Review: Nissan R51 Pathfinder (2005-13)

Review: Nissan R51.I Pathfinder (2005-10)

Overview

Released in July 2005, the Nissan R51 Pathfinder was a seven seat, four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Barcelona, Spain, the R51.I Pathfinder was available with either a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine or a 4.0-litre V6 petrol unit; transmission choices were a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The Pathfinder was initially available in ST, ST-L and Ti variants. In April 2006, the range was expanded with the introduction of a turbo-diesel Ti variant and, in September 2009, a limited-run Titanium variant was released.

Dimensions

Compared to the R50 Pathfinder , the R51 Pathfinder was 100 mm longer (at 4740 mm), 30 mm wider (1850 mm), 58 mm taller (1783 mm) and had a 150 mm longer wheelbase (2850 mm). Ground clearance for the R51 Pathfinder was 211 mm, while the approach and departure angles were 33 and 26 degrees respectively.

Suspension

The R51 Pathfinder had a ladder-frame chassis with double wishbone front suspension (with coil-over shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar) and independent, multi-link rear suspension (with anti-roll bars and separately mounted shock absorbers and coil springs).

4WD system

The R51 Pathfinder was fitted with Nissans ‘All Mode 4×4’ four-wheel drive system. Controlled via a rotary dial on the dashboard, the system had four selectable modes: Auto, 2WD, 4WD (Hi) and 4WD (Lo). In ‘Auto’ mode, drive was directed to the rear wheels, but up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque could be redirected to the front axle in the event that the rear wheels lost traction.

The ST-L and Ti models were also fitted with an Active Brake Limited Slip Differential which was controlled by the ABS sensors and could brake any wheel that had lost traction in order to transfer drive to the opposite wheel on that axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the R51 Pathfinder included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The ST-L variant added electronic stability control and traction control, while the Ti was further equipped with front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows).

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2006 Pathfinder fitted with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.17 out of 37 when fitted with dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain airbags. In the frontal offset impact, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, however, the Pathfinder received maximum points.

Features: Pathfinder ST, ST-L and Ti

Standard features for the Pathfinder ST included 16-inch alloy wheels with 255/70 R16 tyres, a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, courtesy lights, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver seat and an immobiliser. Inside, the second row of seats was split 40/20/40 and could fold into the load floor, which also contained two storage bins.

The Pathfinder ST-L was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/65 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, fog lights, compass, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, roof rails, side steps and trip computer.

Beyond this, the Pathfinder Ti added a rear seat DVD/MP3 player with screen, rear air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, rear parking sensors, a tilt-slide sunroof and woodgrain interior trim.

2009 Pathfinder Titanium

In September 2009, a limited-run Titanium variant was released. Based on the ST-L, the Titanium added front side airbags, curtain airbags, leather seats and power adjustable and heated front seats with driver’s seat memory settings. Visually, the Titanium variant could be identified by its titanium-coloured 17-inch alloy wheels, front grille, front door handles, side mirrors, side steps, roof rails and ‘Titanium’ decals.

Review: Nissan R51.II Pathfinder (2010-13)

Overview

Released in June 2010, the R51 Series II (R51.II) Pathfinder introduced a revised range, improved equipment levels and a subtle facelift. Furthermore, the 4.0-litre petrol engines were discontinued and the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines were upgraded, producing more power and torque. In January 2011, the Pathfinder range was expanded with the introduction of the Ti 550 variant, powered by a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Visually, the R51.II Pathfinder could be identified by its revised bonnet, grille, more rounded front bumper, squared-off rear bumper and indicator lights within the door mirrors. Inside, the dashboard, centre console, door trims and seat upholstery were also updated.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the R51.II Pathfinder was substantially the same as its predecessor, although the ST-L variant was now fitted full-length curtain airbags.

Features

Standard features for the Pathfinder ST were extended to include a six disc in-dash CD player with auxiliary MP3-player input, dual zone climate control air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls. The ST-L was fitted with leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, power folding mirrors, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, a proximity key and rear parking sensors.

The Pathfinder Ti gained satellite navigation with a seven-inch colour touchscreen, 9.3GB ‘Music Box’hard drive, iPod/USB audio inputs, front DVD player (in addition to the rear DVD player), reversing camera with ‘predictive path’ feature and xenon headlights with washers.

Compared to the Ti, the Pathfinder Ti 550 was distinguished by its nine speaker Bose sound system, upgraded DVD player, rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, heated mirrors, bonnet protector, wind deflector, privacy glass, floor mats and alarm.

2011 Pathfinder Titanium

In June 2011, a limited-run Titanium variant was released. Based on the ST-L, the Titanium added front side airbags, curtain airbags, rear air conditioning, leather seats and power adjustable and heated front seats with driver’s seat memory settings. Visually, the Titanium variant could be identified by its titanium-coloured 17-inch alloy wheels, front grille, front door handles, side mirrors, side steps, roof rails and ‘Titanium’decals.

2013 Pathfinder Adventure Special Edition

In April 2013, a limited-run Adventure Special Edition was released. Based on the ST-L, the Adventure Special Edition featured satellite navigation with HEMA Tracks (over 60,000 kms of 4WD tracks), a front DVD player and a 41-litre cool box. The Adventure Special Edition was also fitted with Nissan accessories such as an alloy nudge bar, tow bar, smoked bonnet protector and roof bars.

Brochures

• Brochure: Nissan R51 Pathfinder (March 2011)
• Brochure: Nissan R51 Pathfinder (January 2013)

Related links

• Specifications: Nissan R51 Pathfinder (March 2011)
• Wikipedia.org: Nissan R51 Pathfinder