2009 Nissan Pathfinder: Road Test
2009 Nissan Pathfinder ▼
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- MSRP: $27,210 - $40,210
- Invoice: $25,499 - $37,238
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Our road test for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder help you decide if a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
V6 Pathfinders are peppy from a stop and around town. A 2WD SE did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds in our testing. Passing maneuvers require a brief moment for transmission to downshift, but power is ample thereafter. However, some testers feel the V6 labors to deliver brisk uphill acceleration from midrange speeds. No V8 models have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD SE averaged 17.0 mpg. Test 4WD versions averaged 13.6-15.7 mpg. Nissan recommends premium-grade gas for both the V6 and V8.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Pathfinder is less absorbent than crossover rivals, but fine for a traditional truck-based SUV. The 16-inch tires iron out broken pavement better than LE's 18s or SE Off-Road's all-terrain treads. Still, bumps and expansion joints can cause some bounce and body shudder.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Low-effort cornering induces noseplow and body lean typical of truck-type SUVs. A wide turning radius hurts close-quarters maneuvering. Braking action is smooth and progressive.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Pathfinder is quiet for a truck in gentle cruising, but wind rush rises markedly with speed. The V6 sounds coarse and strained at full throttle. SE Off-Road's all-terrain tires are quite noisy, and the regular treads are less so.
CONTROLS
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
The gauges are easy to read, and most controls are simple to use. The LE's available navigation system takes time to learn, but doesn't absorb audio or climate controls--a plus.
DETAILS
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5.5 |
Cabin surfaces are padded in places frequently touched. Most other panels are hard plastic, 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/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Most occupants will have ample headroom and legroom. SE and LE have soft, supportive seats. Some testers dislike the SE Off-Road's seatback shape and fabric texture. Driver visibility aft and over the shoulder are impeded by thick roof pillars, the rear windshield wiper, and rear stop lamp. Step-in is true-SUV 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/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Headroom is good in the 2nd row, even beneath the sunroof housing. Legroom is tight for tall riders with front seats set far back. The 3rd-row seat is 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/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
All rear seats fold to form a level load deck without removing the headrests. A fold-flat front-passenger seatback is available for long cargo, though it's not offered with leather upholstery on the SE or SE Off-Road. The available DVD entertainment system eats into front console space. Cabin storage is otherwise ample, including a clever in-floor compartment under the 2nd-row seats.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
For everyday driving ease and fuel economy, this truck-type SUV trails such crossover 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 towing capacity.
Total Score
| 2WD SE | 4WD SE | 4WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 63 | 61 | 62 | 64.6 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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