Nissan Pathfinder Ti review finds a refined family limo

There is space for the extended family in the Nissan Pathfinder Ti which is an SUV tuned for comfort and luxury.

Nissan's all-wheel drive Pathfinder in Ti specification.

The difference between a people-mover and an SUV is one more child. That’s how one automotive chief succinctly put things when undertaking the honest assessment of why more families don’t opt for mini-vans.

Let’s face it – people-movers are about as sexy as Albo’s dance moves.

Which is why vehicles like the Nissan Pathfinder still have appeal.

Priced from about $77,000 drive-away, the big SUV has space for eight.

Powered by a V6 engine, it combines some old-school grunt with a modern shell and a reasonable features list.

What do you get?

There are two Pathfinder specifications if you want all-wheel drive, and the Ti is the “entry-level” version which is a saving of more than $10k compared to the top-shelf model.

Eight seats are set up in a 2:3:3 configuration, with other feature highlights a nine-inch touchscreen armed with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, 18-inch alloys, leather-accented seat trim (synthetic in the third row), power tailgate, wireless phone charging, satnav and embedded rear sunshades.

Our test car also had an optional style pack which costs an extra $4122. That adds black Pathfinder rear badging and grille, dark chrome side mouldings as well as side steps.

Maintenance costs are reasonable and there is a prepaid option enabling owners to save. There are deals for services from two-five years, and while there is a capped price offer if you continue maintenance with a dealer you can save $259 over those costs using the prepaid five-year deal.

Roadside assist with 24-hour coverage is also standard for five years.

There are three rows and eight seats in the Nissan Pathfinder in Ti specification.

How was the drive?

Anyone who used to drive Falcons or Commodores will find the Pathfinder is like slipping on a pair of old jeans.

Smooth and creamy, it’s a burly unit which can flex its muscle yet does it all quietly and without fuss.

Nissan undertook a lot of work to improve the sound deadening materials on this model and it’s a monumental step above what used to wear the Pathfinder badge … especially the models from a couple of decades ago which were based on hairy-chested off-road architecture.

Changing drive modes does provide the opportunity to step off the bitumen for improved grip, but the Pathfinder has limited ground clearance (181mm) and only carries a space-saver spare.

Comfort is the primary aim, with tri-zone aircon and a choice of USB A and C points popular with those in the back. Climbing into the third row is relatively easy courtesy of the ability to quickly collapse the second row – but don’t expect to house six big footballers in the back as leg room can be compromised with all seats filled.

Our average fuel consumption over more than 800km was virtually the same as that quoted by Nissan at 10.6L/100km.

Interior features of Nissan's all-wheel drive Pathfinder in Ti specification.

Would you buy one?

KEL: Finding a car with eight seats is a rarity. While we don’t need to regularly carry that many passengers, I would prefer an SUV over a people-mover. The Pathfinder can be a challenge to park due to its size, but feels luxurious and powerful.

GRANT: With the tightening of government regulations, vehicles like the Pathfinder and its V6 engine will struggle to survive long term. While not as spacious as a people-mover, it has great SUV looks and brilliant comfort for eight – as long as the passengers aren’t all six-footers.