2013 Pathfinder - Winter Driving and Heater

[kerrton]

Since we're in the middle of winter and most of Canada and the US have just experienced some of the coldest and snowiest weather in years, this is a good time to ask 2013 Pathfinder owers how their new ride handled the winter conditions.

Specifically:

1) How does the Pat handle in snow and ice - AWD or FWD?

2) How does the heater work, front and rear? How quickly does the engine heat up and start delivering heat to the cabin?

3) How does the engine handle cold starts, does it make a lot noise when you start it cold and sound like its going to rattle apart, or is it relatively quiet?

4) How does the CVT perform when its really cold, does it hold a low-gear causing high rpms until everything warms up? Or is it still smooth and quiet even when cold?

[kerrton]

Here is a link to a really good ongoing weekly article from a journalist evaluating the Pathfinder in snowy Ontario. He really put the Pat through its paces and currently there are 4 weekly articles (you have to scroll through the thread to find each weekly article link). He's evaluating the 4Runner in detail recently as well, and overall he's extremely impressed with the Pathfinder, pointing out aspects that are superior even to the 4Runner:

http://www.pathfindertalk.com/forum/201 ... inder.html

[Timmbo]

JX has been impressive in sub zero temps. Heats up really fast, sounds the same at start up as when it is warm. Also, I know how many vehicles I have driven in the cold seem to have a harder time shifting when they are cold, never an issue with the JX.

[Buzzman]

Here is a link to a really good ongoing weekly article from a journalist evaluating the Pathfinder in snowy Ontario. He really put the Path through its paces and currently there are 4 weekly articles

These articles are being published in my local paper, the Ottawa Citizen, and I have been following them regularly.
The latest installment was in yesterdays' paper.
The author seems to be genuinely impressed with the Pathfinder, and I haven't seen any negative comments from him yet.
The four wheel drive system seems to be doing a really good job for him, as he has been trudging through deep snow, on un-plowed back roads, in cottage country. So far so good.