Nissan Highlights 2013 Pathfinder in New Promo Video
Nissan has launched a fresh promotional video for the 2013 Pathfinder, focusing on its shift to a lighter, crossover-based platform and family appeal.
Nissan has released a new promotional video for the 2013 Pathfinder, marking another push for the fourth-generation SUV as it arrives in showrooms. The video spotlights the model’s transition from a body-on-frame SUV to a unibody crossover, a move Nissan positions as a response to changing buyer demands in the family SUV segment.
The 2013 Pathfinder is available in six trims: S, SV, SL, SL Premium, Platinum and Platinum Premium. Nissan lists the entry-level S model at $29,895 in the US market, while the range-topping Platinum Premium reaches $41,595. All variants share a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine producing 260hp, paired with Nissan’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). The previous V8 option has been dropped from the line-up.
Family focus and crossover credentials
Nissan’s new video highlights the Pathfinder’s family-friendly features and improved efficiency. The switch to a unibody platform has cut 500 pounds from the previous generation, contributing to better fuel economy and a more car-like driving experience. The front-wheel drive version is rated at 20mpg city and 26mpg highway by Nissan, with all-wheel drive models returning 19mpg city and 25mpg highway.
The promotional material positions the Pathfinder as a versatile choice for families who want SUV space and capability without the weight and handling compromises of a traditional off-roader. The video showcases flexible seating, cargo space and comfort features, aiming to appeal to buyers cross-shopping rivals like the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot. Nissan’s approach mirrors a wider industry shift towards crossovers, with the Pathfinder now sharing its platform with the Murano and Infiniti JX (later QX60).
Market context and competition
Nissan’s latest campaign places the Pathfinder in direct competition with other crossover SUVs that have made similar transitions. The focus on efficiency, space and comfort is in line with the segment’s direction. The Pathfinder’s pricing, powertrain and features target the core of the US family SUV market, where practicality and running costs are key selling points.
- Ford Explorer: Unibody crossover, V6 and turbo four-cylinder options.
- Honda Pilot: Family-focused, three-row crossover with V6 power.
- Chevrolet Traverse: Spacious, V6-powered crossover platform.
The new video joins a series of promotional efforts by manufacturers repositioning their large SUVs for a broader audience. Nissan’s emphasis on the Pathfinder’s lighter build and improved economy reflects the pressures facing traditional SUVs as buyers prioritise efficiency and comfort over ruggedness.
