2015 Nissan Pathfinder Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Rated one of the best cars by U.S.News, the Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV. It’s hailed as being an affordable option with three rows, but is it the right choice for all drivers? Recently redesigned by Nissan, it offers some changes that may appeal to buyers, and it has some great features that will appeal to almost everyone. However, there are a few aspects of the car that people should be aware of before making their final decision.

What’s New for 2015

This latest model year features a powerful 3.5-liter V-6 and CVT, and buyers can now choose between front- or all-wheel drive. Other enhancements include a more attractive interior design with seating for seven, blind spot warning systems and rear cross traffic alert system. A family entertainment package features dual headrest DVD screens is sure to please the kids. Nissan has also made improvements to the transmission resulting in improved gas mileage without sacrificing any performance.

Top Ten Reasons to Buy a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder - The Pros

1. Excellent Performance

The V6 of the Pathfinder provides drivers with excellent performance along with improved gas mileage. Commuters will appreciate the improved gas mileage of 20 miles in the city and 27 miles on the open highway. It has controlled motions, a smooth ride, and responsive steering that makes it a joy to drive.

2. Luxury Materials

When spending money on a new car, people expect to find high-rate materials that will stand up to regular use and continue looking great for years to come. The Pathfinder is sure to please in this department.

3. Easy Access to Seating

People who need more seating love having a third row, but it’s important to consider how easy this area is to access. The Pathfinder stands apart from the competition by offering a sliding middle row that makes getting into the back of the truck a breeze. People also appreciate the spacious seating available in the first and second rows.

4. Tri-Zone Climate Control

The ability to create and control three separate climates in the Pathfinder can be a great benefit for most families. Unlike other vehicles where people have to patiently wait for the warm air in the front of the cabin to migrate to the back, the occupants can enjoy better, faster temperature control.

5. Easier Parking

Navigating parking lots is a challenge for all SUVs, but Nissan is making it easier by including rear parking sensors and a rearview camera on all models. The SL and Platinum trim levels also feature blind-spot warning systems and rear cross-traffic alert to take the guesswork out of backing up and help the car safer for the entire family.

6. High Crash Test Ratings

Most buyers are concerned with safety, and the Pathfinder features the highest ratings available. The SUV rated five out of five stars overall in testing, and it received four stars for total frontal-impact protection.

7. Smooth and Comfortable Ride

It’s all about the ride, and the Nissan receives high marks for a comfortable ride. It has an excellent suspension system to absorb the bumps and shocks on pavement and ensure that everyone in the car is comfortable. Before making a final decision on trim levels and options, buyers should be aware that the ride becomes stiffer with the 20-inch wheels on the Platinum model.

8. User-friendly Controls

Another attractive feature of the Pathfinder is the user-friendly controls and options. Most drivers won’t have to reach for the owner’s manual because the knobs are straightforward and the controls touch screen is very intuitive.

9. Smart Transmission for Better Fuel Economy

The transmission uses D-Step Logic that allows the system to operate through a series of steps. This minimizes the high-revving behavior found in a CVT while allowing the transmission to vary itself in smaller increments for maximum fuel efficiency.

10. Light on the Tires

One surprising feature of the Pathfinder is that it operates more like a sedan than an SUV. It features refined steering and handling that allow users to forget that they’re driving a mid-size SUV. It’s lighter than most comparable SUVs, and people find that it provides all occupants with a pleasant and smooth ride.

Reasons You May Not Want to Buy a 2015 Nissan Pathfinder - The Cons

Loud Transmission

Reviewers agree that the transmission in the Pathfinder is loud when the vehicle is accelerating. While this may not matter to some, it can become distracting to people who are interested in a quiet ride without hearing an engine or transmission straining.

Cramped Third Row

The third row can be a treat for larger families and people who routinely have extra passengers, but there are numerous complaints that the third row has cramped legroom and may not be comfortable for adults. This isn’t likely to be a problem for all buyers, but people are encouraged to actually climb into the third row and see how comfortable it is or isn’t for themselves before making a purchase.

Reduced Cargo Space

SUV owners cite the cargo space as one of the reasons they drive the larger vehicles, yet the Pathfinder is sadly lacking in this area. It has less cargo space in general than other vehicles in the same class. Buyers who are looking for plenty of space to haul gear may want to look at another model to ensure that they have the space they need.

All in all, this is a fine choice for anyone looking for a mid-size SUV. The third row gives it an edge over comparable vehicles with only two rows. If you don’t always need the third row for passengers, then you can fold it down to utilize the additional cargo space. It has the best gas mileage in its class, and the smooth handling make it a joy to drive. It has an attractive look that most buyers appreciate, and it may be just what a buyer is looking for when they want the handling of a sedan with the cargo space and passenger capacity of a larger SUV.