The Nissan Pathfinder tries to be both a capable off-road vehicle and a family SUV. While the Pathfinder is a credible choice for off-roading, reviewers prefer Nissan's own Xterra when the pavement ends.
The Pathfinder is priced around the middle of its class, but its fuel economy falls closer to the bottom (though it's about average when compared to other off-road SUVs).
The Traverse can seat up to eight (one more than the Pathfinder) has better fuel economy and a smooth ride.
Details: Nissan Pathfinder
This year is the 25th anniversary of the Pathfinder, so Nissan has added a special Silver Edition to the lineup of Pathfinder trims: the base S, Pathfinder SV, and Pathfinder LE. If you like the Pathfinder, be sure to check out this month's Nissan Deals.
Two engines, a V6 and a V8, are available; the Pathfinder is also available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
No matter which trim you select, your Pathfinder’s base engine is a 4.0-liter V6 that gets 266 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to off-roads driving, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder truly shines. The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has two different available engines. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are also both available. Unfortunately, fuel economy is lackluster at best; four-wheel drive Pathfinders with V6 engines get 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the freeway.
Standard features include power windows and locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power seats and rear air conditioning.
Standard features available on the Nissan Pathfinder are antilock brakes, side-curtain airbags and front airbags.
If you upgrade to another trim from the base S or want upgraded features, you can choose from moonroof, heated seats, leather seating, heated mirrors, memory seats, Bluetooth connectivity and upgraded audio and technology features.
The biggest perk of the Pathfinder is its off-roads capabilities; drivers who won't be taking advantage of them probably don't need the Pathfinder.
The truck-like feel of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is definitely one of its biggest drawbacks.
The Pathfinder has two possible engine choices; a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque and a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produces 310 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque. Options include navigation, fold-flat third row seating, dual-zone climate control, hands-free phone system, 9.3 GB hard drive, entertainment system, and rear-view monitor.
The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder now comes in five trims: S, SV, Silver Edition, LE and LE V8. Buyers have a choice between rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive on all models except the LE V8, which only comes with 4-wheel drive.