The current generation of Nissan’s three-row SUV has been around for about a year and a half and it already established a respectable position on the market. It is a well-balanced SUV, which combines a smooth ride with a pretty luxurious and well-equipped cabin. The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder will represent the third production year and, therefore, we don’t expect bigger changes. It is still early for a major refresh, so we presume that minor updates are the only thing we could see in the new model. A few additions to the list of standard equipment is what comes to mind. Still, we won’t exclude the possibility of seeing a new appearance package as well.
In any case, the overall design won’t change, according to the available information. On the other hand, rumors suggest the possibility of seeing a new powertrain option. Namely, the new hybrid powertrain could join the current V6 and make this SUV even more desirable.
With updates or without, we expect that the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder will arrive sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2024 Nissan Pathfinder Powertrain Updates
As we’ve just mentioned, rumors suggest updates under the hood. Allegedly, the next year’s model could come with a new, hybrid powertrain option. That model would, reportedly, come based on Nissan’s new ePower hybrid technology. That system uses a gasoline engine as a power generator, while the wheels get power from electric motors. In that way, the vehicle offers a genuine EV and offers much better driving dynamics. Such a system has already been applied in models like Qashqai. Of course, it would be way more capable in this case, with way more power.
On the other hand, the base 2024 Nissan Pathfinder will certainly continue in the same way, with a good-old 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The engine offers pretty good driving dynamics and works great with the new 9-speed automatic gearbox.
The same V6 is also available in a variant with 295 horsepower. That version comes with the Rock Creek versions which, besides more power, also brings various off-road upgrades.
2024 Nissan Pathfinder Design
As mentioned, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder will represent the third production year of the generation. Therefore, it’s hard to expect more significant changes. Instead, we could see minor tweaks only. New color options are the first thing that comes to mind, but we wouldn’t be surprised if we also see a new appearance package on offer. The Pathfinder currently isn’t available in too many special editions.
On the other hand, the overall layout will remain the same. The new generation brought a notably improved steering system but the whole driving experience still feels less engaging compared to most rivals. On the other hand, the ride is smooth and very comfortable. The Pathfinder absorbs road imperfections in a nice fashion and works great for long journeys.
Interior
The same thing goes for interior design. This SUV looks very luxurious from the inside and has one of the nicest cabins in the class. The dashboard looks attractive, and the selection of materials is pretty impressive. All that comes in a combination with a generous amount of tech features. All in all, we don’t believe that the next year’s model could bring more important updates in this aspect.
As for the passenger space and seating configuration, things are about to carry on in a familiar way. This model comes with three rows of seats and offers typical proportions for the segment. In other words, the third row is typically tight for a mid-size SUV but still is a handy extra feature. On the other hand, the first two rows are very spacious and accommodate adults with ease. Traditionally, Nissan offers some of the best front seats in the class. Finally, there is the cargo area, which is good for about 16.6 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 45 cubic feet behind the second row and 80.5 cubic feet in total. That’s about average for the segment.
Features
This is the aspect we could see some novelties. Still, they probably won’t be significant, as the current model is already pretty generous. Even the most basic variants come fully loaded. Some of the highlights are goodies like an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice recognition, satellite radio, Bluetooth, four USB ports and a six-speaker audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start and proximity keyless entry.
Among options, you can find a 9-inch touch screen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, two additional USB ports and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, as well as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, remote start, a universal garage door opener, a 120-volt household-style power outlet and a panoramic sunroof. We presume some of these features could become part of the standard equipment.
2024 Nissan Pathfinder Release Date and Price
With no significant changes to come, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder will probably hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 36.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Honda Pilot, VW Atlas, Hyundai Palisade etc.
