A few weeks ago, I picked up the stylish 2018 Nissan Pathfinder to accompany me on a short road trip. I had to get out of the city to see the majority of its capabilities.

I had a few full-size SUVs in mind, but the redesigned exterior of the 2018 Pathfinder was exciting to me and I really wanted to get behind the wheel of this 284-horsepower (3.5-litre V6) beauty. Although I didn’t get a chance to tow anything, this bad boy has the ability to pull up to 6,000 pounds if equipped appropriately.

The Pathfinder, one of Nissan’s best known and most popular nameplates in its 30-year history in Canada, is reborn and updated for the 2018 model year with more adventure-seeking capabilities, a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology – pure Pathfinder taken to a higher level of performance and style.

I want to note that I’m a fan of the older Pathfinder models, so the updated fourth-generation was a little different for me initially (I couldn’t differentiate much between it and the Rogue). Its design represented a major step forward in refined styling and aerodynamic emphasis, and after getting behind the wheel, I was more enthused about the recent generation of Pathfinders.

As with most newer vehicles, technology plays its part in providing the most up to date safety features, along with an easy to use interface. The birds eye view parking was a very useful feature (considering the size of the vehicle, especially in tight spaces) and is actually one of the most useful features on a vehicle, in my opinion. I first discovered it on the RAV4 not too long ago. Everything syncs well in the Pathfinder (and this was important to me, since a few past cars haven’t meshed well with my Pixel), and it also has the voice command feature, which was fairly accurate for the most part.

The most exciting thing about the Pathfinder for me was how incredibly easy it was to drive – especially for a larger 7 seater. It was really enjoyable, and you could still feel the road despite all the additional features (the reason I mention this is that some cars feel too automatic, if that makes any sense). Even minor off-roading was extremely fun!

It genuinely was a fun time with the 2018 Pathfinder, and I wish I had it for another week – but till the next adventure!

All opinions expressed in this piece are my own

All photography is courtesy of @julie_yay and myself