Model Nissan Pathfinder second generation, known under the index R51, occupies a special place in the history of the Japanese automobile industry. This was a transitional moment when the company began to balance between off-road power and urban comfort. The restyled version, released in 2010, was a response to criticism of the earlier generation, offering an improved design and improved technical parts.
Owners often wonder whether it is worth upgrading their car or buying a ready-made version after modernization. Restyling affected not only the appearance, but also the interior contents of the cabin, as well as suspension settings. Understanding these changes is critical for those considering purchasing or upgrading their Nissan Pathfinder R51.
External changes and design of the updated crossover
The first thing that catches your eye when comparing the pre-restyling and updated versions is the redesigned front end. The designers changed the shape of the bumper, making it more aggressive and integrated into the overall line of the body. The radiator grille has a new structure, and the headlights have become more elongated and modern. These changes allowed the car to look less angular and more harmonious on the road.
The rear has also undergone significant changes. The taillights have a new internal structure, becoming larger and more noticeable. The rear bumper has become more massive, which visually gives the car more stability. Alloy wheels New designs are now available in a wider range of sizes, improving the appearance of both base and top-end trims.
- Reshaped front bumper for better aerodynamics
- New design radiator grille with chrome elements
- Redesigned taillights with LED elements
The color palette has also been expanded with new shades that better highlight the lines of the body. It's worth noting, however, that some of the chrome trim that was popular early in production was simplified in later versions to reduce production costs.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a used car, pay special attention to the condition of the plastic elements of the bumper, as on restyled versions they may be more fragile due to changes in the composition of the material.
Interior and cabin comfort
Salon Nissan Pathfinder R51 after restyling has become noticeably better quality. Manufacturers paid attention to finishing materials, replacing hard plastic with softer textures in areas of frequent contact. The instrument panel received a new backlight, making it more readable in the dark. Multimedia system has been updated, receiving support for modern formats and improved sound quality.
The seats have become more ergonomic, with better lateral support. In top trim levels, it became possible to adjust the lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. Climate control has become more efficient, ensuring even distribution of air throughout all rows of the cabin. This is especially important for family cars where passengers sit in the third row.
The space inside remains spacious, which is the calling card of the model. However, some owners note that sound insulation could be better. The restyled version has added additional vibration-proofing materials, but the result is still not ideal compared to European competitors.
- Improved materials for seat upholstery and door panels
- Updated multimedia system with large screen
- Additional sound insulation in arches and floors
⚠️ Attention: Check the functionality of all buttons on the steering wheel and center console, as on cars with high mileage, the contacts may oxidize, which leads to loss of multimedia control.
Technical characteristics and engines
There were fewer changes under the hood, but they were significant. The main power unit is a petrol V6 VQ40DE volume 4.0 liters. In the restyled version, this engine received a CVTCS variable valve timing system on the intake camshaft, which slightly increased torque at low speeds. This made acceleration smoother and more predictable, especially when overtaking.
For diesel markets (Europe and Australia) a turbodiesel was offered YD25DDTi volume 2.5 liters. This motor has been modified to meet stricter environmental standards. The injection system has been improved, which has reduced operating noise and exhaust smoke. However, the diesel version is extremely rare in Russia, and owners of gasoline versions are more likely to encounter service issues with the V6.
The transmission remained without radical changes. Classic 5-speed automatic RE5R05A continued to provide reliable shifting. In all-wheel drive versions, the all-wheel drive system 4x4 with a rear axle coupling remained the same, but the torque distribution algorithms were improved.
| Modification | Engine size | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline 4.0 | 3954 cc cm | 251 hp | 348 Nm |
| Diesel 2.5 | 2488 cc cm | 190 hp | 450 Nm |
| Gasoline 4.0 (early) | 3954 cc cm | 245 hp | 330 Nm |
- Petrol V6 4.0
- Diesel 2.5
- I don't know, I need advice
Suspension and steering features
One of the main drawbacks of the early R51 was its stiff suspension and poor handling at high speeds. Restyling brought changes to the settings of shock absorbers and springs. The anti-roll bars have become stiffer, which reduces body roll in corners. Steering has become more informative, and the effort on the steering wheel when parking has decreased.
The rear multi-link suspension has undergone changes in geometry, which has improved the car's behavior on uneven surfaces. Now Nissan Pathfinder overcomes holes and joints more easily without losing stability. However, the all-wheel drive system still has its own characteristics that every owner should be aware of.
The all-wheel drive system with an electrically controlled clutch works efficiently, but has its own nuances. When driving for a long time in deep snow or mud, the clutch may overheat, which leads to the rear drive disabling. Owners should keep this in mind when planning complex routes.
- Improved rear suspension geometry
- Changed shock absorber settings for comfort
- Improved steering response
Problems with the all-wheel drive clutch
If you notice that the rear wheels have stopped turning while off-road, check the condition of the clutch. Often the problem lies in overheating or contamination of the speed sensors.
Weaknesses and typical malfunctions
Despite the reliability Nissan Pathfinder The R51 has a number of characteristic problems. The most famous is the radiator overheating and antifreeze getting into the gearbox. This occurs due to the destruction of the partition in the radiator. Unfortunately, in the restyled versions this problem was not completely eliminated structurally, although the quality of the radiators has improved.
The VQ40DE engine also has its own characteristics. High mileage can lead to stretching of the timing chain, especially if the oil has not been changed on time. Owners also complain about leaking crankshaft and camshaft seals. Cooling system requires constant monitoring, since overheating can lead to deformation of the cylinder head.
In the electrical part, throttle position sensors and idle air controllers often fail. This manifests itself in floating speed and difficulty starting the engine. In the cabin, sills and arches can rot, especially in regions with aggressive reagents.
The gearbox is generally reliable, but requires regular oil changes. Ignoring this rule leads to wear of the clutches and the appearance of shocks when switching. RE5R05A - a complex unit, and its repair is expensive.
⚠️ Attention: Be sure to check the color of the gearbox oil for the presence of an emulsion (pinkish tint). This is the first sign of antifreeze getting into the automatic transmission.
☑️ Checklist before purchasing
Car tuning and modernization
Owners often turn to tuning to eliminate shortcomings or increase comfort. One of the popular modifications is the installation lift kit to improve off-road performance. This allows you to increase ground clearance and install larger diameter wheels. However
To improve dynamics, you can install a sports exhaust and software flashing of the engine control unit (chip tuning). This gives a slight increase in power, but primarily improves throttle response. It is also popular to install crankcase protection and sills to protect the body.
Internal tuning often comes down to replacing standard multimedia with modern systems with navigation and Android interface. This significantly expands the functionality of the car. Don't forget about sound insulation, which makes the trip more comfortable.
- Installing an off-road lift kit
- Chip tuning to improve dynamics
- Replacing multimedia with modern systems
A suspension lift improves cross-country ability, but requires careful alignment and checking the operation of the all-wheel drive system.
Maintenance and operation
Regular maintenance is the key to a long life Nissan Pathfinder R51. The engine oil needs to be changed every 7-10 thousand kilometers, despite the manufacturer's recommendations. This is especially important for high mileage engines. Air and fuel filters also require timely replacement.
Transmission oil in automatic transmissions should be changed every 60 thousand kilometers. Use only original or certified analogues. Brake system requires attention to the condition of the pads and discs. Rarely, but there are problems with calipers that can turn sour.
The cooling system needs to regularly check the antifreeze level and the condition of the pipes. It is recommended to change antifreeze every 4-5 years. It is also worth monitoring the condition of the attachment belt, which can fray over time.
Electrical equipment requires periodic diagnostics. The generator and starter should be checked at the first sign of trouble. The battery on these cars lasts a long time, but in cold weather it can discharge faster than usual.
Replace the stock air filter with a zero-resistance filter with improved filtration, this will reduce the risk of dust getting into the engine when driving off-road.
Conclusion and final conclusions
Nissan Pathfinder The R51 facelift is a balanced car that combines space, reliability and sufficient off-road capability. Despite some design flaws, which have been partially addressed in the updated version, it remains one of the best options in its class in terms of price and quality.
Owning this car requires careful attention to the technical condition, especially the cooling system and transmission. Checking your radiator for cracks before purchasing is a critical step that can save you tens of thousands of dollars in transmission repair costs. With proper maintenance and operation, this crossover can travel hundreds of thousands of kilometers without serious problems.
If you're looking for a family SUV with plenty of space and off-road capability, the R51 is a great choice. It is not without its drawbacks, but they can be minimized with proper care. The main thing is not to ignore the car’s signals and respond to emerging problems in a timely manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan Pathfinder R51 restyling?
In the urban cycle, the gasoline version consumes about 16-18 liters per 100 km, and on the highway the consumption drops to 11-12 liters. The diesel version is more economical, showing 9-10 liters in the city.
Is it worth changing the timing chain on the restyled version?
The timing chain on the VQ40DE engine is considered a service life, but with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km it is recommended to check its condition. If noise or vibration is heard, replacement is inevitable.
How often do you need to change the automatic transmission oil?
The official recommendation is every 60,000 km. However, experienced owners advise changing the oil every 45-50,000 km to extend the life of the gearbox.
Is it possible to install a 4x4 all-wheel drive system on a front-wheel drive version?
Technically this is possible, but it is not economically feasible. The cost of the conversion exceeds the price difference between the versions, and requires replacement of the suspension, differentials and electronics.
What are the best tires for the Nissan Pathfinder R51?
For the city, all-season tires with a load index of at least 100 are recommended. For off-road use, it is better to choose specialized off-road tires (All-Terrain or Mud-Terrain) with reinforced sidewalls.