Nissan Debuts Hybrid Powertrain for Pathfinder Crossover

Nissan Motor Co. will add a hybrid option for its Pathfinder crossover in the U.S. late this summer.

The company says 2014 model Pathfinders equipped with the hybrid powertrain will retail for about $3,000 more than their conventionally powered counterparts. Nissan will pair the system with three trim levels.

Hybrid models swap the front-wheel-drive Pathfinder's standard 3.5-liter V-6 for a supercharged 2.5-liter inline four, 15-kW electric motor and lithium-ion battery. Nissan says the combination produces a net 250 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque compared with 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque for the standard setup.

The electric motor fits between the piston engine and Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission. During deceleration, the motor acts as an electric generator. System output is managed by two clutches: one between the engine and transmission and one within the CVT.

The Pathfinder hybrid has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. An optional four-wheel-drive system allows the driver to select full-time two-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive or an automatic setting that allocates power to the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions.

The hybrid powertrain is expected to earn a combined city/highway rating of 26 mph from the Environmental Protection Agency, making it 24% more fuel efficient than the standard Pathfinder. Nissan notes that the hybrid version has a range of more than 500 miles per fill-up.

Like its sibling, the seven-passenger Pathfinder hybrid is equipped with three rows of seats. Second-row 60/40 seats can slide 5.5 inches, third-row 50/50 seats can recline and both rows can fold flat to maximize cargo capacity.