The Pathfinder has room for seven. Cloth seats are standard and leather seats are optional. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a Bose sound system and a DVD entertainment system are optional. Side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and power-adjustable pedals are optional.
The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder receives its biggest update since its last full redesign in '05. Visually, the '08 Pathfinder looks a bit different thanks to updated front and rear styling and new wheel designs.
To please the off-road crowd, the Pathfinder returned to a sturdy, heavy body-on-frame platform derived from the full-size Titan pickup and Armada SUV. At the same time, Nissan wanted the Pathfinder to be suitable for mainstream multiple passenger transport. For 2008, Nissan has made a number of updates in hopes of increasing the Pathfinder's appeal. Although not perfect, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has a lot to offer.
A midsize SUV, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder comes in four trim levels: S, SE, SE Off-Road and LE. All but the 4WD-only SE Off-Road offer a choice of rear- or four-wheel-drive. The Pathfinder S starts off with 16-inch alloy wheels, power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, air-conditioning and a CD stereo.
Major options include the SE Premium Package (moon roof, Bose stereo, Home Link transceiver, automatic headlights), the SE Leather Package (leather, heated power seats), the LE's HDD Navigation Package (hard-drive-based navigation with a 9.3GB "Music Server," Bluetooth connectivity and keyless start), and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The Nissan Pathfinder is available with a choice of two powerful engines. The four-wheel-drive system on the LE V6 and all V8 models contains a full-time mode for all surfaces; all other 4WD Pathfinders use a part-time system. Every 2008 Nissan Pathfinder comes with antilock brakes and stability control.
The Pathfinder's interior is stylish, handsomely upholstered and ergonomically sound. In off-road situations, the Pathfinder's rugged underpinnings are advantageous, and it offers plenty of suspension travel on rutted trails.
Nissan's mid-size, truck-based Pathfinder is a comfortable, luxurious SUV for those who need traditional truck ruggedness for heavy towing or moderately strenuous off-roading. Newly available on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is a 310-horsepower, 388-pound-feet version of the 5.6-liter V-8 used in the larger Titan and Armada trucks. Both engines are available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. With the V-8 and four-wheel drive, the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is rated a dismal 12 mpg for city driving.
A 200-pound-capacity roof rack is standard on the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, including a handle to help in step-up and loading. Seating isn't as comfortable as it could be in the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, due to front seats that are rather small and skimpily cushioned.
The IIHS also awarded the Pathfinder top "good" ratings for frontal and side impact, but "marginal" in its seat-based rear-impact test.