2012 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is available in five trim levels: S, SV, Silver, LE V6, and LE V8, with a choice of RWD or AWD drivetrains. A 4.0L V-6 engine or a 5.7L V-8 engine producing 266 hp and 310 hp, respectively, are available. Finally, you have a variety of optional packages from which to choose. Bluetooth, heated seats, leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, and a long list of cosmetic upgrades are included in the new Silver Edition. The Pathfinder receives flashier wheels, Intelligent Key, XM Satellite Radio, and updated Bose audio with ten speakers on higher-level versions, as well as a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and wood trim on the top LE.

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Nissan has offered various trim options to suit your needs, and for us, the mid-range SV trim comes out to be the best option with a value for money package. The V6, which is standard in the first four trims, is adequate enough for city and highway drives. But if you want more oomph from your engine, the LE with V8 should be the best pick for you in the lineup.

The 4.0L V6 engine that comes standard on the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is sufficient for around-town driving but could use a little more oomph for uphill sprints. The optional V8 engine offers plenty of power, but the V8-equipped trim has a considerably low fuel economy. A five-speed automatic transmission coupled with rear-wheel drive is standard, however, a part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive system can be opted, depending on the trim. The SUV touches the 60 mph mark in 7.8 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 16.9 seconds.

Both power plants exhibit considerable acceleration, as evidenced by the acceleration tests. The 5-speed automated transmission, whether shiftable or fully automatic, is mostly adequate, however, some reviewers noted that it tends to hesitate when downshifting in V6-equipped versions. The V6's sluggish performance on uphill terrain, especially with a load, is also mentioned.

The MPG leaves much to be desired when it comes to fuel economy because its competitors in the segment offer higher fuel efficiency. The SUV manages to offer 15 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 17 mpg combined. Due to low fuel efficiency, the maximum range is also compromised. The competitors all have high fuel efficiency, notably, the Honda Pilot has 21.5 mpg combined.

As we mentioned above, all the rivals in the competition manage to offer better specs in the fuel economy department. The Honda Pilot offers the most at 21.5 mpg combined, followed by both Toyota and Ford coming with 20 mpg combined. When comparing the overall range, again the Toyota 4Runner offers the most at 460 miles combined.

The Pathfinder's interior is generally regarded as comfortable, while many users believe that the second and third rows of seating could be a little more spacious. Many reviewers comment that the robust ute's cabin is beginning to show its age, and that the high-set rear door handles can be difficult for shorter people, citing steep step-in as an example. A power moonroof is available on the Silver Edition, and both the Silver Edition and LE trims are still eligible for a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. The SUV comes with a cargo capacity of 16.5 cubic feet.

All the SUVs in the competition come with a seating capacity of 7, which is the segment standard. Also, the best space in the first row is offered by the 2012 Toyota 4Runner, followed by the Pathfinder. When comparing the cargo capacity, the Toyota stays behind with just 10.3 cubic feet of space, whereas the Explorer shows its practicality by offering 21 cu-ft behind the third row. Major interior features include:

• Eight-way power driver seat
• Heated front seats
• Available leather seating surfaces
• Dual automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Tilt steering wheel

How intuitive is the Nissan Pathfinder 2012 infotainment unit?

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display with only the most basic functions. You can buy a 10-speaker Bose audio system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and Bluetooth if you check the options list. A wonderful option to consider is the rear-seat entertainment system. The following are a few significant infotainment features:

• Six-speaker stereo with CD player
• 7-inch Color multi-information display
• Auxiliary audio jack
• 6-CD Changer
• AM/FM Stereo
• Satellite radio

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder's exterior style has been the same for as long as we can recall, and it's gradually becoming antiquated in comparison to the far more current competition. The car stays faithful to its design language, which prioritizes functionality, but, as previously stated, it struggles to fit into today's landscape. The SUV weighs 4,563 pounds and is 8.6 inches tall.

When compared to its competitors, the Pathfinder is a large and hefty vehicle. It is larger than most of its competitors in every way except width, where the Honda Pilot is 6 inches wider. The Pathfinder is the heaviest vehicle among its competitors due to its truck chassis, which becomes apparent when driving the SUV. When comparing the ground clearance, the 4Runner offers the most at 9.8 inches. Major exterior highlights of the SUV include:

• 16, 17, or 18-inch alloy wheels
• Standard power mirrors
• Running boards (Optional)
• Automatic headlamps (Optional)
• Heated mirrors (Optional)
• Sunroof (Optional)

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, while being based on a truck, is a very safe vehicle. In NHTSA crash tests, it received four out of five stars. In the frontal-offset and side collision tests, the IIHS gave it a ‘Good' rating, while in the roof-strength test, it received a ‘Marginal' rating. It has minimal safety features, but its build quality is rather solid. Some of the standout safety features are:

• Active head restraints in the front seats
• Side-impact and full-length side curtain airbags
• Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution
• Electronic stability and traction control
• Rearview camera (Optional)

The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is a fantastic SUV with two powerful engines, a practical interior, simple-to-use technology, and a tough and functional exterior. However, it has poor fuel economy, is cramped for rear passengers, is overweight, and has begun to appear antiquated amid a sea of crossover SUVs. Thus, one needs to keep in mind these cons before going ahead with the Pathfinder for 2012. The only time you should be picking Pathfinder over its competitors is when the main reason for buying this SUV is to have some hardcore work on your schedule while also hauling your family at times. It is a very safe vehicle making it the best pick when safety is of foremost priority.