2008 Nissan Pathfinder will be a BEAST!

[AZhitman]

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has received with a power upgrade via its more muscular family members.

It's not that the current edition of Nissan's mid-size sport-utility vehicle, which arrived in 2005, can't stand up for itself and keep the bullies at bay. The Pathfinder's standard powerplant, a 266-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, continues to be one of the strongest is its class and can propel the 4,200-pound rig over a variety of terrain with a minimum of fuss and drama. In addition, the extra-tough F-Alpha chassis, originally developed for the bigger and heavier V8-powered Armada sport-ute and full-size Titan pickup, provides the Pathfinder with a solid base from which to operate, including three-row, seven-passenger seating, an abundance of cargo space and the ability to trailer up to 6,000 pounds.

Somewhere along the line, it must have occurred to Nissan's product planners that, since the F-Alpha frame is shared by all three vehicles, it should build category-dominating variant by stuffing the Armada-/Titan-based 5.6-liter V8 inside the Pathfinder's engine bay.

The new model, which leads the list of Pathfinder changes for 2008, puts out 310 horsepower and 388 lb.-ft. of torque, greater by 44 h.p. and 100 lb.-ft. of torque than its V6 counterpart and delivers an additional 1,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Both V6 and V8 versions come with five-speed automatic transmissions and are available in rear- or optional four-wheel drive. The V8 gets a full-time system that can evenly split the torque between the front and rear wheels. V6 buyers can opt for a part-time system or one that Nissan labels All Mode four-wheel drive. Here, the driver chooses the appropriate two- or four-wheel-drive setting, or selects "automatic" and lets the electronically controlled transfer case direct power. In addition, the SE-V6 can be had with an Off Road package that includes limited-slip differentials, Hill-Descent Control (which limits engine speed when heading downhill to prevent a runaway) and Hill Start Assist, which, when you're stopped on a hill, prevents the vehicle from rolling backward as you transfer your right foot to the accelerator pedal from the brake. Protective skid plates that shield the radiator, oil pan, transfer case and fuel tank are also part of the Off Road experience.

The Pathfinder receives a number of additional adjustments as it freshens up for '08. There's a new hood and grille as well as revised front and rear bumpers and a new liftgate, style changes that serve to enhance the look of toughness and durability. Between the doors there are also new instruments and a revised control-panel design.

Base S Pathfinders are trimmed out with air conditioning, cruise control, tilt steering, remote keyless entry, power windows, locks and mirrors and a CD player. The SE adds dual-zone climate control, seven-inch screen with rear-view monitor, eight-way power driver's seat, power-adjustable foot pedals, running boards, CD changer and 17-inch wheels. The top-level LE is even more inclusive, highlighted by leather seats, power sunroof, premium 10-speaker audio system, heated steering wheel and a four-way power passenger seat.

V8-powered SE and LE Pathfinders also receive an 18-inch wheel and tire package.

A seven-inch DVD monitor with wireless headphones, a navigation system and a keyless ignition switch highlight the list of options. Surprisingly, both side-impact and side-curtain airbags, which are standard on most of the Pathfinder's peers, are extra-cost options. Adding those for $700 is offset, however, by the very small $1,600 fee to step up to the V8 from a similarly equipped V6 model. From there, the sky's the limit as a fully optioned 4x4 Pathfinder will land you in the $44,000 range.

Indeed the Pathfinder has come of age. The addition of a high-performing V8 rounds out lineup, which in turn exposes more buyers to Nissan's off-roader.

[fueler]