Built on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the Pathfinder is 187.6 inches long overall and stands as tall as 70.1 inches, not counting the roof rack.
Seven-passenger seating includes split, folding second- and third-row seats. The front passenger seat also folds. All Nissan Pathfinders have a five-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds. All-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist are standard. Vehicle Dynamic Control and a tire pressure monitoring system are standard.
A four-wheel-drive 2007 Pathfinder maneuvers smartly through challenging off-road obstacles. Nissan's Hill Descent Control works with amazing expertise to control the SUV's speed during downhill runs.
All trim lines get auto-reversing power windows, door locks, tilt wheel and 16-inch wheels (LEs come with 17s). The Pathfinder can be ordered with rear-drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or Nissan's All-Mode four-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled transfer case. SE off Road models come with Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Rancho off-road shocks and underbody skid plates.
In recent years, the Nissan Pathfinder has been on the horns of an identity crisis. On-road handling is mostly amenable, but the Pathfinder's composure slips when faced with bumps and road irregularities.
Running contrary to the Pathfinder's more rugged focus is the fact that third-row seating is now standard, as Nissan attempts to keep it on par with other midsize SUVs in terms of seating capacity. We find the Pathfinder's reversal somewhat perplexing.
A midsize SUV, the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SE Off-Road and LE. The SE Off-Road trim comes standard with heavy-duty Rancho shocks, underbody skid plates and additional electronic systems to improve off-road performance. The top-of-the-line Pathfinder LE is upgraded with upscale amenities like 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, heated leather seating and a Bose audio system. Powering the 2007 Pathfinder is a 4.0-liter V6 engine rated for a stout 266 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. S, SE and SE Off-Road models have part-time 4WD, while the LE gets a full-time system with an all-wheel-drive mode. SE Off-Road models feature advanced traction systems like Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and electronic limited-slip control for enhanced off-pavement capability. Properly equipped, the Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Front-seat side airbags are standard on all Nissan Pathfinders, along with stability control and antilock disc brakes. The Pathfinder's cabin is handsome and ergonomically lay out. As in most midsize SUVs, the Pathfinder's two-passenger third-row seat is for kids only. Ride quality is generally smooth, but the 2007 Nissan Pathfinder feels a bit sloppy over bumps.