All Pathfinder models seat five people, but foot room for backseat occupants might be tight beneath the front seats. Large, convenient controls operate the climate and audio systems. A 60/40-split rear seat folds to create 85 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Pathfinder may be equipped with rear-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel-drive system that is intended for use on slippery surfaces. Side-impact and side curtain-type airbags are standard in the upscale LE edition. LATCH child-safety seat anchors and tethers are installed.
The Pathfinder is a mighty smooth operator. An easy-acting automatic transmission delivers prompt gear changes.
It offers SE and up level LE models, both with a 240-hp V6, automatic transmission, and a choice of rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. SE's 4WD must be disengaged on dry pavement. Pathfinder seats five and does not offer 3rd-row seating. Heated front seats are standard on 4WD LEs, available on 4WD SEs.
We've long admired the Pathfinder for its excellent ride and handling, further enhanced by solid unibody construction. Last year, the Pathfinder received minor updates, including a stability control system and a tire-pressure monitor.
The SE includes features like 16-inch wheels, heated outside mirrors, cruise control, power windows and locks, remote keyless entry and air conditioning. On the Platinum Edition, you get those features plus 17-inch wheels, leather seats, a moon roof, power front seats, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, automatic climate control, electroluminescent gauges, aluminum door sill plates and special dark wood trim. For 4WD Pathfinders, heated front seats are optional on the SE and standard on the Platinum. The Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine. The Pathfinder comes with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or part-time four-wheel drive. On Platinum Edition models, a more advanced automatic All-Mode four-wheel-drive system is standard. If you want to tow, the Pathfinder can handle up to 5,000 pounds.
The Nissan Pathfinder comes with antilock front disc/rear drum brakes supplemented by Electronic Brake force Distribution. Platinum Edition models come standard with front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtain airbags. In government crash testing, the Pathfinder earned four stars (out of a possible five) for frontal impact safety and five stars for side-impact safety.