I know it has been a while but first chance I have had to return here and provide an update to my previous post. The info provided to me is that it would be stupid expensive to swap out the old CVT and install the new 9 speed transmission into an older gen Pathfinder. It would involve a new 9 spd transmission (obviously), a new computer to control the shifting including a wiring harness, new mounts as they are different, new axle shafts and apparently the drive shaft is different. Parts alone would be in excess of $8-9K (CND) and then labor to do it all. Hope this helps out anyone still wondering.
As far as the new Pathfinder it drove very well, had lots of power and transmission was very smooth and responsive. It felt like it had way more power than the previous generation but I think that is the new transmission having much better gearing giving a sens of more power and quicker acceleration. Also one thing that was great was no drone from the trans when climbing hills or passing on the highway like the CVT models had. This was a pre-production model that was for internal use but the fit and finish was very good considering. In my opinion I think Nissan will have a winner here.