| With a sturdy fully boxed frame and 4-wheel drive, combined with a 4-wheel independent suspension, the 2009 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. |
| The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in S, SE and LE variants, and each are available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. SE and LE models come with a choice of a 4.0L V6 engine rated at 266 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque, or a 5.6L V8 making 300 horsepower 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 percent 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.
On the special SE-V6 4WD model, there are several additional off-road-focused features, including a limited-slip system, hill descent control for descending steep, slippery slopes, and hill start assist, which allows a smoother launch on steep inclines when off-roading. The model also includes Bilstein performance shocks, plus additional skid plates.
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.
The base model S comes standard with the V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. Also standard on the S model are: 16" 5-spoke alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, power windows and doors, and, new for 2009, a power liftgate with remote trunk release.
The mid-level SE adds 17" 6-spoke 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 A/C and rear controls, variable intermittent speed-sensitive windshield wipers and more.
At the top of the model is the LE which has an available V8 engine with 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Standard appointments include features such as 18" 12-spoke machined-finished alloy wheels, auto on/off headlamps, body colored side moldings with chrome inserts, 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.
To increase equipment versatility and advance customization, the Nissan Pathfinder also offers six package options: DVD Entertainment package, Leather package, Navigation package, Premium audio package, Moonroof package and Journey package.
All Pathfinders include rack-and-pinion power steering with speed-sensitive power assist, plus 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). Electronic stability control is also standard. For 2009, Nissan has also made previously optional side airbags and rear and side head airbags standard. |