Thu, May 15, 2008
 The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in both V6 and V8 engine types. The V6 runs on regular gas; the V8, however, requires premium. At about 10 mpg in the city, and about 16 mpg on the highway, the V8 is going to be on the expensive-to-run side, but it offers a host of options. Nissan
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The Virginian-Pilot
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 05.10.2008
It sounds like lousy timing considering the price of gas: For 2008, the Nissan Pathfinder comes with an optional 310-horsepower 5.6-liter V8.
It has company. The Pathfinder's competitors, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner, offer V8-equipped models. Except that, for the most part, all run on regular gas. The Pathfinder requires premium.
And although up to now the Pathfinder makers haven't fielded a V8 — the 266-horsepower 4-liter V6 is more than powerful enough — parity in the engine bay increases this sport utility vehicle's utility.
Towing capacity jumps to 7,000 pounds in the all-wheel drive V8 model, and the Pathfinder is responsive.
Most of the power seems held in reserve for tough towing jobs or that burst of extra energy needed to enter the interstate.
On the flip side, fuel economy drops by 2 mpg in both city and highway driving compared to the V6 model, according to the EPA.
A 240-mile test drive that included an even mix of city and highway driving returned 15 mpg.
Opting for rear-wheel drive would improve fuel economy only by 1 mpg in city driving.
Although that's not great compared with car-based, six-cylinder crossover SUVs, it's typical of midsize V8-powered SUVs that use a truck platform.
And the Pathfinder proves surprisingly car-like in modest driving.
Push it harder and the Pathfinder reveals itself to be a true truck, with body lean in hard cornering and nosedive during panic stops.
Yet it's easy to live with day to day. The Pathfinder's turning radius is close to that of the car-based Nissan Murano crossover SUV. This makes parking lot maneuvers a breeze.
Model choices are S, SE, Off-Road and LE for the V6 and SE and LE for the V8. Nissan provided an LE V8 for testing.
The civilized interior is generally sedate, although wind and road noise grow perceptibly as speed increases.
Front- and second-row seating have adequate legroom, although the second-row's cushion is positioned low, so long-term comfort is compromised for adults.
The third row is best left for the smallest of children. Second- and third-row seats all fold to enhance cargo room.
You wouldn't expect a Path-finder to be priced like a luxury SUV, but at almost $44,000, it certainly laps up against some serious luxury rides.
But as the price suggests, this SUV isn't lacking in options.
All the goodies are here: four-wheel antilock disc brakes with G-sensor and electronic brake force distribution, leather interior, three-row seating, a rear-seat DVD system with wireless headphones, XM Satellite Radio, a Bluetooth hands-free phone, sunroof and a heated steering wheel.
The options are plentiful enough to make the Pathfinder an easy vehicle to live with, one that will be a welcome addition to your stable of vehicles.
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