Three-row family SUVs are one of the most fiercely contested segments in the UAE, and Nissan’s Pathfinder has spent the past few years competing with established names such as the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride. The refreshed Pathfinder now arriving through AWR Automotive, the brand’s exclusive distributor in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, doesn’t reinvent the formula. It’s a set of targeted updates aimed at the areas where buyers in this class tend to compare closely.
The most visible change is at the front, where a redesigned grille and bumper give the SUV a sharper face. The more important work is underneath. The V6 engine is now paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which replaces the previous gearbox, and it still drives through Nissan’s Intelligent 4×4 system. The company says this produces smoother shifts and quicker responses in city driving. It hasn’t released updated power, torque or fuel-economy figures, so buyers will have to test drive the car to judge the improvement for themselves.
Inside, the infotainment screen grows to 12.3 inches, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard. Both have become baseline expectations at this price point rather than selling points. Connected Car Services also arrive on the Pathfinder for the first time. Through the MyNissan app, owners can control some vehicle functions remotely and check live vehicle information. In a market where pre-cooling the cabin before stepping out into August heat is a genuine convenience, remote access could prove more useful here than elsewhere.
The driver-assistance package is familiar from other Nissan models. It includes a high-definition Around View Monitor, Front Wide View and Invisible Hood cameras for tight car parks and rough terrain, and ProPILOT Assist, which helps with steering and speed on the highway. ProPILOT is listed as available rather than standard, so which trims include it will matter when comparing prices. Up to eight airbags, including knee and curtain airbags, round out the safety equipment.
The family features are practical. EZ FLEX seating makes it easier to get into all three rows, a hands-free power tailgate opens with a foot motion, and ISOFIX anchors remain in the relevant seats. The SL trim adds ventilated front seats with a massage function, driver memory settings, new quilted upholstery, 20-inch wheels and wood-effect trim.
The missing detail is price. Without it, it’s hard to say whether this refresh makes the Pathfinder a stronger value against Korean rivals that already offer generous equipment, or simply helps it keep pace. That figure will decide how well the update is received in UAE showrooms.
