After revitalizing sales of the legendary Pathfinder brand with the 2013 introduction of an all-new fourth-generation design, Nissan's iconic SUV takes another major step forward with the introduction of the first-ever Pathfinder Hybrid for the 2014 model year. As demand for high efficiency gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles grows, Pathfinder offers a uniquely Nissan “innovation" approach that increases fuel economy and driving range with no reduction of its 7-passenger/3-row roominess, ample cargo space or responsive performance compared to Pathfinder V6-equipped models.
At the heart of the new 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid - which is offered in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive models - is its supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor paired to a compact Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. The Li-ion battery fits under the 3rd row seat so there is no compromise of passenger seating capacity, 2nd or 3rd row legroom or cargo space. With the flat rather than raised floor, entry and exit to and from every row is as easy and convenient as the standard Pathfinder models.
The hybrid system uses a Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch System (one motor / two clutch parallel system) that efficiently manages power from both the electric motor and the gas engine. The 15 kW electric motor and gas engine work in tandem to provide performance equivalent to the non-hybrid Pathfinder's 3.5-liter gasoline V6. The system is rated at 250 net horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque - versus the 3.5-liter V6 ratings of 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque.
The new Pathfinder Hybrid also uses an advanced, next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission). Fuel economy is estimated* at 26 mpg Combined, an increase of 24 percent (versus standard Pathfinder). Estimated* City fuel economy is 25 mpg, while Highway mileage is estimated at 27 mpg. With the Pathfinder HEV's large 19.5-gallon fuel tank, the same as conventional models, driving range is estimated at more than 526 miles**.
The Pathfinder Hybrid features regenerative braking to automatically recharge the battery during braking by converting the vehicle's kinetic energy otherwise lost in braking. Like the conventional models, it is also the only vehicle in class*** with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system. Standard towing rating for the adventure-ready Pathfinder Hybrid is 3,500 pounds (when properly equipped).
Visually the Pathfinder Hybrid is marked by exclusive, efficient LED taillights and Nissan PUREDRIVE® Hybrid badges. In addition, special hybrid system information screens are added to the instrument panel's Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display.
The customizable, easy-to-read 4.2-inch color monitor can show power output readings from the electric motor and gas engine, along with how much power is being regenerated back into the battery.
Beyond these changes, the new Hybrid is pure Pathfinder - combining core Pathfinder values of fun, utility and fresh style with exceptional versatility and full-size comfort for seven within a mid-size SUV platform. With its efficient unibody construction, it offers best-in-class passenger volume*** and innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, an industry first 2nd row tip-up seat which allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat still installed.
A range of available amenities are also offered with Pathfinder Hybrid, including three rows of leather-appointed seating, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, programmable Nissan Intelligent Key®, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 13-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system, Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, RearView Monitor, Remote Engine Start, Tri-Zone Entertainment System, Dual Panorama Moonroof and standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately).
The available 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of the Nissan Navigation System, along with a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings. Other available technology includes the Easy Fill Tire Alert system and class-exclusive**** Around View® Monitor.
Like all Pathfinders, the Hybrid offers a quiet, comfortable ride and handling provided by an independent strut front/multi-link rear suspension and standard hydraulic electric power-assisted steering. Available wheel and tire combinations include 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/55R20 all-season tires.
The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is available in 4WD and 2WD drive configurations and in three trim levels: SV, SL and Platinum. Highlights of the new 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid include:
Body
- Modern, aerodynamic exterior styling with bold design cues
- 0.34 coefficient of drag
- Smart fusion of signature Nissan styling cues and dynamic strength
- Fresh interpretation of Nissan's “power strut" grille design
- Adventure-ready with wheel-oriented muscular fenders and a strong stance
- Open upper cabin with low beltline and thin A- and D-pillars
- Long wheelbase, short front and rear overhangs
- Chrome grille, front and rear door handles and front and rear fascia accents
- Body color bumpers and dual power remote-controlled outside mirrors (manual fold)
- Available heated outside mirrors and mirror reverse synch
- Front (chin) and rear (roof) spoilers, rear tire deflectors and rear suspension fairing
- Black roof molding, available chrome bodyside molding
- UV-reducing solar glass, rear privacy glass
- Standard auto on/off headlights with auto hazard system (linked to front wipers with twilight detection)
- Available fog lights
- Hybrid-exclusive LED taillights and rear markers
- Available Dual Panorama Moonroof with one-touch open/close controls (front), manual front sunshade and rear roof glass with power sunshade
- Available power liftgate with closure assist, liftgate position memory
- Available painted roof rails and cross bars
- Eight available exterior colors - Mocha Stone, Desert Sand, Brilliant Silver, Dark Slate, Super Black, Cayenne Red, Moonlight White and Artic Blue Metallic
- Hybrid badges on front doors and liftgate
Engine and Driveline
- Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch Hybrid system, which combines a compact laminated lithium-ion battery design with an innovative one-motor/two-clutch motor control
- 2.5-liter DOHC supercharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 230 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque
- 15 kW electric motor rated at 20 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque
- Hybrid system net power: 250 horsepower
- Next-generation Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- Available intuitive All-Mode 4x4-i system with 2WD/AUTO/4WD Lock modes
- Standard 2-wheel or 4-wheel active brake limited slip (ABLS)
- Standard Hill Start Assist
- Available tow hitch receiver, trailer harness and finisher (standard on Hybrid Platinum)
- 3,500-pound towing capacity (when properly equipped)
Suspension, Steering and Braking
- Durable unibody construction
- Independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
- Multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar
- Twin tube shock absorbers with dual flow path
- Hydraulic electric speed-sensitive power-assisted steering
- Regenerative braking system
- 4-wheel vented disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
- 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with light gun metallic paint finish, 235/65R18 all-season tires (Hybrid SV, SL)
- Available 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with light gun metallic paint finish, 235/55R20 all-season tires (Hybrid Platinum)
Interior Features
- Stylish interior design with 7-passenger seating
- 8-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar support, available 4-way power front passenger seat, available 2-way power driver's seat lumbar support
- Available Heated and Cooled front seats
- Standard 2nd row 60/40-split seat with manual slide/recline/fold flat
- Standard 3rd row 50/50-split seat with manual recline/flat fold
- Segment unique EZ Flex Seating System™ with 3rd row access from 2nd row walk-in function and LATCH AND GLIDE™ child safety seat slide functionality (on passenger side seat)
- Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display with Hybrid power usage and charge regeneration information displays
- Standard 7-inch color multi-information display (QVGA) with RearView Monitor
- Available 8-inch color monitor with VGA touch display
- Available heated steering wheel (standard on Platinum model)
- Available Nissan Navigation System with Voice Recognition, NavTraffic and NavWeather (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio
- Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition
- Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
- Available 13-speaker Bose® audio system with Acoustic Waveguide Subwoofer
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately)
- Available leather-appointed 1st, 2nd and 3rd row and 1st row power memory seats
- Power windows with driver/front passenger one-touch auto up/down with auto-reverse
- Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, rear air conditioning
- Class-exclusive**** available Around View® Monitor
- Available dual head restraint-mounted DVD video entertainment system
- Available wood-toned interior trim accents
- Two available interior colors - Almond and Charcoal
- Storage compartment under cargo floor, cargo area light
- Available remote engine start
Safety and Security
- Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor)
- 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
- Standard supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags
- Standard roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard passengers in all three rows
- 3-point seat belts for rear seat occupants, including 2nd row center position
- Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) 2nd row outboard seating positions only
- Child safety rear door locks
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with standard Easy Fill Tire Alert, available independent tire pressure monitoring (SV and above)
- Brake Override Technology
Models and Manufacturing
- Available in 4WD and 2WD Hybrid drive configurations and in three models: SV, SL and Platinum
- Assembled by Nissan North America manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee plants
*Nissan testing results, subject to EPA confirmation
**526.5-mile estimated range calculated using 2014 EPA Fuel Economy Estimate 27 mpg Highway multiplied by 19.5 gallon capacity. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions use for comparison only.
***Ward's Large Cross/Utility Market Segmentation. MY14 Pathfinder vs. 2013 Large Cross/Utility Class
****Parking aid/convenience feature. Cannot completely eliminate blind spots or warn of moving objects. May not detect every object. Always check surroundings before moving vehicle. Not a substitute for proper backing procedures. Always turn to check what is behind you before backing up.
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