Nissan Pathfinder 2021: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado rival to finally ditch CVT with new engine and nine-speed automatic – reports

The new Nissan Pathfinder will ditch the unpopular CVT automatic in favour or a new nine-speed gearbox which promises to improve the drive experience considerably, according to new reports. 

That’s the word from AllCarNews, with the outlet reporting that the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder will say goodbye to the CVT automatic, as part of a massive overhaul for the venerable SUV.

What’s unclear yet is just what that gearbox will be partnering with. The current Pathfinder range includes a 3.5-litre V6 petrol (202kW and 340Nm) and a hybrid four-cylinder powertrain than produces a total 172kW and 330Nm.

But reports out of the USA suggest a new petrol engine could be in the offing, namely the 3.8-litre V6 that’s currently used in the Nissan Frontier, and that produces some 231kW and 381Nm.

That would be a welcome update for the Nissan, with the 2021 change also expected to welcome new cabin technology (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a new cabin design. 

Nissan is yet to confirm timing for the new model (but expect to see something this year), so in the meantime, watch this space.