing and hauling SUV, the company’s Armada is likely to stick around for a while.

Despite the changes in store, Pathfinder is likely to retain a base price just south of $30,000, which will help it compete with rivals.

Details
Nissan isn’t spilling the beans just yet on the production Pathfinder’s specifications, but that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate a little on what’s likely to come.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see a terrain management system like that used on the Ford Explorer eventually show up on the Pathfinder’s options list, although Nissan could very well abandon the nameplate’s roots entirely.

Inside, it will feature considerably more space in the second and third rows than its predecessor, which was hampered by its traditional body-on-frame construction. The third row of seats should fold mostly flat into the ground with either the release of a lever or, in upmarket models, the touch of a button.

Look for at least three trim levels on offer, ranging from a base model up to a leather-lined LE (pictured).

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