Vehicle Overview
The 2008 Pathfinder is relatively unchanged, aside from the newly available V-8 engine. Larry Dominique, Nissan vice president of product planning, said a V-8 was added to the Pathfinder lineup in response to customer demand for more engine power. Rated at 300-plus horsepower, the V-8 gives the seven-seat Pathfinder SUV the ability to tow up to 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Pathfinder’s center dash controls have also been redone and now have a more refined appearance.
Exterior
For the most part, the Pathfinder looks much like last year’s model. The front bumper has been mildly restyled and the doors have new rub strips. Standard aluminum wheels measure 16 inches in diameter, but 17- and 18-inch wheels are offered. A sunroof is optional.
Interior
The Pathfinder has room for seven. Cloth seats are standard and leather seats are optional. The available navigation system includes a 9.3 GB hard drive that can hold music files. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a Bose sound system and a DVD entertainment system are optional.
Under the Hood
The base 4.0-liter V-6 makes 266 hp, while the optional 5.6-liter V-8 produces 300-plus hp and 380-plus pounds-feet of torque. The engines both team with a five-speed automatic transmission. Rear- and four-wheel-drive models are available.
Safety
All-disc antilock brakes, active front head restraints and an electronic stability system are standard. Side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and power-adjustable pedals are optional.
