2012 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Review & Ratings

The Nissan Pathfinder SUV has been on the market since 1986 and was based entirely on the platform of a compact pickup truck. It has been through three generations of designs and from the very beginning there was the option for two wheel or four wheel drive. While considered a family SUV, the Pathfinder originally shared the majority of its style and design with the trucks that Nissan had also produced. Until 1989 there was only a two door option and in 1990 the four door was made available and two doors became rare. The second generation was introduced in 1996 with a complete redesign of the interior, exterior and engine.

The third generation of Nissan Pathfinder SUV was launched at the North American International Auto Show in 2004 and would see another full redesign for the 2005 year. By this time, the Pathfinder would be based on the F-Alpha platform that would later be shared by the Armada. Though the Armada entered the market as the Pathfinder Armada, there was nothing more than name in common between the vehicles. The Pathfinder name was dropped in 2005 from the Armada as the original Pathfinder underwent changes again. Now gaining third row seating, the Pathfinder was making an attempt to keep up in the family SUV market.

The Nissan Pathfinder SUV was designed for off-road adventures and it holds up to the task well. The rugged design of this SUV with a platform that is shared with the Titan, it handles those hard to accomplish tasks with ease. With options in an engine, a four wheel drive choice and the ability to tow up to 7,000 lbs; there is no doubt that the Pathfinder is a workhorse waiting to be used. Steering that does exactly what you want and strong power from the engine give it a good performance when off the main highway. That being said, the handling is less than adequate and the ride it offers is far from smooth. For most, the Pathfinder is not an optimal choice for a daily driving machine.

Inside the Nissan Pathfinder SUV is not much different. With an outdated design that offers little in the way of luxury, the Pathfinder isn't designed to impress. The interior is functional, but small and cramped. The front seats work fine, but the second row lacks the head and foot room that buyers tend to expect from a family SUV. The third row seating might work for small children, but even they will find it hard to maneuver in and out. Even the cargo space is far less than the average crossover.