2012 Nissan Pathfinder
Intro
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV suited to everything from a suburban lifestyle to off-road adventures. It is offered in both rear- and four-wheel drive configurations, providing rugged performance and styling without sacrificing comfort.
The seven-passenger Pathfinder is available in four trim levels: S, SV, Silver and LE. All trims are powered by a 266-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission; a 310-hp 5.6-liter V8 is available on the 4x4 LE. The S trim is well equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and a CD player; SV trims add running boards, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control and MP3 capability. The Silver trim is further outfitted with heated front seats, leather upholstery, Intelligent Key passive entry/start, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a 6CD changer, while LE trims get exclusive equipment such as a power sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel and a rear camera parking aid. A hard drive-based navigation system is standard on the LE 4x4 V8, and available on LE V6 trims. Safety features found on every Pathfinder include electronic stability and traction control systems, anti-lock disc brakes, active anti-whiplash head restraints, six airbags and a tire pressure monitor.
The Nissan Pathfinder carries-on unchanged for 2012.
The cabin is nicely finished, with some pleasing chrome and alloy accents...
Everyday driving ease and fuel economy won't match car-type competitors such as the Honda Pilot or Nissan's own Murano.
Engine strains slightly in uphill acceleration at highway speeds.
...the second-row seats are snug when it comes to toe and shoulder room.
A new four-wheel independent suspension gives the Pathfinder a nice balance between ride comfort and off-road toughness.
...the Pathfinder now boasts the most powerful V6 in its class.
Front seats are comfortable and supportive, on road and off, but would benefit from a deeper bottom cushion for added thigh support.
...the new Pathfinder engine not only substantially bettered its predecessor, it also stepped out ahead of the market's benchmark, the larger V8 in the number one-selling Ford Explorer.
Strategically positioned sound deadening mutes road and tire noise, including that from the Off-Road model's more aggressive treads.
Anybody sentenced to the [rear] center-row center seat had best hope the trip is short.
Pathfinder, good as it is, needs a little - a little more room in back, a little lower price, a little better fuel efficiency, a little more time to ensure there are no bugs in this first-year, new-everything design.
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