2024 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

Now in its 5th generation, the Nissan Pathfinder is no stranger to PRN_TestDrive. In fact, James drove the Rock Creek off-road variant earlier in 2023. This time around we're in the fully loaded 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD, a three-row crossover designed with family life in mind. Gone are the days of the old body-on-frame SUVs, a trend Nissan understood in order to capture a growing market.

The Platinum comes well-equipped for the $61,078.00 CAD of our test-model, there's nothing you can add to this outside of accessories. Meant to be a pavement rider, the Pathfinder Platinum is comfortable for larger families who need a vehicle to get to school, work, soccer practice, and more. Heated and ventilated front seats, trip-zone automatic climate control, easy-access to the third row with uniquely folding second-row captain's chairs, and more.

The 3.5L V6 engine produces 284 horsepower, and 259 lb-ft of torque, not quite as much as the Rock Creek version, but plenty for daily use. We managed 8.7L/100km on our 100km test loop, which sets a strong bar for other three-row crossovers to match. Efficiency is a key on this vehicle, with adequate amount of power to get the job done.

Buyers in this segment are typically looking for some level of flexibility. The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder's third row folds up and down easily providing extra storage space when needed. The second row can also fold flat to expand the overall cargo capabilities of this crossover. A unique selling feature for families is how those second row of seats can fold, or rather move out of the way. With the touch of a button the seat will eject forward without unlatching the backrest, meaning a carseat that's installed won't need to be removed or adjusted in order for passengers to access the third row. Few vehicles do this, in fact so few our staff couldn't remember where we've seen this before.

One sore spot for the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is the infotainment system. Nissan's offering is one of the oldest on the market, and is actually worse than the ARIYA full-electric we drive during the time we had this While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come built-in, users will still need to operate within the Nissan operating system for in-car functions like the 360º cameras, vehicle settings, and radio controls. We hope the new Renault-Nissan-Mitsibishi Alliance will help foster innovation in the tech space, as we find the Japanese automakers typically lag behind the competition when it comes to in-car tech, despite Japan being a leading innovator of high-tech in the consumer space.

For more on the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD along with a quick review of the 2023 Nissan ARIYA, and some history about Nissan as they celebrate their 90th anniversary, check out our full tour and review over on the PRN_TestDrive YouTube Channel: