2012 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Strengths
Towing and off-roading ability; tough truck-based construction; three rows of seating; manageable size; strong, torquey engines
2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Changes
The 2012 Pathfinder is virtually identical to the 2011 model. The few changes include an optional DVD package and DVD Entertainment system on the V6 Silver. A new 9.3GB hard-drive music server appears on the V6 LE.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Value
Nissan‘s truck-based sport-utility vehicle is configured for people who are planning to do real off-roading or trailer-towing. It’s built with a serious body-on-frame layout and true 4-wheel drive system, so it’s a tough, work-capable SUV with three rows of seating. This makes the Pathfinder Nissan’s most capable vehicle.
Overview
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder comes in five trims: S, SV, Silver Edition, LE and LE V8. All models except for the LE V8 come with a 266-horsepower, 4.0L V6 engine; LE V8 models get a 320-hp, 5.6L 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. The Pathfinder is, as it looks to be, a boxy, traditional sport-utility vehicle, offering a combination of trail prowess, towing and hauling capability and wagon-like interior versatility. Built on a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame, combined with a 4-wheel independent suspension, the Pathfinder manages to combine serious truck ability with decent responsiveness for daily driving on streets and highways. Coil-over shocks and a stabilizer bar keep the front in check, while in back a double-wishbone independent setup helps provide good cornering ability, even over rough surfaces. In all versions, a 5-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts and has a wide span of ratios to fit both off-roading and relaxed high-speed cruising. While the Pathfinder’s overall length and width are about the same as that of a mid-size sedan, which allows decent maneuverability, yet it feels considerably roomier thanks to its additional height. It offers standard 3-row seating for up to seven. The third-row seat folds flat and the second row is 40/20/40-split and flips forward easily for better third-row access. Inside, there are plenty of cubbies, as well as map pockets and eight cup holders. Two different 4-wheel drive systems are offered in the Pathfinder: S and SV models come with a traditional part-time system, while LE models include a more sophisticated All-Mode 4WD system that can reapportion torque to the wheels that need it most. The latter includes both the expected low and high ranges in addition to an Auto mode and a rear-wheel drive mode.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder
When properly optioned with the 17-inch BFGoodrich Long Trail tires, the Pathfinder can be an especially well-focused off-road machine. No matter the Pathfinder model, tow ratings remain impressive when compared to car-based crossover vehicles. When equipped with the V8, the Pathfinder can tow up to 7,000 pounds, while tow ratings with the V6 are as high as 6,000 pounds. Safety features are impressive, too. All Pathfinder models include front side airbags, side-curtain bags and active front head restraints, along with electronic stability control and a 4-channel anti-lock braking system that’s been designed to also perform well on gravel and less-than-perfect surfaces. The Pathfinder SV adds power-adjustable pedals, a power driver’s seat, a trip computer, steering-wheel audio controls, a rear cargo net, automatic climate control, rear air conditioning, a center armrest in back and leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob. Top-of-the-line LE models get larger bright machine-finished alloy wheels, added exterior chrome trim, heated outside mirrors, a rearview monitor, a HomeLink garage-door opener system, Bluetooth hands-free calling capability, a heated steering wheel, Bose premium sound and the Intelligent Key system.
Nissan Pathfinder Review
With a sturdy, fully boxed frame and 4-wheel drive, combined with a 4-wheel independent suspension, the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder offers a good combination of serious towing, hauling and off-roading ability while providing a competent and comfortable ride on-road. And with the same big V8 as the full-size Armada, the mid-size Pathfinder becomes both quicker and more capable, with towing capacity now up to 7,000 pounds.
Nissan Pathfinder
- Pathfinder V8 Engine
Pathfinder Interior
Pathfinder
Pathfinder DashBoard
- Pathfinder Consol
The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
Why a Pathfinder?
The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder offers a good combination of serious towing, hauling and off-roading ability while providing a competent and comfortable ride on-road. And with the same big V8 as the full-size Armada, the mid-size Pathfinder becomes both quicker and more capable, with towing capacity now up to 7,000 pounds!
2010 Nissan Pathfider
Pathfinder Features…
The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in S, SE and LE variants, and each are available with either rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. SE and LE models come with either a 4.0L V6 engine rated at 266 hp and 288 ft-lb of torque, or a 5.6L V8 making 300 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, but the available 4-wheel-drive systems are quite different depending on the engine. The V8 comes with a full-time All-Mode 4WD system that can send up to 50% of engine torque to the front wheels on demand, while V6 models come with a part-time 4WD system that is more off-road oriented, with a separate low range and, on LE models, an electronically controlled transfer case.
The Pathfinder has a roomy interior with three rows of seating for up to seven. The third row folds flat to easily expand the cargo floor, the second row is split 40/20/40 and also folds forward and the front passenger seat also folds forward on most models for especially long items. All Pathfinders utilize rack-and-pinion power steering with speed-sensitive power assist, plus 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Electronic stability control is also standard. Front passenger airbags, side airbags, and rear and side head airbags are also standard.
2010 Nissn Pathfider Interior
S Model…
The base model S comes standard with the V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. Also standard on the S model are 5-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls and power windows and locks.
SE Model…
The mid-level SE adds 6-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM in-dash 6-disc CD player with MP3 capability, dual zone automatic climate control with rear air conditioning and rear controls, variable intermittent speed-sensitive windshield wipers and more.
LE Model…
At the top of the model range is the LE, which has an available V8 engine with 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Standard appointments include 12-spoke machined-finished 18-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlamps, body colored side moldings with chrome inserts, a power moon-roof, heated outside mirrors, Nissan “intelligent key” with remote start availability, leather seats, heated front seats and steering wheel and premium Bose audio system with XM satellite radio, 6-disc in-dash CD player with MP3 capability and much more. Navigation is standard on the LE V8.
2010 Nissan Pathfinder V8
Pathfinder Added Options…
To increase equipment versatility and advance customization, the Nissan Pathfinder also offers several package options, including a new LE V8 Value Package with a DVD player, 7-inch color monitor for rear passengers and a moon-roof. A new SE Premium Journey Package includes 17-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, a Rear View Monitor, roof rack crossbars, a 10-speaker Bose stereo system, XM satellite radio capability, Bluetooth and Intelligent Key.
Renault-Nissan Alliance & Daimler: A Strategic Cooperation
Okay, so here is the skinny: the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler AG are combining forces to craft an ultimate strategic cooperation. The Renault-Nissan Alliance is already the most successful partnership in the automotive industry with revenues over 86.5 billion Euros in 2009, a footprint in over 190 countries, and an employment of over 350,000 people world-wide. And Daimler is just as successful in the automotive industry, as well as a huge player in the financial sector. But despite each company’s individual achievements, they both found an advantage out of partnering-up: “Daimler and the Renault-Nissan Alliance are combining common interests to form a promising foundation for a successful, strategically sound cooperation that is based on a number of very concrete and attractive project cooperations. Our skills complement each other very well. Right away we are strengthening our competitiveness in the small and compact car segment and are reducing our CO2 footprint – both on a long-term basis. We know that we can make brand-typical products based on shared architectures. The individual brand identities will remain unaffected.”, said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The cooperation will highlight the following four projects:
- New common architecture for small vehicles
- The launches for the jointly developed models will take place in 2013.
- Powertrains
- Both are going to focus on sharing each other’s highly fuel-efficient, diesel and gasoline engines.
- Collaboration on light vehicles
- Mercedes-Benz Vans will add a new entry-level vehicle in 2012 that will produced at the Renault plant in Maubeuge, France. Both companies will benefit from higher sales, more efficient capacity utilization, and a joint investment burden – which will result in a healthier overall cost basis.
- Equity exchanges
- The companies are going to exchange, benchmark and create synergies from their one-time cross-shareholding structure. Daimler will get 3.1% of Renault’s newly issued shares and 3.1% of Nissan’s existing shares; and Renault and Nissan will both receive 1.55% of Daimler’s shares.
After all is said, the main goal of this cooperation is to: “…create lasting value for the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler as we work on broadening and strengthening our product offering, efficiently utilizing all available resources and developing the innovative technologies required in the coming decade.” – Carlos Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
2009 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4×4: Equipped for Action
Many people judge a vehicle by its performance and exterior, but the interior is just as important. The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder looks great, has excellent performance, and the interior is first class. The Pathfinder is roomy, well-tailored, and seats six people comfortably. Some of the options include driver’s memory seat, power pedals, dual zone automatic temperature control, heated front seats and steering wheel. The 5-speed automatic transmission can be handled easily through the mountains and sharp turns. With the third row folded down the cubic feet was 49.2 with a flat floor. The Pathfinder also gets 20 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in the city.
2009 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4×4: Equipped for Action
Many people judge a vehicle by its performance and exterior, but the interior is just as important. The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder looks great, has excellent performance, and the interior is first class. The Pathfinder is roomy, well-tailored, and seats six people comfortably. Some of the options include driver’s memory seat, power pedals, dual zone automatic temperature control, heated front seats and steering wheel. The 5-speed automatic transmission can be handled easily through the mountains and sharp turns. With the third row folded down the cubic feet was 49.2 with a flat floor. The Pathfinder also gets 20 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg in the city.
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