Image and vehicle data supplied by JATO Dynamics Ltd.
2007 Nissan Pathfinder SUV
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What’s New?
Once again, only minor changes mark the difference between the 2007 and 2006 Pathfinder SUV models. The passenger-side window now gets an auto up/down feature that includes a safety reverse, or pinch protection feature. Nissan also added an auxiliary input jack for MP3 or iPod compatibility. A new exterior color has been added—Desert Stone—and new-and-improved California LEV2 and ULEV emissions ratings round out the updates.
Overview
The Pathfinder is now in its 20th year of production, but the design evolution has been progressive. It retains all the flavor of the original boxy shape, but now looks modern and clean. It also utilizes the same impressive platform—Nissan’s F-Alpha platform—as the full-size Armada SUV and Titan pickup. The Pathfinder does a nice job of maintaining the company fascia, with angled front struts that match Nissan’s entire SUV/truck lineup. And don’t bet on Nissan designers to move the second-row exterior door handles to the “normal” position; this traditional design cue lets everyone know it’s a Pathfinder.
The Pathfinder is available in S, SE, and LE trim levels with two-wheel drive, while four-wheel-drive models are available in S, SE, LE, and SE Off-Road. All trim levels come with a 5-speed automatic transmission and standard Vehicle Dynamic Control that helps keep the vehicle headed in its intended path during understeer or oversteer conditions when the vehicle encounters poor road traction. The engine remains the 4.0-liter V-6 that’s based on Nissan’s prominent VQ engine series and produces a hearty 266 hp with 288 lb.-ft. of torque. If these numbers seem a little lower than in 2006, it is due to the new Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) ratings that are now in effect for all manufacturers.
There are a lot of features to like inside the Pathfinder: seating for up to seven passengers, a fold-flat front-passenger seat, available dual-zone climate control, and the easy-to-clean cargo area flooring with plenty of tie-down hooks for all of life’s necessities. If you like the look and strength of the Armada, but prefer something in a slightly smaller package, the Pathfinder might be right for you.
The Competition
The Nissan Pathfinder competes in the Midsize Utility segment, which consists of 16 models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider StudySM and the Escaped Shopper Study.SM
The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM were the Honda Pilot (152,154 units sold), Jeep Grand Cherokee (139,148), and Ford Explorer (131,759). The Nissan Pathfinder sold 73,124 units in 2006, a decrease of 4 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Utility segment include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Toyota 4 Runner, Jeep Commander , Dodge Durango, and HUMMER H3.
Once again, only minor changes mark the difference between the 2007 and 2006 Pathfinder SUV models. The passenger-side window now gets an auto up/down feature that includes a safety reverse, or pinch protection feature. Nissan also added an auxiliary input jack for MP3 or iPod compatibility. A new exterior color has been added—Desert Stone—and new-and-improved California LEV2 and ULEV emissions ratings round out the updates.
Overview
The Pathfinder is now in its 20th year of production, but the design evolution has been progressive. It retains all the flavor of the original boxy shape, but now looks modern and clean. It also utilizes the same impressive platform—Nissan’s F-Alpha platform—as the full-size Armada SUV and Titan pickup. The Pathfinder does a nice job of maintaining the company fascia, with angled front struts that match Nissan’s entire SUV/truck lineup. And don’t bet on Nissan designers to move the second-row exterior door handles to the “normal” position; this traditional design cue lets everyone know it’s a Pathfinder.
The Pathfinder is available in S, SE, and LE trim levels with two-wheel drive, while four-wheel-drive models are available in S, SE, LE, and SE Off-Road. All trim levels come with a 5-speed automatic transmission and standard Vehicle Dynamic Control that helps keep the vehicle headed in its intended path during understeer or oversteer conditions when the vehicle encounters poor road traction. The engine remains the 4.0-liter V-6 that’s based on Nissan’s prominent VQ engine series and produces a hearty 266 hp with 288 lb.-ft. of torque. If these numbers seem a little lower than in 2006, it is due to the new Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) ratings that are now in effect for all manufacturers.
There are a lot of features to like inside the Pathfinder: seating for up to seven passengers, a fold-flat front-passenger seat, available dual-zone climate control, and the easy-to-clean cargo area flooring with plenty of tie-down hooks for all of life’s necessities. If you like the look and strength of the Armada, but prefer something in a slightly smaller package, the Pathfinder might be right for you.
The Competition
The Nissan Pathfinder competes in the Midsize Utility segment, which consists of 16 models. Buyers in this segment look for performance, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider StudySM and the Escaped Shopper Study.SM
The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM were the Honda Pilot (152,154 units sold), Jeep Grand Cherokee (139,148), and Ford Explorer (131,759). The Nissan Pathfinder sold 73,124 units in 2006, a decrease of 4 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Utility segment include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Toyota 4 Runner, Jeep Commander , Dodge Durango, and HUMMER H3.
