all-wheel drive

Behind the Wheel of a
2019 Nissan Pathfinder

August 13, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

The Rock Creek Edition comes to the SV and SL trims.

The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize, three-row crossover utility vehicle with room for up to eight. Its Nissan’s largest crossover, dwarfed only by the rugged Armada SUV. Even so, the Pathfinder holds its own, as it delivers ample interior room, decent storage space, and surprisingly generous towing capacity.

You’ll find a crowded field of competing models, as most manufacturers field their best vehicles. This shouldn’t be surprising as crossovers are the current family vehicle of choice.

Among the many competitors are the Ford Explorer, Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Volkswagen Atlas, Buick Enclave, and the Honda Pilot. Not to be forgotten are the Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-9, and the Hyundai Santa Fe XL.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Overview

Nissan offers the 2019 Pathfinder in four trims: S ($31,530), SV ($34,370), SL ($38,020), and Platinum ($42,870). Add $1,045 for the destination charge. If you prefer all-wheel drive instead of the standard front-wheel drive, then you’ll add $1,690 to your beginning cost.

For 2019, the Pathfinder gains a pair of Rock Creek Edition models for the SV and SL trims. A $995 upgrade, the Rock Creek Editions bundle special badging, leather seats, with unique exterior and interior trim.

Our test model was the Pathfinder SV 4WD Rock Creek Edition. It came with Rock Creek Edition crossbars ($395) and carpeted floor mats ($300), and a special tech package ($980). The various bundled packages resulted in a $1,315 discount, which brought this model’s final price to $39,675. Typically, well-equipped models in this segment yield for at least $40,000. The most you’ll pay for any Pathfinder is $47,700, and that’s before any incentives are taken.

Nissan Pathfinder Highlights

As with any model in this class, there is a lot to consider. We’ll break it down and pay special attention to the Rock Creek package. Our driving impressions are in the section that follows.

1. One of six Nissan utility vehicles. The Pathfinder fits neatly into the utility vehicle universe. It is one of two midsize offerings — the Murano with its two rows and room for five is the other choice. At the top of the SUV universe is the Armada, a traditional SUV along the lines of a Chevrolet Tahoe or Toyota Sequoia. The other models include the Kicks, Rogue Sport, and Rogue, the latter now its most popular vehicle. If you like Nissan, this automaker makes it easy to stay within the brand.

2. Mainstream all the way. The Pathfinder’s four trims ensure everyone can find something they want, along with premium features on some models. Standard exterior features include LED daytime running lights and aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, cloth seats, three-zone climate control, and easy-to-move seats are included. The list of upgrades includes automatic headlights, fog lamps, heated side mirrors, 20-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, and an automatic liftgate. Interior upgrades include leather seats, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, and stainless steel kick plates.

3. Taking you to the Rock Creek. Nissan is no stranger to special editions, with the Midnight Edition gracing several 2018 models and still available for 2019 in the Frontier and Titan pickup trucks. Those models featured blacked-out trim, which gave them a sporty and aggressive look. This year we have the Rock Creek, which happens to be the name of a large urban park in the Northwest quadrant of Washington, DC. However, Nissan hasn’t tied this special edition with the park, so let’s move on. If you are considering the Rock Creek edition package, you’ll find various blacked-out touches on the grille, roof rails, door handles, and wheels. Inside, special two-tone seating surfaces and badging add distinctiveness. For the price point, the Rock Creek Edition offers cost-effective design embellishments. One final note: the Rock Creek isn’t any more off-road capable than other Pathfinder models.

4. Packages for your consideration. Besides the Rock Creek Edition, Nissan delivers packages with all but the base model. The Pathfinder SV offers a Technology Package ($980) which also requires selecting the Rock Creek Edition. Here, you’ll receive Nissan’s navigation system and connected services, a three-year satellite radio subscription, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and power-controlled and heated side mirrors. The SL trim offers a Premium Package ($980) which also builds on the Rock Creek Edition. Here, Nissan brings in the dual-panel panoramic moonroof and an exquisite 13-speaker Bose audio system. Finally, if you choose the top-of-the-line Platinum trim, you’ll find a Mobile Entertainment System Package ($1,700). This one adds a three-zone entertainment system, which is highlighted by dual 8-inch monitors mounted to the front head restraints.

5. Advanced driver-assist technologies for the taking. We want safety features and not simply airbags, traction and stability control, and safety cages. Today’s vehicles should offer cutting-edge driver-assist features. As for the Pathfinder, it offers most of the features we want. To begin, all trims are equipped with automatic emergency braking. Next, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert roll out with the SV. The SL trim adds an around-view monitor. The only things lacking are lane keep assist and active lane control, features found in most other Nissan models.

6. Tech and audio features available. Nissan equips the Pathfinder with a six-speaker audio system, which includes a CD player. You’ll also find trial satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and six USB ports. We mentioned the Bose system upgrade as well as the entertainment package earlier. If you want a wireless charger, it is a $250 accessory upgrade.

Behind the Wheel

All 2019 Pathfinders come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. In fact, the Pathfinder is the only model in this segment with a CVT — the rest have automatic transmissions.

The Pathfinder’s engine is good for 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. That’s within the range of most competing models. Even so, a few competitors have upgraded engine choices, including the Dodge Durango with the segment-only V8. Importantly, the Pathfinder has one significant edge over most competitors and that comes in towing capacity, which registers a robust 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. Compare that with the 5,000-pound limit of the Subaru Ascent, Chevrolet Traverse, and the Toyota Highlander.

The Pathfinder’s engine is ideally suited for this sizable crossover. Indeed, it supplies ample step-off acceleration and passing power. The CVT acquits itself, tuned to “pull back” at select intervals in the power curve. Thus, it behaves more like an automatic, a gearless transmission that’s also more efficient. You should enjoy about a 2-3 mpg edge over most competing models because of it.

Steering is light and precise, supplying ample feedback. Here, you’re not driving a beastly SUV, rather one that supplies a soft ride and average handling. As such, models like the Pathfinder tend to roll while cornering, owing to this vehicle’s high profile and weight. If you’re looking for a performance edge, the Nissan Maxima sedan might do.

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We rarely recommend a base model and that holds true with the 2019 Pathfinder. Start your search with the SV trim, and Nissan adds such features as fog lights, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.

If you tow or live where wintry conditions are prevalent than opt for all-wheel drive. Your cost is still around $37,000, which is a very competitive price point in this segment.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Specifications

Nissan	2019 Pathfinder
Segment	Large crossover
Base Sticker Price	$32,575 (including a $1,045 destination charge)
Price as tested (estimated)	$39,675
Engine	3.5-liter, V6
Horsepower	284 @ 6,400 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	259 @ 4,800 RPMs
Transmission	Continuously variable automatic
Seating	7 or 8
Curb Weight (pounds)	4,293 to 4,662
Wheelbase (inches)	114.2
Length (inches)	198.5
Width (inches)	77.3
Height (inches)	69.5
Headroom (f,m,r…inches)	42.2, 39.4, 37.8
Legroom (f,m,r…inches)	42.3, 41.7, 30.7
Shoulder room (f,m,r…inches)	60.9, 60.4, 57.1
Hip room (f,m,r…inches)	56.8, 56.0, 42.0
Storage (cubic feet)	21.0, 46.0, 87.0
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	5,985
Towing (pounds)	6,000
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	19.5
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	20/27/23 (FWD); 19/26/22 (AWD) city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant	Smyrna, Tennessee

See Also — 2019 Nissan Altima: Second Look

Kia Telluride: Opulent, Large Crossover

August 9, 2019 by admin 3 Comments

The 2020 Kia Telluride is this brand’s roomiest model.

Kia Motors continues to produce hit after hit, a trend that seems to have started way back in 2008 with the then all-new and ground-breaking Kia Soul.

This Korean manufacturer builds a variety of models, including the Forte sedan, Sportage crossover, and the Sedona minivan. In recent years, Kia has gone into new segments by delivering the luxurious K900 sedan, the performance Stinger hatchback, and now the big Telluride utility vehicle.

The Kia Telluride is this brand’s largest model ever, a three-row SUV with room for eight. It competes with the industry’s best, including the Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Traverse, Toyota Highlander, Dodge Durango, Volkswagen Atlas, and the Honda Pilot. We’d be remiss if we left out the Subaru Ascent, Mazda CX-9, and the Buick Enclave.

One further note: the Telluride is similar to the all-new Hyundai Palisade. It also slots just above the current Kia Sorento.

2020 Kia Telluride Overview

Kia offers the 2020 Telluride in four trims: LX ($31,690), S ($33,990), EX ($37,090), and SX ($41,490). Add $1,095 for the destination charge. Choose all-wheel drive and you’ll pay an additional $2,000.

As for our test model, Kia supplied a 2020 Telluride SX V6 AWD edition. This one included the SX Premium Package ($2,000), which adds rain-sensing front wipers, a head-up display, a 110-volt inverter, upgraded leather, and heated/cooled second-row seats. This seven-passenger model has middle-row captain’s chairs. Some models offer a second-row bench seat, which increases overall passenger room to eight.

In all, our test model retailed for $46,860. Carpeted floor mats ($210) and a carpeted cargo mat ($115) were the accessory items added.

Kia Telluride Highlights

There is a lot to digest about the Telluride. We’ve saved our driving impressions for the section that comes next. Meanwhile, the following are the highlights of this model.

1. New design, familiar platform. The Telluride is a clean-sheet design, which means it offers a fresh look, not a derivative. Underneath its skin, this crossover has a modified version of the Sorento’s platform. There are approximately five additional inches between the wheels (six inches overall). Where the Sorento has a more flowing visage, the Telluride is decidedly boxy. It has a broad grille, wide hood, powerful shoulders, and a commanding presence.

2. Upscale with a purpose. We’ve already mentioned Kia’s mainstream competitors. But if you think Kia doesn’t have luxury shoppers in mind, you’d be mistaken. Especially as you move up the trim range. The available satin chrome exterior accents and handsome 20-inch alloy wheels could just as easily be found in a Mercedes-Benz or Lexus product. But that’s just the exterior embellishments.

The Kia Telluride offers seating for seven or eight.

3. Larger than any Kia ever. The K900 is Kia’s largest model by overall dimensions, but the Telluride offers the most interior room of any Kia: 178.1 cubic feet. Seating is excellent in the first two rows, but tight in the third row. The latter isn’t much of a surprise as that’s typical of most competing models (the VW Atlas is one noteworthy exception). Likewise, the storage space is quite good — 21 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 87 cubic feet behind the first row.

4. An interior that’s a cut above. Kia has been upping its game in recent years, delivering select models that punch above this brand’s weight. One of the earliest of its upscale models was the K900, followed by the Cadenza sedan and Stinger sportback. The Telluride aims high, delivering imitation leather on the lower trims and real leather elsewhere. The available Napa hides on the SX are pretty, luxurious, and comfortable — they’re quilted and supply extra padding. The simulated brushed metal and matte-finish wood trim impart elegance.

5. Let’s power up! All but the base trim offers a power driver’s seat. Besides full power accessories, the Telluride comes with power-adjustable side mirrors, which are also heated and include integrated LED turn signals. They fold (Ex and SX) when the vehicle is off and tilt down (SX) when operating the Telluride in reverse. Other power-controlled features include the liftgate (EX and SX) and the sunroof (S and EX). By the way, the SX has a dual sunroof.

6. Lots of standard safety tech. If you’re familiar with Kia, you probably know that it takes safety very seriously. In fact, the Telluride offers a generous level of standard and optional driver-assist safety features. You’ll find standard forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance, lane departure warning, lane following/keeping assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control with full stop and go. Upgrades include highway driving assist (EX and SX), and on the SX model only you’ll discover high beam assist, a blind-spot view monitor, parking distance warning, and a surround-view monitor. We particularly enjoyed the blind-spot view monitor, which activates cameras on either side of the vehicle to expand the forward vision. Notably, the cameras turn on when the particular left or right turn signal is activated.

7. Audio and practical tech galore. You’ll find upwards of six USB charging ports in the Telluride. Where Kia located four of them is what’s intriguing — one each is on the back side of the front seats. Two more are on the outer walls of the third row. Thus, there isn’t a bad tech seat in the house! Other features include a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, an 8-inch color display, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX and SX trims gain navigation and a 10.3-inch display, while a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system is included with the SX.

Quite easily, Kia takes on the competition with a strong model. It pushes the envelope with some of its luxury, tech, and safety features. Its quiet interior is a bonus.

Behind the Wheel

All Tellurides come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine, which shuttles power to the front wheels or all four wheels. This engine makes 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque and works with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The power numbers are very close to the 3.3-liter V6 motivating the Sorento. Indeed, the smaller V6 is one of Kia’s most power-dense engines, as it produces 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque in the Sorento. The Telluride’s engine choice did not surprise us, although its lower-than-expected output did.

Nearly every competing V6 engine in this segment produces more power and typically displaces 3.5 or 3.6 liters. But the Telluride’s V6 does offer an important towing advantage with its standard 5,000-pound rating. In comparison, the Sorento’s V6 is limited to 3,500 pounds.

Kia marries a 3.8-liter V6 to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Telluride’s engine delivers a quick and smooth response at most times. But on occasion, we noticed some hesitation — similar to turbo lag — that held back power for a moment. It is an odd feeling for a naturally aspirated engine, an experience typically felt under hard acceleration. But once the engine kicked in, it moved the big crossover forward with authority. Equally, the transmission complied, delivering silky smooth shifts at all times.

Our test all-wheel-drive Telluride does its best to mimic a true four-wheel-drive SUV. The key to all this is the drive-mode selector knob, which includes comfort, sport, smart, eco, and snow modes. It also has a “lock” feature centered on the dial, which locks the center differential. By doing this, torque is evenly distributed between the front and rear axles.

If you’re tempted to take your all-wheel-drive Telluride off-road, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.

First, consider the terrain. Well worn paths, modest hills, and beginner trails are the way to go. The Telluride doesn’t have the same “4-Lo” setting as a four-wheel-drive vehicle, which is necessary for freeing your vehicle from ruts.

Second, ground clearance measures just 8.0 inches, which is nearly an inch lower than most Subaru models and two inches below certain Land Rover SUVs. Further, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has a 10.8-inch ground clearance. The Telluride has a 17-degree approach angle and a 20.9-degree departure angle, which is less than half that of some Wrangler models. Kia doesn’t publish the all-important breakover angle figure, however.

Where the Telluride has modest off-road capabilities, its shines on the road. This crossover delivers a very comfortable ride, weighted steering, and competent handling. We’ve driven far more expensive models from luxury manufacturers, including the BMW X7, and find that Kia offers a solid and cost-effective option. The self-leveling rear suspension included with the Towing Package ($795) is a welcome feature.

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Choose the Telluride EX and you’ll gain dual-zone climate control, second-row window sunshades, leather trim, ventilated front seats, and woodgrain accents. This model also has a wireless phone charger, a UVO app suite, and the previously mentioned tech and safety upgrades. Your cost is still below $40,000, with only the optional trailer package and all-wheel drive pushing your final cost higher.

If there is one improvement we’d like to see it is with the powertrain. A quicker response and improved fuel efficiency (low 20s, at best) are two things that would make the Kia difficult to resist. In any case, the 2020 Kia Telluride is a strong entry in a highly competitive segment, blending value and luxury almost perfectly.

2020 Kia Telluride Specifications

Kia	2020 Telluride
Segment	Large crossover
Base Sticker Price	$32,785 (including a $1,095 destination charge)
Price as tested (estimated)	$46,860
Engine	3.8-liter, V6
Horsepower	291 @ 6,000 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	262 @ 5,200 RPMs
Transmission	Eight-speed automatic
Seating	7 or 8
Curb Weight (pounds)	4,112 to 4,482
Wheelbase (inches)	114.2
Length (inches)	196.9
Width (inches)	78.3
Height (inches)	68.9
Headroom (f,m,r…inches)	40.9, 40.2, 38.1
Legroom (f,m,r…inches)	41.4, 42.4, 31.4
Shoulder room (f,m,r…inches)	61.6, 61.2, 55.3
Hip room (f,m,r…inches)	58.9, 58.0, 43.7
Storage (cubic feet)	21.0, 46.0, 87.0
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	5,000
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	18.8
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	20/26/23 (FWD); 19/24/21 (AWD) city/highway/combined
Manufacturing Plant	West Point, Georgia

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