The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize sports utility vehicle which function well for both family use and off-road purposes. It is a midsize SUV that has a capacity for seven passengers. It is available in five trim levels as well. And since this is the 25th anniversary of the Pathfinder, its manufacturer—the automobile giant Nissan—has decided to add a special Silver Edition to the line up of this models trims.
Nonetheless, even though the 2011 model of the Pathfinder is now bigger, its off-road capacity is hindered by its size and weight. Thus, a lot of reviews find that it might not do well in this area.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $28,570.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gallons (79 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 15 city / 22 hwy |
| Length: 192.3 in. (488 cm) | Width: 72.8 in. (184 cm) |
| Height: 72 in. (182 cm) | Wheel Base: 112.2 in. (284.9 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4427 lbs (2008 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.7 in. (22 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 16.5 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 24-valve DOHC V6 | Displacement: 4.0-liter |
| Horsepower: 266 HP | Max RPM: 5600 RPM |
| Torque: 288 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds | Max Towing Capacity: 6000 lbs (2721 kgs) |
| Option:SV | MSRP: $31,920; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:Silver Edition | MSRP: $35,910; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:LE V6 | MSRP: $38,120; MPG: 15 city / 22 hwy |
| Option:LE V8 – 4WD | MSRP: $43,250; MPG: 13 city / 18 hwy |
Performance
Under the hood, you will find that there are two engine options offered for this model. One is the 4.-liter V6 engine. This is considered to be the standards for all the trim levels except the one at the top. This V6 engine of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is capable of producing up to 266 horsepower as well as 288 pound-feet of torque.
On the other hand, the other engine is a V8 with a 5.6-liter capacity. It can produce as much as 310 horsepower coupled with 380 pound-feet of torque. This is the engine of the Pathfinder LE V8 trim. As for the transmission, all models come with a five-speed automatic transmission as a standard.
Interior & Exterior
When it comes to the exterior, the reviews are quite mixed for the 2011 model. Although as a standard, all the trims in this model are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and automatic headlights. There are also running boards included.
A review has also called this model as a truck in truck’s clothing. For instance, it has the same blocky and chiselled look of some models from its class. And while there are a couple of reviews which are not really satisfied with the styling and design of the 2011 Pathfinder, this is not to say that they find it horrible.
But when it comes to the interior, there are quite a lot of positive reviews for this model. This has quite an attractive cabin and a refined dashboard. And although most customers and experts are satisfied with the cabin of this model, some of them still find the second and third rows to be cramped.
As for the interior features, the 2011 model has really received much improvement. A lot of reviews have also been saying that the interior features and technology of this model works well.
Safety & Reliability
When it comes to safety matters, this model comes with a handful of standard safety features. For instance, all the models come with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side and side curtain airbags, as well as active front seat restraints. All models of the Nissan Pathfinder are also equipped with stability control. This model also comes with Vehicle Dynamic Control as well as roof-mounted supplemental air bags.
However, when it comes to reliability, a lot of reviews only find this mode mediocre. As a matter of fact, it only got 6.0 out of 10 in the Predicted Reliability rating by J. D. Power. As for the basic warranty, this model comes with a warranty of three years or 36,000 miles. It also has a drive-train warranty of five years or 60,000 miles.
Pros & Cons
All in all, the customers and experts like the powerful engines of this model. The towing capability of the 2011 model is also a hit, and so is the large storage room. On the other hand, there are some complaints as regards the minimal cargo space and cramped seating for the second and third rows.
The Competition
Finally, if you are looking for other choices, you may want to check out the Chevrolet Traverse (MSRP $29,370; 17 city / 24 hwy) and Jeep Grand Cherokee (MSRP $30,215; 16 city / 23 hwy) which are considered competitors of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder.
Overall Rating
62 out of 100
What others say:
“The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is a workhorse SUV that also offers decent comfort and an impressive feature set.”Car Connection
“V6 Pathfinders are peppy from a stop and around town. A 2WD SE did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds in our testing. Passing maneuvers require a brief moment for the transmission to downshift, but power is ample thereafter. ”Consumer Guide
“Powerful V6 and V8 engines; generous storage room; strong towing ability.”Edmunds
“If you’re looking for a way to haul seven people without the “Soccer Mom” stigma associated with driving a minivan, check out the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. The Pathfinder’s four-wheel-drive system is capable of challenging the best off-road vehicles in the industry, proving that its rugged image isn’t just for show.”KBB
