2019 Nissan Pathfinder Pros vs Cons

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is a solid all-around family vehicle. You will appreciate this three-row SUV's spacious accommodations and easy-to-use interior controls. Although the Pathfinder may not be a serious off-road machine like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, it can easily handle a weekend camping adventure. A rather high towing capacity adds to the Pathfinder's versatility. Let's find out if the new Pathfinder is the right fit for you and your family.

What's New for 2019?

All trims now come standard with rear parking sensors. Meanwhile, all of the upper trims benefit from standard with blind-spot detection and smart cruise control. Nissan has also added new USB ports throughout the lineup.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder – The Pros

1. All Trims Feature a Muscular V6 Engine

You will enjoy the Pathfinder's robust V6 engine. It manages to develop 284 horsepower, which is a good amount of muscle. There's never a lack of responsiveness. When you need to overtake a vehicle on the highway, simply push down on the accelerator and the Pathfinder accelerates effortlessly. Fuel economy also isn't bad for a seven-passenger SUV. Nissan's Xtronic CVT helps the Pathfinder to return up to 27 mpg on regular unleaded gas.

2. Can Tow a Load

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is a family vehicle that can serve more than one purpose. You can certainly take full advantage of the SUV's impressive towing capabilities. Nissan rates the Pathfinder to tow up to 6,000 pounds. This means you'll have no issues transporting small campers and boats. Rivals, such as the Mazda CX-9, are far less suitable for towing heavy loads. A trailer hitch receiver is available as an option.

3. Can Take Your Family On An Adventure

Although the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is not designed for extreme off-roading, it's perfect for weekend camping adventures. Nissan offers some very valuable upgrades for traveling off the beaten path. When facing slippery terrain, a special 4WD locking function helps improve traction. Meanwhile, hill descent control enables you to slowly crawl down steep slopes. Seven inches of ground clearance also helps the Pathfinder to topple light trails.

4. Car-Like Driving Dynamics

On the road, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder drives very smoothly. Although you can feel this crossover's weight when taking curves, it handles far better than a traditional truck-based SUV. This is a major selling point for the folks who prefer car-like driving dynamics. Nissan also tuned the Pathfinder's suspension to deliver good comfort. Although the optional 20-inch wheels may result in a slightly stiffer ride, most people won't notice a dramatic difference.

5. Midnight Edition Appearance Package

Even the base 2019 Nissan Pathfinder has an adventurous look with its standard roof rails. However, stepping up to the SL trim gives you access to Nissan's good-looking Midnight Edition appearance package. It outfits the Pathfinder with a number of blacked-out exterior treatments. You will immediately spot the 20-inch black wheels, which give the SUV a meaner stance. A black V-motion grille and rear spoiler further elevate the Midnight Edition's curb appeal.

6. Built to Keep Your Family Cozy

This SUV has always been known for its family-friendly character. The same great qualities that so many people have grown to love remain for 2019. Everyone will be thankful for the cabin's spacious design. Testers give the Pathfinder especially high marks for its seat comfort. While the front seats are designed to accommodate a wide range of different body types, the second-row seats recline to provide more relaxation on long road trips.

7. A Good Price

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is priced to be a strong value. It has an attractive MSRP of around $31,200. Although upgrades like ventilated front seats and a Wi-Fi hot spot are available, don't overlook the Pathfinder's list of standard equipment. Some of the highlights include an 8.0-inch touch screen, a trizone climate control system, and two USB ports. In terms of warranty coverage, Nissan protects the powertrain for 60,000 miles.

8. Confidence-Inspiring Safety Features

You will find the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder to be a very safe vehicle. It fared well in the federal government's most critical crash tests. Nissan also equips every trim with automatic emergency braking, which has become one of today's most sought-after driving aids. If you move past the base model, you'll also benefit from blind-spot monitors and smart cruise control. An emergency response system is available as well.

9. Rear Door Alert

Because they have so much on their mind, some parents tend to overlook some things. To solve this problem, Nissan has introduced a Rear Door Alert feature. It tells drivers when they have left something behind in the backseat. This feature is especially beneficial for the drivers who have small children and pets.

10. User-Friendly Touch Screen

NissanConnect comes standard throughout the lineup. It's incredibly easy to use. Unlike some of today's more sophisticated infotainment systems, this interface doesn't take very long to learn. You won't have to deal with any distracting controls. Drivers will also like how quickly the screen responds to their touch.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder – The Cons

1. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Not Available

Over the last few years, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become incredibly popular. Unfortunately, these smartphone integration features are not available for the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder. This means you may not be able to use some of your mobile apps via the in-dash display. Both the Honda Pilot and the Chevy Traverse offer these features.

2. Not As Much Cargo Space

There's roughly 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the Pathfinder's third row. Some sedan's offer just as much storage space in the trunk. Nevertheless, the Pathfinder's rear seats can be folded flat to make room for extra stuff.

3. Outward Visibility Isn't Great

When driving the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, expect to encounter a few blind spots. The SUV's multiple pillars can easily block your view when changing lanes. With the arrival of standard rear parking sensors, every driver now has more assistance in tight spots. You can also take advantage of the available blind-spot monitoring system and bird's-eye view camera.

4. So-So Headlight Performance

The IIHS gave the Pathfinder's standard headlights a "Marginal" rating. While you won't have any issues in the city, you may desire better illumination on rural roads. Only the top-of-the-line Paltimum model comes equipped with LED headlights. Furthermore, you don't have access to adaptive headlights. Steering Responsive LED headlights enables the new Subaru Ascent to provide great visibility at night.

5. No Hybrid Model

Nissan no longer makes a hybrid version of the Pathfinder. Although the Pathfinder is fairly economical for a spacious SUV, some drivers will still desire more fuel savings. The 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can deliver 28 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the open road.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2019 Toyota Highlander stacks up well to the Nissan Pathfinder. Standout reliability and an impressive list of standard safety technologies give the Highlander an edge. However, a less powerful four-cylinder engine comes standard on the Highlander. You'll have to pay extra for a V6.

You may also be cross-shopping the Pathfinder with the 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, which is among the roomiest SUVs in the segment. In regard to road handling and available features, the Chevrolet Traverse has the upperhand.

A lot of car reviewers have been raving about the 2019 Subaru Ascent. All-wheel drive comes standard on the Subaru Ascent. A higher ground clearance further enhances the Ascent's ability to tackle snowy conditions. Subaru also gives you access to some class-exclusive driving aids, including automatic rear braking.

Conclusion:

First, let's address the Pathfinder's main shortcomings. The SUV's subpar outward visibility is definitely something you should think about. Also, be aware that you must learn to live without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Although the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder may have a few low points, it continues to shine as a great family hauler. Whether you need to pull a boat to your favorite fishing spot or take your family camping, the Pathfinder will get the job done. Its powerful V6 engine has enough muscle to keep most drivers satisfied. Despite the Pathfinder not having an extremely luxurious interior, passengers will have no complaints about its everyday comfort.