Nissan Pathfinder ST-L makes a comeback

BY MATT BROGAN | 18th Jun 2024

NISSAN Australia has reintroduced two ST-L variants as the entry-level to its Pathfinder large SUV line-up after a 14-month absence, as well as bringing back a front-wheel drive option for the Ti.

Last March, Nissan Australia axed the slow-selling ST 2WD, ST-L AWD and Ti 2WD variants from its Pathfinder range, raising the entry point of the range from $54,190 plus on-road costs to $71,490 + ORC in the process.

The reintroduction of the Pathfinder ST-L now sees the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder range commence at $59,670 + ORC for the two-wheel drive variant (instead of the now-defunct ST 2WD base model).

A Pathfinder ST-L with all-wheel drive now costs $64,170 + ORC, while the front-wheel-drive Pathfinder Ti also reappears on the price list at $67,990 + ORC. These variants are respectively $2380 and $2080 costlier than when they were deleted in March 2023.

Nissan Australia says the reintroduction of the ST-L variant and subsequent expansion of the Pathfinder range offers buyers a more affordable entry point to the “adventure ready SUV” range; the reintroduced grades joining carryover Pathfinder Ti AWD ($72,490 + ORC, up $1000) and Pathfinder Ti-L (from $82,490 + ORC, also up $1000) in the five-variant stable.

“We did have, unfortunately, some supply and production constraints around March last year which meant we streamlined the Pathfinder range to the higher grades,” a Nissan Australia spokesperson told GoAuto.

“We always wanted to re-introduce the ST-L, but it has taken until now for that to be realised. We are excited to re-introduce the ST-L as it means the Pathfinder can now be offered at a more accessible price point.”

The Nissan Australia spokesperson said that while the ST-L might act as the entry point to the Pathfinder range, its extensive feature list ensures it is not a budget entrant.

Standard features for the ST-L include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights with auto high beam, LED running lights and front fog lights, a powered tailgate, and integrated roof rails.

In-cabin equipment highlights include a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, 10.8-inch head-up display, 9.0-inch infotainment array, native sat nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, four USB ports, heated front seats, and tri-zone climate control.

The ST-L grade further includes safety kit such as predictive forward collision warning with junction assist and emergency braking (AEB), driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring and intervention, lane departure warning and intervention, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition with overspeed prevention, 360-degree camera system, and a total of nine airbags.

Nissan’s Pathfinder range has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

All Nissan Pathfinder grades are powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine developing 202kW of power and 340Nm of torque. The unit is paired exclusively with a nine-speed automatic transmission with two- or all-wheel drive configurations available depending on variant (see below).

The driveline is offered with Drive and Terrain Mode selection, ensuring the vehicle’s traction and stability control settings are best suited to the terrain underfoot, and a 2700kg braked towing capacity.

Despite its fair price and strong equipment offering, the latest generation Nissan Pathfinder has failed to capture the interest of Australian buyers in significant numbers.

Year-to-date sales for the range tally just 301 units, accounting for just 0.6 per cent of the sub-$80K large SUV segment, and down 61.7 per cent over the same time last year. Against its nearest rivals, the Pathfinder’s progress does not bode well.

The segment is currently led by the Ford Everest with YTD sales of 9009 units, ahead of the Isuzu MU-X (8519), Kia Sorento (4600), Subaru Outback (4499), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (3572), Toyota LandCruiser Prado (3472), and Toyota Kluger (3223).

In the middle of the segment we find the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace (2122), now-discontinued Mazda CX-8 (2067), Hyundai Santa Fe (1881), GWM Tank 300 (1811), Toyota Fortuner (1472), Hyundai Palisade (1400), and LDV D90 (1201).

That leaves the following vehicles with just three-digit sales numbers across the first five months of the calendar year: SsangYong Rexton (711), Skoda Kodiaq (576), GWM Tank 500 (420), Jeep Wrangler (362), now-defunct Mazda CX-9 (343), and Nissan Pathfinder (301).

“We have always wanted as many people as possible to experience Nissan’s adventure-ready family SUV and the reintroduction of the ST-L grade only expands the Pathfinder’s appeal further,” said Nissan Australia marketing director, Sriram Padmanabhan.

“With eight seats, the choice of two- or four-wheel drive, and the confidence of a powerful yet efficient V6 engine, the Pathfinder ST-L has room for everyone to go almost anywhere.”