Nissan Prices the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid from $35,110 in the U.S.

Nissan has announced pricing for the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid, which joins the Pathfinder 3.5-liter model in the crossover's expanded 2014 lineup in the U.S.

The Pathfinder Hybrid starts with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $35,110 (€25,430) for the SV 2WD Hybrid model, compared with a starting price of $32,110 (€23,260) for a similarly equipped SV 2WD 3.5-liter V6 model. Prices do not include an $860 (€623) destination and handling fee.

The 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid is powered by a supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and a compact Lithium-ion battery. The battery is placed under the third row seat and doesn’t affect passenger space or cargo space.

The hybrid system uses a Nissan Intelligent Dual Clutch System (one motor / two clutch parallel system) that manages power from both the electric motor and the gas engine. The 15 kW electric motor and gas engine work in tandem to provide performance equivalent to the Pathfinder 3.5-liter gasoline V6 model.

The hybrid system is rated at 250 horsepower and 243 lb-ft (329 Nm) of torque, compared with 260 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque (325 Nm) on the 3.5-liter V6 model.

The Pathfinder Hybrid averages 26 mpg (9.8 l/100 km) on the combined cycle and is 24 percent more fuel-efficient than the standard Pathfinder. City fuel economy is 25 mpg (9.4 l/100 km), while highway mileage is rated at 28 mpg (8.4 l/100 km) – for the 4WD model highway mileage is 27 mpg (8.7 l/100 km).

Driving range is estimated at more than 546 miles (879 km), thanks to the 19.5-gallon (73.8-liter) fuel tank.

By Dan Mihalascu

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Hyundai Genesis and Nissan and Infiniti SUVs Recalled Over Unrelated Brake Problems

While unrelated between them, Hyundai's and Nissan / Infiniti's latest recall actions both concern issues with the braking system.

In the case of the Japanese carmaker, the group is recalling 151,695 examples of certain model year 2013-2014 Nissan Pathfinders built from April 18, 2012, through September 20, 2013; model year 2013 Infiniti JX35 crossovers manufactured from September 15, 2011, through January 16, 2013; and model year 2014 Infiniti QX60s made from January 17, 2013, through September 20, 2013

"In the affected vehicles, during light braking on rough roads, the antilock brake system (ABS) brake pressure output software may lead to an increase in stopping distance," Nissan told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To fix the issue, Nissan and Infiniti dealers will simply reprogram the ABS, free of charge, of course, with customers to be informed about the service schedule in the coming weeks.

Hyundai on its behalf has posted a recall that affects 27,500 Genesis sedans from the 2009 through 2012 model years over faulty brakes, which have led to 23 complaints and one accident report on NHTSA's website.

The Korean brand said that there are "potential durability issues" with the brake system's Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, and that the latest recall is a follow-up to the one made last March as it didn't include all vehicles affected.

"Hyundai previously initiated a service campaign in March of 2013 to replace the brake fluid in the subject vehicle population," the automaker said in a statement sent to USA Today.

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