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Although plans for a new Pathfinder and Juke were announced by Nissan, they were not part of the brand's Australian two-year timeline.
Nissan Australia could cut two SUVs from its line-up, taking the brand down to six showroom models, with overseas plans for the new Pathfinder and Juke seemingly not including the local market.
However, plans for overseas markets include more models, such as the refreshed Pathfinder for the US and the next-generation Juke electric vehicle (EV) for Europe, which were noticeably absent from Australia’s timeline.
The facelifted Pathfinder is expected to arrive in US showrooms this year, however, the large SUV has been a slow seller for Nissan locally.
A total of 523 Pathfinders were sold in Australia last year, down 62.7 per cent from the prior 12 months, making it less popular in the large SUV category than the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro (1789), Jeep Wrangler (724), and Toyota Fortuner (3042).
The fifth-generation Pathfinder arrived on local shores in October 2022 and is sourced from Nissan’s Tennessee, US plant.
“I think there's always a possibility [of axing Pathfinder] because it's about size of segment, running that segment, profitability. And those business cases have to work,” Humberstone said.
“Do we end up buying other product from joint ventures in China? Well, if that's a better business case, do I replace [it with] something equivalent?
“We are looking always at being an agile business to ensure not only our own financial success, but profitability of our dealer network and competitive pricing for our consumers.”
This could open the door for a new Pathfinder to be sourced from China, made in conjunction with Dongfeng, where the business case might stack up more favourably for Australia.
For reference, the Pathfinder kicks off at $59,945 before on-road costs, with the entire five-variant line-up powered by a 202kW/340Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6.
This compares against other three-row rivals such as the Kia Sorento (from $50,680), hybrid-only Toyota Kluger (from $60,920), and Hyundai Santa Fe (from $53,000) all with smaller and more efficient powertrains.
As for the Juke small SUV, it will morph into an all-electric model next year and launch as Europe’s fourth tailpipe emissions-free model following the Leaf, Ariya, and Micra.
Juke has also been a slow seller in Australian showrooms, notching 1674 new registrations last year, and although it was 33.3 per cent up on the 2023’s result, it still trailed the Hyundai Venue (6949), Kia Stonic (6189), and Suzuki Ignis (1815).
The light SUV’s shift to an electric car might also hamper its chances for Australia, as the third-generation Leaf – now a small SUV – might be a more attractive offering for local buyers than a Juke EV.
However, the omission of the Pathfinder and Juke in Nissan Oceania’s two-year plan is not a confirmation that these models will be axed, as what was shown was a preview of things to come.
Drive understands Nissan has not revealed all its new-model activity yet, and is keeping some cards close to its chest, leaving room for a refreshed Pathfinder and Juke if the business case stacks up.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
