Nissan’s last venture into hybrid technology was short lived, with the Altima Hybrid being offered for only one generation. But with the Nissan Leaf the Japanese company has learned quite a bit about electric powertrains, and efficiency. Those lessons are going to be applied to the new Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid, which ditches the usual V6 for a supercharged four-cylinder engine, which works in tandem with a 15 kW electric motor.
The hybrid powertrain makes a combined 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, not far off the V6’s 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. The biggest difference is with the Pathfinder’s fuel economy. Buyers will notice a 24 percent improvement over the V6 model. Expect 25 mpg city, 27 mpg on the highway and a combined mpg number of 26 mpg. Nissan also says the Pathfinders off-road capability and 3,500-lb tow-rating will not be affected by the new powertrain.
Discuss the Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid at pathfindertalk.com
