2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid Review - The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid ranks 21 out of 23 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, as well as reliability and safety data.
Although it gets great fuel economy for the class, reviewers are unimpressed with the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid's slow acceleration and numb steering.
The Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is powered by a supercharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, and most test drivers agree that acceleration is tepid from a stop and highway passing power is in short supply. A continuously variable transmission is standard, and reviewers say it delivers power smoothly. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 25/28 mpg city/highway, which is very good for an affordable midsize SUV. While most agree that it has a comfortable ride, many say that the Pathfinder doesn't drive as well as the gas-only Pathfinder, mentioning that the steering offers little feedback and that it takes awhile to acclimate to the grabbiness of the regenerative brakes.
Auto journalists like that the Pathfinder Hybrid's cabin is very similar to that of the non-hybrid Pathfinder, saying its materials look and feel high-end. They appreciate that the batteries for the hybrid powertrain don't take up passenger space, and write that most seating positions offer ample comfort. Critics add that the third row is not spacious enough for most adults to be comfortable, which is a common complaint among three-row SUVs. Cargo space is a bit low for the class, though reviewers find the space useful. A six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth phone connectivity and tri-zone automatic climate control are standard. Major options include a 13-speaker Bose stereo system, Bluetooth audio streaming, a rear-seat entertainment system and Nissan's Around View Monitor, which uses multiple cameras to provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle to improve visibility for maneuvering in tight spaces.
