Sales of the Nissan Pathfinder in Australia haven’t been going well, with just 51 units sold in the first three months of 2025, according to VFACTS figures. That’s down 74.5 per cent on the same period last year.
The company recently launched the entry level ST-L variant in an effort to attract a wider audience. It’s available in 2WD and 4WD form, powered by a 202kW/340Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6. Prices start from a quite reasonable $59,945 for the 2WD and from $64,445 for the 4WD.
We spent a week with the 4WD variant to see what it’s like, and came up with a list of our top 5 pros and cons to give you a snapshot view of our opinion compared with similarly-priced and specified rivals.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L: Pros
1. Strong V6 power
The Pathfinder ST-L retains Nissan’s roaring 3.5-litre V6, producing a healthy 202kW and 340Nm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offers smooth and responsive performance. Unlike some rivals that rely on smaller turbocharged engines or CVTs, the Pathfinder delivers consistent power with a natural, linear feel.
It’s well-suited to highway cruising and can overtake with ease. We timed 0-100km/h in a respectable 7.64 seconds. That’s decent for big 7/8-seater SUV. The ST-L 4WD offers a 2700kg braked towing capacity, which is down compared with heavy-duty ladder-frame rivals, but reasonable for a crossover-style model.
2. Practical eight-seat layout
One of the Pathfinder’s standout features is its spacious eight-seat configuration, making it more accommodating than many rivals that max out at seven seats. Families will appreciate the flexibility, with ample legroom thanks to a sliding middle row.
The third row is reasonably comfortable for adults on shorter trips. Access is made easy with wide-opening doors, and the standard tri-zone climate control ensures all passengers receive some cooling air or warmth.
3. Generous equipment for the price
Despite being the entry-level model, the ST-L comes well-equipped. Features like a 9.0-inch touch-screen with navigation, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and a digital surround-view camera mean it’s not missing out.
Other conveniences include a power tailgate, four USB ports, heated front seats, and ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving assistance. Many of these features are typically found in higher trims or in more expensive competitors.
4. Strong safety suite
Nissan has packed the ST-L with its full Intelligent Mobility safety suite, including lane departure warning, blind-spot intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with junction assist. The inclusion of nine airbags, including a new far-side airbag, enhances crash protection. Front and rear parking sensors, along with that 360-degree camera help in tight spaces. It’s a solid family hauler.
5. Comfortable and quiet ride
Thanks to its refined suspension tuning, the Pathfinder ST-L delivers a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps on Australia’s poorly-maintained country roads very well. The cabin remains impressively quiet at highway speeds, with minimal road and wind noise filtering through, especially for this class and for an entry variant. The cloth seats also help with cabin acoustics.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L: Cons
Although the Pathfinder ST-L does offer plenty of attractive traits, there are some areas that we think require consideration. Here are our top five cons.
1. No hybrid option in Australia
While some competitors, like the Toyota Kluger, offer a fuel-efficient hybrid option, the Pathfinder sticks with its petrol V6. While it is smooth and powerful, it isn’t the most economical, especially in urban driving. The official rate is 10.5L/100km, and you can expect higher than that in the real world. Peak torque – a relatively low 340Nm itself – isn’t available until 4800rpm as well, which means you need to rev it more often than a diesel or hybrid.
As mentioned above, it is a nice engine on its own and sounds decent, but perhaps not the ideal setup for a big SUV. A hybrid variant would make it more appealing. Nissan also offers an interesting variable compression ‘KR20DDET’ turbo engine overseas, producing 200kW and 388Nm (although, there have been some concerns around its reliability).
2. Third-row space is best for kids
Although the Pathfinder offers an eight-seat layout, the third row is better suited for children or short journeys. Adults may find it cramped, particularly on longer trips. This isn’t unusual for the segment, but some rivals offer slightly more legroom in the back if that’s a high priority.
3. Basic infotainment and technology
The ST-L is well-equipped but the dash and instrument cluster aren’t exactly a standout for technology. Check out the main touch-screen. It presents pretty basic graphics and menu flow, lacking colours and animations usually seen in this class. Same goes for the digital gauge cluster. It’s not a deal-breaker but if you’re a technology fan, this will probably be underwhelming.
4. Soft-skewed dynamics
We did say it is comfortable, but on the flip side this isn’t the most dynamic in terms of chassis setup and handling. It’s totally fine for driving around the suburbs and the odd windy road drive, but if you’re regularly commuting up and down a mountain road, there are some rivals that offer a more engaging and pleasing experience, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. It just depends on your priority and where you are driving most.
5. Nameplate lost its off-road heritage
It does come with different driving modes that are supposedly for various terrains, but let’s not kid ourselves, this is not intended for rugged off-road use like it once was. The ST-L wears regular 255/60 tyres and presents just 179mm of ground clearance. There is no low-range gearbox either.
Buyers looking for adventure should consider ladder-frame rivals, such as the Toyota Prado, Isuzu MU-X, and Ford Everest if off roading is important.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder ST-L: Verdict
It presents a solid and distinctive design, offers heaps of space inside and is quite family-friendly in terms of functionality and user-friendliness. The V6 offers plenty of grunt and performance as well. But, it is thirsty and not particularly effortless in terms of torque delivery. Going for the ST-L brings the price down to an attractive level for an eight-seater.
