2008 Nissan Pathfinder Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder gets slightly freshened styling, and for the first time, is offered with a V8 engine. This seven-passenger midsize SUV comes in S, SE, SE Off-Road, and luxury-oriented LE trims. All have a 266-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine. Newly available are SE V8 and LE V8 models with a 310-hp 5.6-liter V8. Maximum towing capacity is 6000 lb with the V6, 7000 lb with the V8. SE Off-Road models are 4-wheel drive only. The others are available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD. Available on V6 LE and all V8 Pathfinders is Nissan's All-Mode 4WD system that can be left engaged on dry pavement. The 4WD on other models should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Both 4WD systems have a low-range gear for off-roading. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows, and front side airbags.

Pathfinders have a 50/50 split folding 3rd-row seat. Leather upholstery and a sunroof are standard on LE models, optional on SE versions. SE Off-Road comes with specific tires and shock absorbers and additional chassis skid plates. For '08, all Pathfinders have revised exterior and interior appearance. Newly standard on all except S models is a 7-inch color information screen with rearview camera. LE-exclusive options include a wireless cell phone link and keyless entry and engine start.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.

News

A redesigned Pathfinder is now rumored for 2010 or '11, some six-12 months behind a new version of the related Xterra SUV.

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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

2WD SE	4WD SE	4WD SE Off-Road	4WD LE w/nav. sys.	Class Average
66	64	63	63	63.7

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		53
Average Score		63
High Score		76

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2008 Nissan Pathfinder Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/28/2008

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD S V6 4-door wagon	$25,920	$24,292	$745

4WD S V6 4-door wagon	$27,920	$26,163	$745

2WD SE V6 4-door wagon	$29,220	$27,074	$745

2WD SE V8 4-door wagon	$30,820	$28,553	$745

4WD SE V6 4-door wagon	$31,220	$28,923	$745

4WD SE V8 4-door wagon	$33,070	$30,634	$745

4WD SE Off-Road V6 4-door wagon	$34,120	$31,605	$745

2WD LE V6 4-door wagon	$35,020	$32,438	$745

2WD LE V8 4-door wagon	$36,720	$34,009	$745

4WD LE V6 4-door wagon	$37,220	$34,472	$745

4WD LE V8 4-door wagon	$38,920	$36,044	$745

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Powertrain

4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, rear traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, 2nd- and 3rd-row split folding seats, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Tow hitch receiver, wiring harness, skid plates, full-size spare tire, 245/75R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.

SE adds to S:

Powertrain

4.0-liter V6 or 5.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning w/rear controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 8-way power driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital-media player connection, rearview camera, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Running boards, fog lights, roof rack.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Front tow hook, 265/65R17 white-letter tires (V6), 265/60R18 tires (V8), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive (V6), All-Mode 4-wheel drive (V8), 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.

SE Off-Road adds to SE:

Powertrain

4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control, hill descent control, hill ascent control.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power sunroof, Bose sound system, satellite radio, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: running boards.

Additional skid plates, off-road suspension, 265/75R16 all-terrain white-letter tires.

LE adds to SE:

Safety

Front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), heated power mirrors, power sunroof, Bose sound system, satellite radio, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: fold-flat passenger seat.

4WD adds: All-Mode 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front and rear traction control.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Airbag Pkg.
S, SE, SE Off-Road	$700	$607
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment. Std. LE.

Premium Pkg.
SE	$1,850	$1,605
Power sunroof, Bose sound system, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights. Requires satellite radio.

Leather Pkg.
SE, SE Off-Road	$1,850	$1,605
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors. Deletes fold-flat passenger seat. SE requires Premium Pkg., satellite radio.

Navigation Pkg.
LE	$2,400	$2,082
Navigation system, wireless cell phone link, hard drive, keyless access and starting. Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer w/single-disc CD player.

Comfort and Convenience Features
DVD entertainment system
SE, SE Off-Road, LE	$1,600	$1,388
SE requires Premium Pkg., satellite radio.

Satellite radio
SE	$150	$131
Requires Premium Pkg.

Floormats
LE, LE, S, S, SE, SE Off-Road	$155	$106


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
SE, LE	$300	$260

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2008 Nissan Pathfinder Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Nissan Pathfinder 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	112.2

Overall Length, in.	192.5

Overall Width, in.	72.6

Overall Height, in.	69.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	4684

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	80.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	40.0

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	40.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.0 /241	5.6 /341

Horsepower @ rpm.	266 @ 5600	310 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	288 @ 4000	388 @ 3400

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	14/20	12/18

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Nissan Pathfinder 4-door wagon

4WD Rollover	3

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder Review:

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder Road Test

Nissan Pathfinder Prices & Equipment

Nissan Pathfinder Specs & Safety

Nissan Pathfinder Photos