Crossover Nissan Pathfinder The 2021 model year was a logical continuation of the fifth generation, which debuted in 2020. The car retained its recognizable design with a massive grille and muscular wheel arches, but received updated safety technologies, improved sound insulation and an expanded list of options. This SUV is positioned as a family car with off-road capabilities - the perfect compromise between comfort and off-road capability.

Under the hood basic version hiding verified 3.5 liter V6 with 284 hp, paired with a CVT Xtronic CVT. For those who prefer hybrid technology, a modification with the system is available e-Power, combining a gasoline engine and electric motors. In 2021, the manufacturer paid special attention to the system ProPILOT Assist - a semi-autonomous assistant that facilitates movement in traffic jams and on highways.

In this review we will look at all the key aspects Nissan Pathfinder 2021: from technical characteristics to operating nuances. You will find out what configurations were offered on the Russian market, how the car behaves in real conditions, and what to look for when buying a used model. Let’s also compare it with the main competitors in the class.

Technical characteristics and engines

In 2021 Pathfinder was offered with two types of power plant. The first one is classic atmospheric gasoline engine VQ35DD volume 3.5 liters, developing 284 hp. at 6400 rpm and 344 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a variator Xtronic CVT, which simulates 7 virtual gears for more dynamic acceleration. Average fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 11.2 l/100 km - an indicator typical for full-size crossovers.

The second option is a hybrid system e-Power, which debuted precisely on this generation. It includes 2.5 liter petrol engine (150 hp), acting as a generator, and two electric motors (front and rear) with a total power of 248 hp. This scheme allows you to reduce fuel consumption by up to 7.8 l/100 km in the city, but requires more careful handling of the battery. Important: the hybrid version is only available in front-wheel drive.

  • 🔧 Engine 3.5 V6: 284 hp, 344 Nm, consumption 11.2 l/100 km (mixed)
  • ⚡ Hybrid e-Power: 248 hp (total), consumption 7.8 l/100 km (city)
  • 🔄 Transmission: variator Xtronic CVT with manual mode
  • 🚗 Drive: front or full Intelligent 4WD (for petrol version)

All-wheel drive system Intelligent 4WD automatically distributes torque between axles depending on road conditions. In normal mode, up to 100% of the power can be transmitted to the front axle to save fuel, but when slipping occurs, the rear axle is connected. Off-road modes available Snow, Mud/Rut And Sand, which adapt throttle response and transmission performance.

⚠️ Attention: Owners of the hybrid version note that during long trips on the highway, fuel consumption can increase to 9–10 l/100 km due to the constant operation of the gasoline engine as a generator. This should be taken into account when planning long-distance routes.
Characteristics Gasoline 3.5 V6 Hybrid e-Power
Max. power 284 hp at 6400 rpm 248 hp (total)
Torque 344 Nm at 4800 rpm 330 Nm (electric motors)
Consumption (city/highway) 13.8 / 8.7 l/100 km 7.8 / 8.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0–100 km/h 7.9 sec 8.5 sec
Drive Full or front Front only

Options and prices on the Russian market

In 2021 Nissan Pathfinder officially delivered to Russia in four trim levels: S, SV, SL And Platinum. Basic version S was offered only with front-wheel drive and a gasoline engine, while the top-end Platinum was available exclusively with all-wheel drive and an extended package of options. Prices for new cars started from 3.2 million rubles and reached 4.5 million in maximum configuration.

Among the key differences:

  • 🔹 S: 18-inch wheels, fabric interior, 8-inch multimedia screen, 2-zone climate control
  • 🔹 SV: leather steering wheel, keyless entry, system ProPILOT Assist, parking sensors
  • 🔹 SL: heated/ventilated leather seats, panoramic roof, audio system Bose with 13 speakers
  • 🔹 Platinum: adaptive LED headlights, 360-degree camera, heated rear seats, premium trim

On the secondary market prices for Pathfinder 2021 today range from 2.5 to 3.8 million rubles depending on mileage and condition. The most popular versions SV And SL with all-wheel drive. When purchasing a used car, be sure to check the service history: CVT Xtronic CVT requires oil changes every 60,000 km, and ignoring this rule can lead to expensive repairs.

📊 Which 2021 Nissan Pathfinder trim level would you choose?
  • S (basic)
  • SV (optimal)
  • SL (premium)
  • Platinum (maximum)
  • I don't know
⚠️ Attention: Included Platinum system ProPILOT Assist includes lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control, but is not completely autonomous. The manufacturer emphasizes that the driver must constantly monitor the situation on the road.

Interior and ergonomics

Salon Pathfinder 2021 designed for 7 passengers (optional - 8 seats with a narrow third row). The front panel is made in a minimalist style with an emphasis on horizontal lines, which visually expands the space. Center of composition - 9" touch screen (in top versions) with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto. Below the screen there are physical climate control buttons, which will be appreciated by those who do not like to control everything through the touchpad.

Finishing materials depend on the configuration: the basic version uses durable fabric, and the SL And Platinum — genuine leather with contrast stitching. The second-row seats can slide fore and aft by 14 cm, which optimizes legroom for third-row passengers. The trunk volume in a 7-seat configuration is 453 liters, and with the rear rows folded - up to 2260 liters.

  • 🪑 Front seats: 8-speed electrical adjustment (in SL/Platinum), heating and ventilation
  • 🎵 Audio system: 6 speakers in the base, Bose with 13 speakers in the top
  • 🌡️ Climate control: 2-zone in S/SV, 3-zone in SL/Platinum
  • 🔌 Connectors: 2 USB ports front, 2 USB ports rear, wireless charging (optional)

Among the ergonomic miscalculations, owners note the inconvenient location of the trunk opening button (hidden under the steering wheel) and the too soft armrest between the front seats, which bends under the weight of the hand. Also, in some copies there are creaks of plastic panels on uneven roads - this is worth checking during a test drive.

How to fold the third row of seats?

To fold the third row, pull the lever on the seatback (located on the side) and gently lower it forward. First make sure that the head restraints are raised to the highest position - otherwise they will interfere. When folded, an almost flat floor is formed, but a small protrusion remains due to the design of the fastenings.

Safety and driver assistance systems

Nissan Pathfinder 2021 got maximum 5 stars in crash tests NHTSA (USA) thanks to its robust body structure and extensive list of safety systems. The standard package includes:

  • 🛡️ 6 airbags (front, side, curtains)
  • 🚦 Collision avoidance system Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition
  • 🔄 Blind Spot Monitoring Blind Spot Warning with cross-traffic warning
  • 🅿️ Surround camera Around View Monitor (in SL/Platinum)

The system deserves special attention ProPILOT Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. It operates at speeds from 30 to 100 km/h and can independently brake to a complete stop in a traffic jam. However, unlike Tesla Autopilot, ProPILOT does not automatically change lanes and requires the driver's hands to remain on the steering wheel.

Additional options include:

  • 🚧 Traffic sign recognition (speed limits, overtaking bans)
  • 💡 Automatic high beam switching High Beam Assist
  • 🚪 Door opening warning when cyclists or other vehicles approach
⚠️ Attention: System ProPILOT Assist may turn off on poorly marked roads or in heavy rain. In such cases, a warning lights up on the dashboard "Steering Assist Unavailable" This is a normal reaction and not a malfunction.
💡

If the surround camera Around View Monitor started to produce a distorted image, try cleaning the camera lenses (they are located under the side mirrors, in the front bumper and under the logo Nissan rear) from dirt or ice. This often solves the problem without a service visit.

Real reviews from owners: pros and cons

Having collected reviews from the forums (Drive2, Drom.ru) and social networks, we have highlighted the key advantages and disadvantages Pathfinder 2021, which are indicated by owners with mileage from 20 to 80 thousand km.

Pros:

  • ✅ Spacious interior: even tall passengers do not feel cramped in the second row
  • ✅ Smooth variator: with proper maintenance it works flawlessly
  • ✅ Good sound insulation: at 120 km/h the cabin is quieter than many competitors
  • ✅ Reliable suspension: copes well with Russian roads and does not require frequent repairs

Cons:

  • ❌ High fuel consumption: in the city the petrol version consumes 14–15 l/100 km
  • ❌ Weak brakes: may overheat during intensive use (especially in mountainous areas)
  • ❌ Expensive maintenance: original spare parts and oil for the variator are not cheap
  • ❌ Electronics problems: Some owners had parking sensors that failed or the multimedia screen was glitchy

Owners especially often complain about variator: If the oil is not changed on time (every 60 thousand km), jerks begin during acceleration or delays when switching modes. There are also cases when the system ProPILOT Assist switches off spontaneously on the highway - this is due to contamination of the cameras or sensors.

💡

Most problems with Nissan Pathfinder 2021 associated with non-compliance with maintenance regulations. When used correctly, the car shows itself as a reliable and comfortable family crossover.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

In the class of full-size crossovers, Pathfinder There are several direct competitors: Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe (maximum configuration), Kia Sorento And Ford Explorer. Let's compare them based on key parameters:

Parameter Nissan Pathfinder Toyota Highlander Hyundai Santa Fe Ford Explorer
Price (new, 2021) 3.2–4.5 million RUB 3.5–5.0 million RUB 2.8–4.2 million ₽ 3.8–5.3 million RUB
Power (base) 284 hp 249 hp (hybrid) 230 hp 300 hp
Flow (mixed) 11.2 l/100 km 6.5 l/100 km 9.8 l/100 km 12.3 l/100 km
Warranty 3 years / 100 thousand km 3 years / 100 thousand km 5 years / 150 thousand km 3 years / 100 thousand km
Advantage Spacious interior, good maneuverability Reliability, efficiency Long warranty, rich equipment Powerful engine, sporty character

Toyota Highlander wins in reliability and efficiency (especially the hybrid version), but loses in dynamics and space in the third row. Hyundai Santa Fe offers a better warranty and more modern multimedia, but is inferior in cross-country ability. Ford Explorer more powerful and sportier, but its fuel consumption and maintenance costs are higher.

If you need spacious family car with the possibility of rare off-road trips - Pathfinder will be the best choice. For those who value reliability and efficiency, it is better to take a closer look at Highlander. And if your priority is dynamics and handling, it’s worth a test drive Explorer.

Checklist for buying a used 2021 Pathfinder

When choosing a used one Nissan Pathfinder 2021 Please pay attention to the following points:

Oil in the variator (must be replaced no later than 60 thousand km ago)

Condition of brake discs and pads (a common problem is overheating)

System operation ProPILOT Assist (test on a flat road)

No squeaks in the cabin (check the plastic panels and seats)

Suspension condition (knocks when passing speed bumps)

Service history (especially engine and variator oil changes) -->

Additionally we recommend:

  1. Check VIN-code via services Autocode or CarVertical for accidents or restrictions.
  2. Pay attention to mileage: if it is less than 30 thousand km, but the car is older than 2 years, this may indicate “twisting”.
  3. Start the engine when cold and listen to the operation of the variator - there should be no extraneous noise or delays when switching.
  4. Check the operation of all electronic systems, especially cameras and parking sensors.
⚠️ Attention: If the seller claims that he “didn’t change the oil in the variator because it’s there for its entire service life,” this is a reason to be wary. The manufacturer clearly indicates the replacement interval in 60 thousand km, and ignoring this rule leads to expensive repairs.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder

Can you tow a trailer on the 2021 Pathfinder?

Yes, the maximum towable trailer weight is 2268 kg for petrol version with all-wheel drive. However, when towing heavy trailers (more than 1.5 tons), it is recommended to use an additional transmission cooling radiator and avoid long climbs so as not to overheat the variator. Also, do not forget that towing reduces acceleration dynamics and increases fuel consumption by 20–30%.

How often do you need to change the oil in the variator?

Official regulations Nissan prescribes changing the oil in the variator Xtronic CVT every 60,000 km or once every 4 years (whichever comes first). Use only original fluid NS-3 - analogues can lead to premature wear. When operating in difficult conditions (frequent traffic jams, towing, off-road), it is better to reduce the interval to 40–50 thousand km.

What tires does Nissan recommend?

Factory tire sizes for Pathfinder 2021:

  • 18-inch wheels: 235/65 R18
  • 20-inch wheels: 235/55 R20

Manufacturer recommends models Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport or Michelin Primacy Tour A/S for the summer season and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 for winter. Tire pressure should be 2.4 bar front and 2.2 bar rear (for standard load).

How to activate "Sport" mode in Pathfinder?

Mode Sport activated by a button on the center console (next to the variator selector). In this mode:

  • The operating logic of the variator is changing - it holds “virtual gears” longer for better acceleration.
  • Increases throttle response.
  • The paddle shifters (if equipped) become more responsive.

However, fuel consumption in mode Sport increases by 10–15%. This mode is also automatically disabled every time the engine is started.

What should I do if ProPILOT Assist does not work?

If the system ProPILOT Assist refuses to activate, check the following:

  1. Cleanliness of cameras and sensors (especially the front camera behind the windshield).
  2. Condition of road markings - the system may not work on worn or missing road markings.
  3. Menu settings Settings → Driver → Assistance systems (The feature may have been manually disabled).
  4. Messages on the dashboard: if the icon is illuminated "Sensor Obstructed", this means the sensor is blocked by dirt or snow.

If the problem persists, diagnostics are required at an official service center - perhaps one of the radars has failed.