Spotlight on the 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

The SUV market has grown to become one of the most competitive on the road today, with a new generation of Americans loving the safety, comfort and practicality that these vehicles can bring. The Nissan Pathfinder has been in production since 1986, and is one of the longest running SUVs on the North American market. The Pathfinder saw a complete redesign in 2012 for the 2013 production year, and for 2014, a new hybrid model has now been added to the range. Our team at Sheehy Nissan Glen Burnie has the details.

The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is the first Nissan model to utilize the manufacturer's brand new V6-comparable hybrid engine. The 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid caters to a niche in the market that is not yet fully realized, so it is a bold and confident move from the Japanese manufacturer to launch its hybrid engine in this model. The system includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery pack, and Nissan's continuously variable transmission (or CVT). What that means to the driver is that the Pathfinder Hybrid looks set to offer the best possible balance of performance and efficiency.

 

Nissan has yet to publish performance data for the new Pathfinder Hybrid, but the 16-valve, supercharged engine looks set to push the boundaries of what a hybrid model can achieve. In the SUV market, balancing the needs of performance against those of efficiency is a crucial step but with 27 mpg* on the highway, Pathfinder Hybrid drivers should be pleasantly pleased with what the new model can achieve.

Of course, aside from the powertrain, the Pathfinder Hybrid will boast the same specification as its gasoline counterpart. The new body shape is simple and easy on the eye, commanding a strong driving position on the road. The interior is stylish and simple, too, with luxury features throughout and a comfortable driving experience for driver and passengers alike. Nissan has introduced a host of new features to the Pathfinder model, including a new Drive-Assist™ display, which aids the driver via a 4.2-inch color 3D-effect screen.

 

The Pathfinder is stuffed full of the features that SUV drivers need. The car comfortably seats seven passengers, with top-of-class leg and headroom.** The Pathfinder Hybrid will share the same innovative seating as the rest of the Pathfinder range, including second row tip-up seats and a third row of seats, which still includes a child safety seat. All 2014 Pathfinder models will also benefit from an optional SL Tech package with Bose® premier audio, voice-activated controls, a new navigation system, an 8-inch touch screen display, and more.

Nissan announced the pricing for the main Pathfinder range in June 2013, with an announcement on the Pathfinder Hybrid due to follow soon. Customers can expect to be able take delivery of the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid from fall 2013, and with anticipation high, this looks set to continue the Pathfinder success story.

 

*Pathfinder Hybrid estimated 27 Hwy MPG (Nissan testing results, subject to EPA confirmation). Actual mileage may vary. Use for comparison only.

**Ward's Large Cross/Utility Market Segmentation. MY13 Pathfinder vs. 2012 Large Cross/ Utility Class.

 

10 Fun Games to Play on a Road Trip

Road trips don’t have to be dull, and kids don’t have to spend every minute playing video games or watching movies to stay entertained. Instead, stretch your mind and enjoy some friendly bonding time with a few classic travel games. Here are ten fun games to play on a road trip, from our team at Sheehy Nissan Glen Burnie.

1. The License Plate Game — There are many variations, but the goal of the basic license plate game is to spot plates from the 50 states. Make a list as you see license plates from different states, or start with a pre-printed list and check them off as you go.

2. License Plate Phrases — Call out the letters on a passing license plate and come up with funny phrases that fit the letters. For example, “HJB” could be “high jumping bears” or “holly jolly bus.”

3. Travel Scavenger Hunt — Make up a list of things you may see while traveling and check off the items you find. You can also find a list of items online before your trip. Whoever finds the most wins.

4. Travel Bingo — Make car travel bingo cards using commonly spotted objects in place of the usual bingo numbers, or buy cards with sliding covers to mark each spot. You can play regular bingo or other variations like four corners, whole card or postage stamp.

5. Common Cars — Everyone picks a type of car before the trip and counts up the number they see while traveling. The one who finds the most of their car type wins. It helps to keep a running tally sheet.

6. Packing for a Trip — Start with the letter A and take turns going through the alphabet to name crazy items you would pack for a trip. The catch: each person has to name all of the previous items and their new one. The first one to incorrectly name a previously mentioned item or repeat an item loses. Keep going until only one person can correctly name all the previous items and one new one.

7. Quick Categories — Pick a category (animals, cities, flowers, etc.) and see how many items each person can come up with in two minutes. The one with the highest number wins.

8. How Far is It? — Spot an object in the distance that you will drive past, like a bridge or large sign, and have everyone guess how far it away it is. Use the odometer to see whose guess was the closest. To play this game safely, have the person in the passenger seat (not the driver) watch the odometer, or make your guesses in seconds and count it out.

9. The Alphabet Game — Choose a broad category (food, colors, etc.) and take turns going through each letter of the alphabet to name an item that fits the category. The first person who can’t think of an item that fits their letter loses.

10. Who Am I? — One player thinks of a person who everyone knows and gives a clue to describe him or her. Everyone else guesses who is being described. New clues are added until someone guesses correctly.