The redesigned 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is already enjoying a very friendly crossover and truck 2013 sales year in North America. In March 2013, Nissan sold 9,071 Pathfinders in the United States, which also represents a 177% increase over March 2012. Not bad if you can nearly triple your sales, right? Well, Nissan is not resting. Hence the announcement of the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid.
Nissan says that performance or roominess are not compromised after adding the Hybrid drivetrain. This Pathfinder uses a new and mysterious supercharged 4-cylinder engine combined with a 15kW electric motor. Total system output is 250 HP and 243 ft-lb of torque, which is on par with the 3.5 liter V6 Pathfinder. The Hybrid is likely to have the extra low-end grunt with the help of the electric motor, which is most welcome. Nissan has not disclosed any details about the supercharged 4-cylinder. All we know is that it has four cylinders and it’s supercharged. I wonder whether Nissan is playing this close to the vest because this engine may appear in other Nissan products?
Nissan is using a compact Lithium-ion battery pack, which is neatly hidden underneath the 3rd row. You still have the full functionality of the sliding/folding 2nd row as in the regular Pathfinder. Cargo capability is also unchanged. Nissan estimates economy at 25 MPG city, 27 highway, and 26 combined. This is 24% better than the current V6.
Expect the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid at your dealerships in late summer of 2013 with pricing approximately $3,000 above the V6 Pathfinder. The Hybrid will be offered in three: SV, SL, and Platinum trim levels. It is also available with a choice of Intelligent 4WD or FWD.
Check out this fun TFLcar video review where Roman and Nathan test the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder off-road:
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or scouring the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
