BY TERRY MARTIN | 30th May 2018
Overview
WE HAVE conflicting emotions when it comes to big, bold, brassy, built-for-America large SUVs like the latest Nissan Pathfinder.
The mighty stature, comforting nature and family orientation make the capacious seven-seat wagon instantly appealing.
But there’s a whiff of McMansion in a vehicle of this magnitude – in its size, weight, the showy facade and, before we hit the road in the top-catalogue V6-powered Ti, the energy bills that must surely follow the decision to overlook the hybrid version of the Pathfinder available for those who want to pay a $3000 premium for a cleaner conscience.
As we found in a previous road test of the 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, significantly lower fuel consumption is not a given. And with no diesel engine available, that leads us to Nissan’s trademark 3.5-litre ‘VQ’ V6 – a smooth, rich and creamy engine neatly summed up in two words: comfort food.
But is it really good for us?