2017 Nissan Pathfinder
07-14-16, 06:54 PM
#61
Lexus Champion
That's all fine and dandy on paper, but in the real world of transmissions, it doesn't always work that way.....even with the so-called "grade-logic" programming. Being an engineer, you must surely know that. Most stepped-gear, planetary-gearset, torque-converter automatics (as opposed to CVTs and SMG/DSG transmissions) are supposed to drop a gear under moderate or strong throttle pressure, but sometimes, and for various reasons, that either doesn't happen (and the engine just lugs along at slow speeds in a higher gear). Or, if it does kick down, it is lazy and takes its sweet time about it. Sometimes this is done for fuel-economy reasons, as the automakers want to keep engine RPM down as much as possible for CAFE ratings. More gears in the transmission should, theoretically, narrow the ratio between the gears, and make it easier for the kick-down to work, but, again, it doesn't always work that way.
07-14-16, 07:46 PM
#62
Lexus Test Driver
That's all fine and dandy on paper, but in the real world of transmissions, it doesn't always work that way.....even with the so-called "grade-logic" programming. Being an engineer, you must surely know that. Most stepped-gear, planetary-gearset, torque-converter automatics (as opposed to CVTs and SMG/DSG transmissions) are supposed to drop a gear under moderate or strong throttle pressure, but sometimes, and for various reasons, that either doesn't happen (and the engine just lugs along at slow speeds in a higher gear). Or, if it does kick down, it is lazy and takes its sweet time about it. Sometimes this is done for fuel-economy reasons, as the automakers want to keep engine RPM down as much as possible for CAFE ratings. More gears in the transmission should, theoretically, narrow the ratio between the gears, and make it easier for the kick-down to work, but, again, it doesn't always work that way.
And, it has to be a low percentage. Because it's getting near impossible to find a car with an MT. And if you don't know how to drive and MT, chances are, you don't understand the point of shifting through the gears. And if you don't understand the point of shifting through gears, you certainly aren't going to do it on an AT.
Last edited by tex2670; 07-15-16 at 12:43 PM.
07-15-16, 12:05 PM
#63
Lexus Fanatic
It was a loaded Limited, that did not have the 20" wheels. Yes my Sedona is a completely loaded SX-L.
07-15-16, 04:55 PM
#64
Lexus Fanatic
What I meant by that term (maybe I could have chosen something more clear) was the experience I've had with most traditional, non-CVT automatics. Some of them have been programmed quite well, and readily kick down under part throttle without manual-downshifting. But many others are sluggish, lazy, or appear to have programmed mostly for CAFE numbers.
07-15-16, 05:00 PM
#65
Lexus Fanatic
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And, it has to be a low percentage. Because it's getting near impossible to find a car with an MT. And if you don't know how to drive and MT, chances are, you don't understand the point of shifting through the gears. And if you don't understand the point of shifting through gears, you certainly aren't going to do it on an AT.
And, it has to be a low percentage. Because it's getting near impossible to find a car with an MT. And if you don't know how to drive and MT, chances are, you don't understand the point of shifting through the gears. And if you don't understand the point of shifting through gears, you certainly aren't going to do it on an AT.
07-15-16, 05:23 PM
#67
Lexus Champion
I agree that any drivers have no conception of when they should manually downshift or upshift an automatic. They just sit there and let the engine lug along at low RPMs in high gear at low speeds. That's fine on a highway if you are actually going fast enough, but can be very hard on the engine if you (or the transmission) are lugging it at 1500 RPM at slow or moderate speeds.
07-18-16, 07:20 AM
#68
Lexus Champion
I just had a '16 Pathfinder for a rental.
It was a lower trim level, and it was remarkably cheap inside. Lots and lots of hard plastics everywhere. Hopefully some of that was addressed with the '17 update. I was expecting it to be more on par with my sister's new Murano, which has really impressed me with its materials, fit, and finish.
On the plus side, the ride was pretty compliant, the CVT was much less annoying than I had expected, and it was very roomy, with the exception of the cargo space behind the third row, which couldn't even fit a small/medium sized cooler.
It was a lower trim level, and it was remarkably cheap inside. Lots and lots of hard plastics everywhere. Hopefully some of that was addressed with the '17 update. I was expecting it to be more on par with my sister's new Murano, which has really impressed me with its materials, fit, and finish.
On the plus side, the ride was pretty compliant, the CVT was much less annoying than I had expected, and it was very roomy, with the exception of the cargo space behind the third row, which couldn't even fit a small/medium sized cooler.
07-18-16, 01:13 PM
#69
I just had a '16 Pathfinder for a rental.
It was a lower trim level, and it was remarkably cheap inside. Lots and lots of hard plastics everywhere. Hopefully some of that was addressed with the '17 update. I was expecting it to be more on par with my sister's new Murano, which has really impressed me with its materials, fit, and finish.
On the plus side, the ride was pretty compliant, the CVT was much less annoying than I had expected, and it was very roomy, with the exception of the cargo space behind the third row, which couldn't even fit a small/medium sized cooler.
It was a lower trim level, and it was remarkably cheap inside. Lots and lots of hard plastics everywhere. Hopefully some of that was addressed with the '17 update. I was expecting it to be more on par with my sister's new Murano, which has really impressed me with its materials, fit, and finish.
On the plus side, the ride was pretty compliant, the CVT was much less annoying than I had expected, and it was very roomy, with the exception of the cargo space behind the third row, which couldn't even fit a small/medium sized cooler.
Last edited by Aron9000; 07-18-16 at 01:16 PM.
07-18-16, 01:37 PM
#70
Lexus Fanatic
The QX60 never had great materials either. I haven't seen a 17 Pathfinder, but I have seen a 17 QX60 refresh and the materials are better, theres a sitched leather dash, etc.
07-18-16, 01:45 PM
#71
Lexus Champion
One other annoyance I forgot to mention was that the liftgate doesn't lift high enough. I'm only 5'10" and couldn't stand up under it without hitting my head. Very frustrating.
07-18-16, 01:45 PM
#72
Lexus Fanatic
I think I recall the height being adjustable...
07-18-16, 01:48 PM
#73
I'm going to be a bit sexist here and say the Pathfinder is not a man's car. Its designed for the wife with kids, as in if the liftgate were higher your short wife would struggle to get it closed.
07-18-16, 01:58 PM
#74
Lexus Champion
07-18-16, 02:01 PM
#75
Lexus Fanatic
