Recommend for what? You can see a lot of negativities on the forum but I'm sure there are a lot of people happy with their Pathfinder. It's not an SUV. It has a unibody construction so it's not rigid like a frame-based SUV. It has horrible ground clearance and the 4WD is questionable for any sort of off-roading. On the other hand, my 2017 SV has an excellent ride, the 4WD fits my driving needs and I get 26-28 MPG on the highway. It has plenty of room for 4 large adults and luggage for long trips. Others may disagree but I've been satisfied with mine.

 

Recommend this car for a small family. I do not go off roading.

 

Welcome to the forum! There are many discussions on this forum on a wide range of topics. I would suggest that you read through the sections that interest you and then pose whatever questions you have that are confusing to you.

In many respects, the Pathfinder is an excellent vehicle for a small family. It seats 7, is very comfortable, and the gas mileage is reasonable for a vehicle of its size.

 

Count me in as RECOMMEND. I bought my ‘23 Pathy last April and have been lurking on this forum and today finally joined. Despite all the complaints here the RS3 Pathfinder is TOTALLY underrated IMHO. Not perfect, as no modern SUV or vehicle is, but does everything you need a mid-size SUV to do, and with comfort and style. I love my Pathy and think you would too. Comparatively for the price it can’t be beat, and I have the SL, midnight pkg. To complement I replaced the 18” chrome wheels with 20” black wheels and tires. She’s a beauty and head-turner. Currently have 8K issue-free miles. Tow a 2K+ lb boat periodically with ease. I’m still amazed at the underdog, under-recommended, under-reviewed status of this beauty. The 3.5L, 6 cylinder is a dying breed, so recommend snap one up while you can!

 

…Oh and just develop habit of 1) press start button 2) TURN OFF ASS 3) depress e-brake and you should have no issues. IMHO the amount of complaints on this forum on transmission/driving performance can easily be resolved by just turning off the stupid ASS immediately at startup. I also peruse Pilot, CX-90, VW Atlas forums and they all have similar transmission/drive issues, so don’t be fooled thinking RS3 Pathy is alone in this. It’s a general issue with modern transmissions and tuning.

 

Sorry to keep rambling (pent up posting 😂), but if Nissan is listening, change transmission from the current 9sp to simple and proven, reliable 8 sp ZF transmission you couldn’t keep Pathfinders in stock!

 

Yes I would definitely recommend it. Forums are a VERY small percentage of the actual owner base and amplifies issues accordingly. But I really enjoy mine, have only had very minor issues/complaints. It drives comfortable for me and my passengers (small family of 3).

 

I totally agree that this minor subsample of owners magnifies the good and the bad........

 

As much as my '18 PF (bought off lease with 20,000km in the fall of '18 from Nissan) has been nothing but an anvil hanging over my head with the VQ35DD engine for the past year. Otherwise its been pretty much problem free ownership.

Would I buy/recommend a NEW PF? Yes BUT I would STRONGLY SUGGEST shorter oil change intervals and perhaps an oil catch can with their direct injection engines. The added cost in annual maintenance will be well worth it vs dealing with issues of the dealership declaring a sludged engine and an added layer of BS to deal with. Mentioning this to the sales person to include a bunch of complimentary oil changes should be an easy thing for them to add on to get the sale

Without going into a philosophical/political/societal/psychological/environmental/business rant...no matter what vehicle one decides to buy...be proactive and early service intervals (oil, transmission, transfercase, etc). Keep your receipts/documentation if performed at your preferred garage/DIY and having it documented on CarFax seems to be the new "thing".

 

I have been lurking on this forum for a while and your post helped me decide to give my opinion. With that said, this is simply my opinion about the Pathfinders. When we purchased the car the only SUVs considered where IIHS top safety picks that had 3 rows. This limited the selection the the Kia/Hyundai twins, Explorer, Atlus, Accent and the Highlander. There may have been more but these were what we looked at. For the size, money, towing capacity, options and so on the Pathfinder was the best pick for our family.

We have a 2022 2wd Platinum that will roll over 50,000 miles this week. We have had zero mechanical issues or any issues for that matter. We have two kids that play travel sports and have driven this car all over including several trips over 3,000 miles. Average mpg is 21.7 (hand calculated) and this included pulling our 21 foot Sea-doo Switch (roughly 3,500 pounds with gear) most weekends in the summer. These trips are about 50 miles round trip averaging 14ish when pulling the boat. I added Airlift air bags to help the squat on when towing the boat and when the cargo carrier is loaded down with our sports equipment and luggage.

There are a few annoyances that if you dig deep enough any car will have. The first is the passenger seat being to low and not having the ability to raise it. This is something we should have noticed on he test drive, but we live and learn. Second is the rear brakes wearing quickly. OE pads and rotors lasted 45,000 miles and it took me an hour to change them. I would have liked them to last longer but not a huge issue. You have to remember that most forums are the place people come to complain about issues and look for problems they might have. This is not limited to the Pathfinders at all! I do not want to tell you the car is perfect or it would fit your needs, but it fits for my family. Hope that helps.

 

We are very happy with the value in our true 7 seater platinum PF 2015. The comfortable leather seating and storage room along with headrest TVs for the kids, along with decent mpg make it a great family car both for short and long trips. I like to have the AWD option just in case but we rarely need it. I recently added a roof rack and we are ready for any road trip now.

 

We are very happy with the value in our true 7 seater platinum PF 2015. The comfortable leather seating and storage room along with headrest TVs for the kids, along with decent mpg make it a great family car both for short and long trips. I like to have the AWD option just in case but we rarely need it. I recently added a roof rack and we are ready for any road trip now.


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Huh…I was never really a big fan of the Pathfinder’s design until the R53, but have to admit your ‘midnight’ version looks pretty good…Here’s my ‘23 SL Black edition with after market 20” black wheels:

 

Over a year in on our 23’ Rock Creek and I wouldn’t trade it for much else out there. Zero issues, no recalls, great driving car. Don’t do any off-roading, but looks the part. I’d recommend.

 

I would definitely highly recommend it. I love my 2023 sl with premium package and 4wd

 

I have the same car as @Smokiespathy metallic gun grey SL 4WD Premium 2023. I love it too I’ve owned it for 15 months now with over 10K miles. No problems so far, been on a few 7 hour road trips to and from NY and Maine multiple times this past year and loving it. Only driven it through one unexpected real snowstorm after leaving dinner one night and the highway roads weren’t plowed or salted yet and it handled well going slower speed with the stock Hankook tires. I’ve gotten multiple compliments from strangers asking what car that is and how nice it looks. Highly recommend!

 

I am curious as the new R53s look smaller to me. Is the seating 6 or 7?

 

They are 7 with captains chair option or 8 without.

 

I would recommend it too,

all the brands out there these days have things to deal with which is now a part of life unlike in the old days things were by FAR more reliable. Rides great, decent mpg, quality stereo, quite peppy but not for hot rodding a CVT, room for a full family or a road trip, great a/c & heat. etc. IF you buy used or rental make sure its gone through entirely with a high end code reader to haggle the purchase price when issues are found. Maintenance & frequent oil changes will make it last & stay reliable. Wife's love this brand so that's + keeping them happy in the end. I'm lucky I know how to do the repairs vs trusting a shop/dealership to do the repair 100% first time correctly. Mine is only 2wd never off road other then the occasional MTB parking lot or at the lake parking on the beach.

 

I'm a retired mechanic, the R53 is the best car I have owned, The 9 speed ZF close ratio is a cracker, matched to the VQ35 is perfect. 8 seater, family use, some times used to tow my twin axle caravan. just perfect.

 

Its not great, it definitely could be better. I would recommend it if you're looking for a somewhat comfortable people mover. The redesign body presents very well, rear brakes are bad and its slow even in sport mode.

 

It’s actually one of the quickest non-luxury mid-size 3-row SUVs on the market today with a 0-60 time of 6.5/6.6 sec, which is quicker than Pilot, Telluride/Palisade, etc. And I personally feel it in my daily driving and passing power on highway.

 

…And I primarily drive in normal vs sport mode

 

Bought a used 2014 Platinum PF in mid 2015 with 18K miles. I do all maintenance on it including two complete brake jobs and tensioner and belt replacement. It now has over 100,000K miles. It has never been to the dealer. I don't like it and crossover vehicles in general. But it's the wife's vehicle and she loves it. I've owned Acuras, Toyota, and GM. It is the most trouble-free car that I've owned.

 

I would recommend. My 2018 SL has been nothing but reliable and has held up very well. I remember when researching different SUVs to buy that had 7 seats and AWD/4WD the savings in gas from the would equate to a couple thousand dollars over the life of the car. Not sure if that still translates given the R53 refresh though.

No cracks in the leather, paint still looks great after 85K miles. No random issues like buttons that stop working ect...

My one gripe is an annoying as hex rattle at low RPM that I have never figured out. I've resigned to live with it hoping it's not a chain about to snap.

 

I've had my 2023 PF for just less than a year. I like the vehicle a lot and my wife loves it. She like sitting up high and she is the primary driver dad to day. I drove it 5000 miles in two weeks so I can comment on the seats and creature comforts. The seats to me were fine. We have 2nd row captains chairs and my wife and sister in law were back there and they were quite happy. There are plenty of plug ins for cell phones and tablets. The Apple Car play is nice. Mileage fully loaded with luggage and LOTS of mountain driving came in a 21 and change. It is a 4WD. In city situations, parking can be a bit exciting but doable.

 

We have a 2024 SL AWD. Made a trip from Virginia Beach to OH loaded. We averaged about what you did. About 21.5 mpg.

 

It's one of the best cars in its class, and you get your money's worth. I've got the 22 platinum, and the specs and quality for a non-luxury SUV are just great. The only competition is probably the Telluride, and I actually bought a Telluride and traded it two months later to get the Pathfinder. They are both fine cars, but I liked the Pathfinder more. I do my homework before buying a car, and for the price range, there aren't any better options. Similar cars are either too expensive or do not have the same specs (technology, HP, comfort, design).

 

First Nissan and no complaints this far on a '24 Rock Creek. Yeah, there are annoyances but pretty sure you could find them on a Lambo. Like the way the RC drove, finishes and price. V6 and transmission feel great together. Plenty of room for long trips and you're not driving a minivan or a boxy Suburban around. We looked the the Telluride as well and honestly didn't like the interior setup.

 

NO! In fact, HELL NO!!! It is filled with electronic glitches. STAY AWAY FROM PATHFINDER!

 

We own one and my wife has worked for Nissan for almost 20 years. Yes, all models, especially the first production year, have issues from time to time. The 2022 Pathfinder was no different. That is why we waited for the 2024 and didn't jump on the 2022. I asker her tonight about your statement. She hasn't heard of anything unusual about the pathfinders. She works in the service department, she would have a good opinion locally at least, based on her Nissan dealership and the mechanics that work there. PS; I was a Mechanic for years, I've seen both sides and can feel your pain if you own a problem child.

 

I would recommend the R53. I have a 23’ Rock Creek.

like how it drives and how it looks. Reviewers seem to care mostly about gimmicks like electronic lift gates and electronic folding rear seats. Or soft touch materials. I prefer to have things manual as they are less likely to break. If you like luxury cars, the pathfinder is not for you.

The main reason I bought the Pathfinder is the 6,000 lbs towing capacity and the ability to add a brake controller. Only some versions of the Durango have more towing capacity, but that model needs a refresh. Also, the Pathfinder is a lot cheaper than comparable SUVs.

 

I would recommend the R53. I have a 23’ Rock Creek.

like how it drives and how it looks. Reviewers seem to care mostly about gimmicks like electronic lift gates and electronic folding rear seats. Or soft touch materials. I prefer to have things manual as they are less likely to break. If you like luxury cars, the pathfinder is not for you.

The main reason I bought the Pathfinder is the 6,000 lbs towing capacity and the ability to add a brake controller. Only some versions of the Durango have more towing capacity, but that model needs a refresh. Also, the Pathfinder is a lot cheaper than comparable SUVs.

Yep, the beauty and reliability of simplicity, something unfortunately auto manufacturers (even non-luxury brands) seem to be trending away from these days, hence all the current electronic, sensor, software, chip shortage, etc crap issues. Even affecting the formerly reliable Toyota/Lexus vehicles. Read their forums where customers are now experiencing these issues and yearning for the days of the former NA vs turbo engines, simple transmission setup, etc…Like I said better grab these more simplistic vehicles like the Pathfinder while you can!