You should consider having a double-take at the Nissan Pathfinder because it’s a pretty beastly SUV. It’s one of the lowest-priced options to offer true four-wheel drive capabilities instead of all-wheel-drive. Check out what makes the Pathfinder more beastly than expected. 

The Nissan Pathfinder Has 4X4. 

You can get started in the three-row 2020 Nissan Pathfinder for $31k, but to add 4X4, the price increases to $33k. The price of 4X4 breaks down to about $1,200, which is about the same amount that it costs to add all-wheel-drive to rivals like the Kia Sorento. 

Four-wheel drive is often preferred to AWD because 4X4 sends power and torque to each wheel. All-wheel-drive sends the same amount of power to each wheel. This might be beneficial for getting around in lower amounts of snow, but 4X4 is preferred for deeper snow and more rough terrain to get unstuck. 

Four-wheel drive is a more substantial, more robust system, though. It can make the ride a little stiffer and, in some cases, hurt the fuel economy. However, the ability to go further through more adverse conditions is generally worth it. Also, the Nissan Pathfinder gets up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. For a three-row SUV, that’s not bad at all! 

Can The Nissan Pathfinder Go Off-Roading? 

The Nissan Pathfinder is promoted with the ability to tackle any terrain. It has an independent strut front suspension and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear to handle more weight. Also, it comes equipped with dual flow path shock absorbers to glide over bumps like a breeze. The front and rear stabilizer beers provide more stability as well. 

The Pathfinder may only have 7″ of ground clearance, but that is tall enough to tackle some challenges. It has an approach angle of 16.5 degrees and a departure angle of 22.0 degrees, helping it to climb over obstacles. Off-roading modes such as hill start assistance and decent hill control also help you remain in control on the trails. 

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So, while the Nissan Pathfinder shouldn’t follow a Jeep Wrangler into the wilderness, it can hold its own pretty fine. It should be excellent for light off-roading adventures and can tow your camper anywhere. The Nissan Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 lb and has 79 cubic feet of cargo space for all of your luggage. 

More Nissan Pathfinder Features

The Nissan Pathfinder offers comfort and convenience for you and all of your passengers during your trips with a tri-zone climate control system. The front seats are heated and ventilated, but the rear seats are heated too. Plus, there’s a 12-volt plug in the rear for charging devices. 

Plus, the Nissan Pathfinder is smart and safe. It can connect to Google Assistant and Alexa for voice commands. It also has adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, automatic emergency braking, blind spot, warning, and more. This three-row SUV will keep you safe and comfortable in the city and off the beaten track.