2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid Rolls Out for Efficient Winter Commuting

Raynham, USA, 10/31/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

If the Farmers' Almanac can be trusted, New England is in for a brutal upcoming winter, meaning Massachusetts commuters will want a vehicle that can handle the relentless snow and ice without costing them more at the gas pump. Arriving in time to battle whatever weather might be in store, the new 2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid is on its way to dealerships with an impressive combination of fuel economy and all-conditions capability.

Returning up to 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, the new Pathfinder Hybrid is 24 percent more efficient than regular Pathfinder models, pairing a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor and a compact lithium-ion battery pack. Despite its extra gas mileage, the hybrid system offers similar performance to the Pathfinder's standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating a total output of 250 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque compared to the gas-only model's 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. When it gets messy on the road, an available All-Mode 4x4i Dial allows the driver to select between two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or an Auto Mode that starts out in two-wheel drive but senses when power should be sent to all four wheels for greater traction.

"In past winters, drivers would need to choose between cost savings or capability when selecting their ride, but the latest Pathfinder, especially the new hybrid model, is designed to offer both," said Bruce Garcia, general sales manager of Mastria Nissan, a Greater Boston Nissan dealership in Raynham, Mass. "That means a lot to parents who need more space and extra grocery money for their growing families but also want to keep their kids safe when driving in the snow."

In addition to housing three rows that comfortably seat up to seven passengers, the Pathfinder Hybrid provides 16 cubic feet of cargo space that can expand to 47 cubic feet behind the second row or to 79.8 cubic feet behind the first row when rear seats are folded flat. Meanwhile, the available Tri-Zone Entertainment System features dual seven-inch DVD screens with wireless headsets, allowing parents to listen to music up front while their kids watch a movie in the second row.

Nissan's new hybrid model benefits from most of the same upgrades introduced for the Pathfinder's 2013-model-year redesign, including a new lightweight unibody frame and an Xtronic continuously variable transmission that combine to improve efficiency and create a smoother, more comfortable ride. Through September of this year, the redesigned Pathfinder has helped sales of the SUV increase by 195 percent compared to the same period in 2012, and Nissan hopes the arrival of the 2014 Pathfinder Hybrid will boost its tallies even higher.

"The new Pathfinder has gained so much traction with buyers because it's the most well-rounded version of the SUV yet, whether you're looking at performance, fuel economy, spaciousness or in-cabin technology," added Garcia. "Regardless of how the weather turns out this winter, the Pathfinder will get its owners to their destination safely, comfortably and efficiently."

About Mastria Nissan:
Mastria Nissan has been serving Massachusetts Nissan fans since 2004, focusing on exceptional customer service and a low-pressure sales environment. Their Nissan dealership offers the full line of Nissan sedans, crossovers and pickups, as well as a state-of-the-art Nissan service department staffed with skilled technicians. Plus, Mastria Nissan is the only authorized NV dealer in the area, making them the destination for business owners in Southern Massachusetts who need commercial vehicles. Located at 1305 New State Highway in Raynham, they can be reached by phone at 888-820-9028 or found online at www.mastrianissan.com and www.facebook.com/MastriaNissan.