2008 Nissan Pathfinder Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder help you decide if a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you.

2008 Nissan Pathfinder Road Test

Pros	Cons

Passenger and cargo room	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5	5	5	5.5

Only V6 Pathfinders have been made available for test so far. They're peppy from a stop and around town. A 2WD SE did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds. Passing maneuvers require a brief moment for the transmission to downshift, but power is ample thereafter. However, some testers feel the V6 labors to deliver brisk uphill acceleration from midrange speeds.

Fuel Economy

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	3	3	3	3.6

In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD SE averaged 17.0 mpg in a city/highway mix that included gas-eating performance tests. Test 4WD versions averaged 13.6-15.7 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade gas for all Pathfinders.

Ride Quality

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	5	5.5

Less absorbent than car-based crossover SUV rivals, but Pathfinder is fine versus other traditional truck-type models. The 16-inch tires iron out broken pavement better than SE and LE's 17s or SE Off-Road's all-terrain treads. Still, bumps and expansion joints can cause some bounce, body shudder. No opportunity yet to test with the available 18-inch wheels.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.4

Direct, responsive steering, but even low-effort cornering induces noseplow and body lean typical of truck-type SUVs. The turning radius is too wide for close-quarters maneuvering. The brakes offers smooth, progressive stopping control.

Quietness

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.4

Quiet for a truck in gentle cruising, but wind rush rises markedly with speed. V6 sounds coarse and strained at full throttle. SE Off-Road's all-terrain tires are quite noisy, much more so than the regular treads.

Controls

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.3

Well-placed gauges with user-friendly controls. The available navigation system takes time to learn, but it doesn't absorb audio or climate functions--a plus.

Details

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	7	5.4

Cabin surfaces are padded in places frequently touched; mostly hard plastic is found elsewhere, which imparts a low-budget ambiance. LE's wood-tone trim lends a classier look.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.1

Ample legroom and headroom for most occupants. SE and LE seats are soft and supportive. Some testers dislike the Off-Road's seatback shape and fabric texture. Available adjustable pedals allow for tailoring of a good driving position. Driver visibility and over the shoulder are impeded by thick roof pillars, rear windshield wiper, and rear stop lamp. Step-in is lofty. Well-placed grab handles assist entry and exit, but the available running boards mostly get in the way.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

Good 2nd-row headroom, even beneath the sunroof housing, but legroom is tight for tall riders. Third-row seats are sized for kids and tricky to access even with tumble-forward 2nd-row seats.

Cargo Room

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	8	8	8	8.6

All rear seats fold to form a level load deck without removing headrests. Fold-flat front-passenger seatback available for long cargo. Available DVD entertainment system eats into front console space. Cabin storage otherwise ample, includes clever in-floor compartment under 2nd-row seats.

Value within Class

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6	5	5	5.8

For everyday driving ease and fuel economy, this truck-type SUV trails such car-type rivals as the GMC Acadia and Nissan's own Murano. Only the most expensive versions offer the convenience of 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement. However, Pathfinder does possess a solid array of true-SUV attributes, including real off-road prowess and 7000-lb trailering capacity.

Total Score