Nissan Finally Fixing One Of The Pathfinder's Biggest Problems

The current-generation Nissan Pathfinder has been on sale since 2012, and has since been outclassed by its newer three-row SUV competitors like the Kia Telluride, so a replacement is long overdue. Aside from its bland styling, one of our main gripes with the Pathfinder is its terrible continuously variable transmission. It's noisy and unresponsive, resulting in sluggish performance. Earlier versions were also notoriously unreliable, prompting Nissan to issue several recalls to get them replaced.

Thankfully, Nissan is finally addressing this setback in the next-generation Pathfinder. According to Allcarnews, the all-new 2021 Nissan Pathfinder will finally ditch the CVT transmission in favor of a newly developed nine-speed gearbox, which should provide a smoother, more responsive driving experience.

This is likely to be the same transmission that was recently added to the 2020 Nissan Frontier, which is also used in the updated Titan. We haven't been sent any spy shots of the next-generation Nissan Pathfinder yet, but we're hoping the exterior and interior will get a revamp.

Engine options for the new Nissan Pathfinder are still unknown, but it's likely to use the 2020 Frontier's new 3.8-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower. This would be a welcome increase over the current Nissan Pathfinder's 3.5-liter V6 that produces 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque.

Speaking of the Frontier, Allcarnews also claims the next-generation version will debut next year with fresh new styling, LED lights, body panels inspired by the Patrol, and a redesigned interior featuring a new gauge cluster, infotainment system, and materials.

The Pathfinder also won't be the only SUV getting a significant update, as the publication claims the new Nissan Rogue will be offered with two new engine options, including a 2.5 four-cylinder developing around 188 horsepower, which will be sent through a CVT to either the front or all four wheels. An optional VC-Turbo four-cylinder will also reportedly be offered with AWD only and around 248 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque.