2010 Nissan Pathfinder Review

Overview

The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size seven-passenger SUV that offers truck-like ride quality, off-road prowess and a roomy, comfortable cabin. Offered in a range of three 4x2 and four 4x4 models, the Pathfinder is available in Pathfinder S V6, Pathfinder SE V6, Pathfinder LE V6 and Pathfinder LE V8 (4x4 only) trims. For 2010, a moonroof is standard on Pathfinder LE V6 and a navigation system is standard on Pathfinder LE V8. A new LE V8 Value Package featuring DVD player, 7-inch color monitor for rear passengers and moonroof has been introduced. Another new SE Premium Journey Package, with 17-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, RearView Monitor, roof rack crossbars, 10-speaker Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth and Intelligent Key is also offered. One new exterior color, Dark Slate, has been added.

Powertrain And Performance

The Pathfinder's 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine is good for 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque, which helps it to achieve 7,000 lbs of maximum towing capacity. A proven 266-horsepower 4.0-liter version of the award-winning Nissan VQ-series V6 engine is also available. The 4x2 V6 models deliver 15 mpg in city and 22 on highways while the 4x4 V6 models yield 14/20. The Pathfinder?s cargo capacity stands at 16.3 cubic feet.

Build And Styling

The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder is built on a sturdy frame and gets a tough exterior and a functional cabin with well-placed gauges and user-friendly controls. Along with a choice of V6 or V8 engines and 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, the refined Pathfinder interior offers a long list of amenities, including available leather-appointed seating, heated steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key with twist start, Nissan Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor. The Pathfinder comes with 16-, 17- and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels; remote keyless entry; lower radiator skid plate; front UV reducing solar glass; full-size spare tire; four 12-volt DC power outlets; tow receiver hitch; tilt steering column; roof rails; flip-up liftgate window; cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls; front map lights; voltage and oil pressure gauges; trip computer; second-row 40/20/40-split fold-flat bench seat with tip-up easy entry for third row; side cargo nets; eight cup holders; and third-row 50/50-split fold-flat bench seat.

Safety Features

All 2010 Pathfinder models are built on a high-strength, fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the full-size Nissan Armada SUV. Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System and Vehicle Security System are standard.