After only two years in the lineup, the hybrid version of the Nissan Pathfinder has silently motored off into history. It’s not returning for the 2016 model year.
-Combining a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 20-hp electric motor, the hybrid SUVs didn’t offer a huge increase in fuel economy compared with the standard 3.5-liter V-6 versions. The front-wheel-drive hybrid had an EPA combined rating of 26 mpg, 3 mpg better than the nonhybrid, while the all-wheel-drive hybrid, also at 26 mpg combined, beat the standard AWD model by 4 mpg.
-In our test of an all-wheel-drive Pathfinder Hybrid, we did considerably worse, averaging only 19 mpg versus the 20 mpg we recorded in a long-term test of a Pathfinder V-6. We concluded, “it’s hard to justify the added mass and cost.” Seems that most Pathfinder shoppers agreed.
-As for the Pathfinder’s upscale sibling, the Infiniti QX60, Infiniti insists the vehicle—which is sold in other markets—remains available in the U.S., although it has been removed from the consumer site and production has ended. Some retailers, though, may still have them. And in the unlikely event there’s a rush of demand, production for our market could resume. Meanwhile, the Infiniti Q50 and Q70 hybrids remain available.
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For hybrid-loving SUV buyers, Nissan may soon have a new alternative in the form of a Rogue hybrid—its platform-mate, the European-market X-Trail, is offered with one. We’ll have to wait and see whether it comes here.
-UPDATE: Infiniti has clarified the availability of the QX60 and its other hybrid models. This post has been updated to reflect that new information.
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