User Reviews:

2010 Nissan Pathfinder Offers 7-Passenger Premium Comfort, Powerful Performance For Adventure-Oriented Families

When the original Nissan Pathfinder was first introduced in mid-1986, it was a true breakthrough design powerful, capable and authentic in its tough, off-road truck roots.  It was a compact Sport Utility Vehicle made for family adventures.  Now entering the third year of its third-generation design, the popular Pathfinder has grown substantially in size, comfort, performance, seating capacity, utility and innovation, yet it remains true to its roots as the companion of choice for active family adventures.

Pathfinder was not only a vehicle ahead of its time, its the perfect mid-size SUV for todays times, with room for seven and their gear, power to tow up to 7,000 pounds, good fuel economy and a wide range of available models and equipment levels, said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.   For 2010, Pathfinder continues to stand out as an innovative, rugged SUV capable of handling adventures both on- and off-road and remains, as always, a great value.

For 2010, the three-row Nissan Pathfinder once again combines first-class amenities with a rugged, go-anywhere drivetrain including a choice of V6 or V8 engines and 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive.  Pathfinders 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine is rated at 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque, which helps it to achieve 7,000 pounds of maximum towing capacity when properly equipped.  Also available is Pathfinders proven 266-horsepower 4.0-liter version of the award-winning Nissan VQ-series V6 engine.  All Pathfinders continue to be built on a high-strength, fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the full-size Nissan Armada SUV.

The refined Pathfinder interior offers a range 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. 

Revisions for 2010 include revised exterior and interior color combinations with one new exterior color, Dark Slate, and the addition of moonroof as standard equipment on Pathfinder LE-V6 and standard Nissan Navigation System on LE-V8.  Two new option packages are offered for 2010 the LE-V8 Value Package featuring DVD player, 7-inch color monitor for rear passengers and moonroof; and the 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 Hands-free Phone System and Nissan Intelligent Key.

The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four models: Pathfinder S-V6, Pathfinder SE-V6, Pathfinder LE-V6 and Pathfinder LE-V8 (4x4 only).

A Design As At Home in the Outback as at the Office
Throughout its history, Pathfinder has maintained an iconic exterior design, while also remaining fresh and dynamic.  The exterior was refined for the 2008 model year, enhancing its unique combination of sophistication and rugged, go-anywhere looks.  Large headlamps, angled strut-style grille and a sweeping hood hint at the power underneath, while Pathfinders broad shoulder line, large integrated fender flares covering purposeful wheel and tire combinations and distinctive C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles reinforce the distinctive Pathfinder appearance. 

A long wheelbase of 112.2 inches allows for a roomy three-row cabin while providing ride comfort and stability.  Pathfinders manageable 192.5-inch overall length and short front and rear overhangs enable drivers to feel comfortable driving or parking the capable SUV on almost any terrain.  Additional exterior highlights include standard roof rails with integrated front and rear grips and a rear tailgate design with flip-up rear glass hatch opening.  Pathfinder also offers side running boards on SE and LE trims, fog lights (standard on all trim levels except S-V6), available heated outside mirrors and power slide and tilt moonroof (LE models).

For 2010, six exterior colors are available: Super Black, Silver Lightning, Dark Slate, Red Brick, Avalanche and Navy Blue.

Inside the ruggedly elegant body, the Pathfinder interior offers standard three-row seating and exceptional utility and storage capacity.  Seating selections include an available 8-way power drivers seat, 4-way power front passengers seat, fold-down front passenger seat, drivers seat auto entry/exit system with two-driver memory and heated front seats.  A flat-folding 3rd row seat, 40/20/40 split separate-folding 2nd row seats with easy one-touch release lever for 3rd row access come standard on all models.

Additional standard equipment includes power windows with driver and front passenger auto-up/down and safety reverse, power door locks with new auto door lock function, tilt steering wheel, Remote Keyless Entry, trip computer and climate control system.

Storage areas are plentiful throughout the spacious cabin, including eight cupholders and an overhead console with sunglass storage.  Utility is enhanced with four 12-volt outlets (two on instrument panel center stack, one for 2nd row and one cargo area), front seatback pockets, plentiful passenger assist grips and available rear reading lamps (standard on all but S-V6) and outside temperature gauge (standard on LE). 

The Nissan HDD Navigation System, available on LE models, includes a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.  Other available technology includes Nissan Intelligent Key with twist start, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately).  Other available features include a dual-zone automatic temperature control (standard on all but S-V6), rear air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals (standard on all but S-V6), leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats, power moonroof, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bose audio system, leather-appointed steering wheel (standard on all but S-V6), wood grain trim and DVD entertainment system with 7.0-inch color rear monitor and rear seat wireless headphones (LE only).

Two Advanced Powerplants
The 2010 Pathfinder is available with a choice of two engines a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine producing 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque and a 266-horsepower 4.0-liter V6.  The V8 engine is offered with the Pathfinder LE 4x4 configuration, while the V6 is offered in S, SE and LE 4x4 and 4x2 models.  Backing both engines is a standard electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission.
 
The transmission, which is specially tuned for each engine application, features a wide gear ratio spread for maximum acceleration performance and a Direct Control System to provide smooth shift quality.

The 4.0-liter V8 engine's advanced design includes features such as an aluminum engine block with cast iron cylinder liners, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts with silent single-stage timing chain for quiet operation and durability, and electronic drive-by-wire throttle for precise control.  For greater efficiency, graphite-coated pistons, microfinished forged steel crankshaft and microfinished camshaft help reduce friction.  Maximum towing capacity with the V8 is a full 7,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Pathfinders advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6 is rated at 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque.  This specially tuned engine, created for SUV and truck applications, is part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series.  The 4.0-liter design includes Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4x4 models), Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons and lightweight aluminum block.  Maximum towing capacity for V6-equipped Pathfinders is 6,000 pounds when properly equipped for towing.

Pathfinder is offered with several advanced 4x4 systems.  The Pathfinder LE V8 4x4 features a full-time XN All-Mode 4-wheel drive system that can instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction with improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering capability.  Pathfinder V6-equipped 4x4 models are available with a part-time 4-wheel drive system (S-V6, SE-V6) or an All-Mode 4-wheel drive system that includes 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case (LE-V6). 

Standard on all Pathfinder models is a responsive engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system and 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with G-sensor and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

All 2010 Pathfinder models utilize Nissans F-Alpha platform, with a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame providing a solid mounting point for the stylish body and the four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension, as well as a standard integrated tow hitch.  Pathfinders long-travel front suspension is an all-steel double-wishbone design with coil-over shocks and large stabilizer bar.  For smooth ride quality and optimized handling, the rear suspension is an independent double-wishbone design with the coils located on the toe control link (offset spring and shock) with stabilizer bar.  Standard underbody component protection puts a plate under the radiator.

Wheel packages vary by Pathfinder model.  S-V6 models offer standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/75R16 tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P265/65R17 BFGoodrich Long Trail tires are offered on SE-V6.  LE-V6 and LE-V8 models feature special 18-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/60R18 BFGoodrich BSW tires.  All Pathfinders provide a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and full-size spare tire.

Standard Safety and Security Equipment
Pathfinders long list of standard safety features and equipment includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System, featuring dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor; supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags; and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for improved side impact and rollover head protection for outboard occupants in all three rows.

Other features include Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones; energy absorbing steering column; front seat Active Head Restraints and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the 2nd row center position; adjustable 2nd and 3rd row head restraints; LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren); Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Four Well-Equipped Models
The 2010 Pathfinder is offered in a choice of four models: S-V6, SE-V6, LE-V6 and LE-V8 (4x4 only), each with an array of standard features, including three-row seating.

Pathfinder SE-V6 models add 17-inch wheels with P265/65R17 tires, 7.0-inch multi-information display, 8-way power drivers seat, fold-flat front passengers seat, power-adjustable foot pedals, unique seat fabric, AM/FM/6CD audio system with MP3 capability, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, automatic temperature control with rear air conditioning, 2nd row fold-down center armrest, leather steering wheel and shift knob, fog lights, rear reading lamps, body-color outside mirrors and side running boards.

Pathfinder LE models add enhanced levels of style and luxury.  The LE-V6 includes 18-inch bright machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, body side molding with chrome inserts, leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats and door inserts, heated steering wheel, Bose audio system with 10 speakers and subwoofer, 4-way power front passenger seat, wood grain trim, driver memory package (seat, mirrors and pedals) with programmable remote keyfobs, heated outside mirrors, automatic on/off headlights, RearView Monitor, auto day/night rearview mirror, compass, roof rack crossbars, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and Nissan Intelligent Key.  The Pathfinder LE-V8 adds the 5.6-liter V8, XN All-Mode 4x4 system, Nissan Navigation System and special badging.

 For 2010, only five option packages are available.  SE models are available with the new SE Premium Journey Package, with automatic on/off headlights, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, auto dimming rearview mirror with compass, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, RearView Monitor, roof rack crossbars, Bose 6CD audio system, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and Nissan Intelligent Key.  The new LE-V8 Value Package offers a DVD player, 7.0-inch color monitor for rear passengers, rear seat wireless headphones and power moonroof.  Also available is a HDD Navigation Package with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, DVD Mobile Entertainment System (LE only), and Power Moonroof (standard on LE).

The 2010 Pathfinder is assembled at Nissan's award-winning Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing facility, with engines supplied by Nissans nearby Decherd, Tennessee engine facility.