Going the Distance in the Nissan Pathfinder

Many full-size SUVs require drivers to settle by forcing them to choose efficiency over agility and affordability over luxury, comfort, and innovative technology. As a result, driving a full-size SUV can feel like a punishment, especially when you’re behind the wheel of a sluggish land yacht that guzzles fuel so quickly you can feel the gaping hole in your wallet. But what if you didn’t have to settle or compromise?

Every Nissan Pathfinder for sale on our lot defies convention because it doesn’t ask drivers to settle for anything less than extraordinary. The full-size SUV offers room for eight people, exceptional towing capability, functional storage for all your cargo-hauling needs, and a rugged design that distinguishes it in a segment defined by nothing more than ordinary. It’s the perfect SUV whether you’re running errands in town, exploring the trail, or venturing across the country.

The Pathfinder’s versatility makes it one of the most appealing in the segment, but what makes it the best SUV for long-distance drives? When you’re chasing the horizon with your family in tow, you should never have to choose between comfort, versatility, or performance. The Pathfinder doesn’t ask as much and delivers everything you need to enjoy the ride.

#1 The Power to Take You Anywhere

Nissan ensures the 2023 Pathfinder has the power to take you anywhere by equipping the SUV with a proven 3.5L V6 engine and smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard powerplant produces 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, making the Pathfinder responsive and engaging in town and at highway speeds. Adventure-oriented trims like the Rock Creek add to this experience, upping the Pathfinder’s power output to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque.

#2 Confidently Exploring the Unknown

One of the most appealing features of the Pathfinder is knowing you can explore the unknown. Traveling long distances can mean different things to drivers, from cross-country road trips with the family to exploring new trails in the woods. With the Pathfinder, anything is possible, especially when you opt for the Rock Creek with Nissan’s Intelligent 4WD system.

The Intelligent 4WD system enhances the Pathfinder’s capability and gives you the confidence to explore the unknown. Optimizing the Pathfinder’s traction, it improves how the SUV responds on technical or slippery terrain. Additionally, it outfits the Pathfinder with a Drive and Terrain Mode switch that you can toggle to suit the condition and your driving needs. These modes feature additional drive modes–Standard, Sport, Snow, Sand, Eco, Mud/Rut, and Tow–that make it easy to harness the Pathfinder’s power output according to the terrain.

#3 Never Say “No” to Cargo

Whether you’re heading to the beach for the family’s annual vacation or going camping for the weekend, the Pathfinder can handle it all. The 2023 Pathfinder offers a standard 3,500-pound towing capacity on the S, SV, and SL trims or an exceptional 6,000-pound capacity on the Rock Creek or Platinum models. Because of this, you can confidently haul the family camper or boat to the lake for the weekend or pull a small trailer across state lines to help your college student move into the dorm.

The Pathfinder’s cargo-hauling capacity is just as impressive inside the three-row SUV. With every seat in use, the Pathfinder can accommodate eight people and offers 16.6 cu.ft. of cargo room at the rear. That’s enough to comfortably haul four golf bags or several large pieces of luggage. If you aren’t carrying passengers, you can take advantage of the Pathfinder’s 80.5 cu.ft. of space, which is easy to access even when your hands are full with the SUV’s motion-activated power liftgate.

#4 Relax and Enjoy the Ride

An integral part of long-distance driving is minimizing driver fatigue. Nissan does this exceptionally by outfitting the Pathfinder with plush seating that offers lumbar support and equipping the SUV with the latest driver-assist features. For example, the 2023 Pathfinder offers ProPILOT Assist, an advanced hands-on driver-assist tool that works with Intelligent Cruise Control.

Once engaged, ProPILOT Assist actively monitors the flow of traffic and the Pathfinder’s position in the lane using a forward-facing camera, radar, and sensors. Based on this data, ProPILOT Assist adjusts the Pathfinder’s cruising speed and lane positioning. It can also bring the Pathfinder to a complete stop and safely resume speed in rush-hour traffic, minimizing driver input so that you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Top-tier trims like the Pathfinder SL and Platinum take the convenience of ProPILOT Assist a step further by integrating the technology with the Pathfinder’s Navi-link system. Why is this remarkable? With Navi-link and ProPILOT Assist working together, the driver-assist feature recognizes the route and can proactively adjust the Pathfinder’s speed based on upcoming exits or curves in the highway.

#5 Never Lose Sight of the Road

While having the power and capability to get where you’re going is necessary, Nissan also knows that having confidence and peace of mind on the road is integral to your experience as a driver. The 2023 Pathfinder engineers that confidence with a digital cockpit that ensures you never lose sight of the road. For example, the SUV comes standard with a 7-inch digital meter display. The available 12.3-inch full-color digital dashboard is even more impressive, especially when paired with the 10.8-inch head-up display that puts vital information, like speed, mileage, and navigational alerts, within immediate view.

#6 Stay Connected and Entertained

Nissan makes it easy to enjoy every ride by equipping the Pathfinder with a host of connectivity and entertainment features centralized on an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen display. The Pathfinder’s infotainment system gives you seamless access to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, with wireless capability on top-tier trims like the SL and Platinum. These models also include wireless smartphone charging and a premium Bose sound system with 13 strategically placed speakers that deliver an immersive listening experience throughout the cabin.

#7 Safety Is Always a Priority

The more time you spend on the road, the more your safety is at risk. Fortunately, Nissan does everything possible to minimize this risk by equipping the Pathfinder with the latest safety and driver-assist tools. These tools are centralized in the Nissan Safety Shield 360. The suite outfits the Pathfinder with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Automatic Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning. In addition, the Pathfinder also features rear sonar sensors, a Rear Door Alert, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and a host of available upgrades, like the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Blind Spot Intervention.

It’s Time to Go the Distance

With an average fuel economy of 21 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway, the 2023 Pathfinder is ready to go the distance. The three-row SUV has earned a stellar reputation in the industry as one of the most attractive, efficient, and well-equipped full-size SUVs on the road. Moreover, its high-value packaging adds to its appeal and guarantees you never have to compromise.

So, when you need an SUV that can handle all your driving needs, from running errands in town to traveling long distances, put your trust in the Pathfinder. It’s one of the few SUVs that offer it all, from five distinctly styled trims and a capable powertrain to an expansive suite of innovative technologies. What’s not to love?