What Changed for 2008:

• New exterior styling


• Refined interior


• Optional 5.6-liter V-8 engine


• Revised navigation system


• Optional 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive


• New wheel designs


• RearView monitor


• Optional heated steering wheel


• Optional Intelligent Key with twist start


• Optional russet leather interior seating

Overview
The Nissan Pathfinder is entering its 22nd year as a nameplate, and for 2008 receives extensive upgrades. First is an all-new exterior treatment that still keeps the Pathfinder overall design elements. A refined interior offers a long list of standard features as well as new optional technologies. The big news is the addition of Nissan’s 5.6-liter V-8 engine, a version of which is also used in the full-size Titan pickup as well as the top-end Armada sport utility vehicle (SUV). Maximum tow capacity for this midsize SUV is 7000 pounds, which in part is due to the sturdy F-Alpha platform that serves as the Pathfinder’s base.

Model Lineup
The 7-passenger 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has a high number of mix-and-match options as to models, engines, and drivetrains. Trims include S, SE, SE Off-Road (OR), and LE. The S and SE come standard with rear-wheel drive, with part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) optional. The OR model comes standard with part-time 4WD, but the S and SE can get the part-time 4WD system as an option. Those trims come with a V-6 engine standard, but the buyer may upgrade to the LE or SE V-8 models, which have a standard full-time 4WD system as opposed to the part-time system on the V-6-equipped models. All models have a 5-speed automatic transmission.

All Pathfinder models for 2008 have a new instrument panel center stack and console design; standard second- and third-row fold-flat seats; power windows/door locks/mirrors; cruise control; air conditioning; four 12-volt auxiliary power outlets; remote keyless entry; and redundant steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.

Powertrain
The Nissan Pathfinder offers two engine options for 2008. The 4.0-liter V-6 engine, good for 266 hp and 288 lb.-ft. of torque, is basically a carryover from 2007. It allows for up to 6000 pounds towing capacity, and delivers 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway fuel economy in rear-wheel-drive trim, and 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway in 4WD mode. The addition of a 5.6-liter V-8 engine is the big news for 2008. The V-8 engine makes 310 hp and 388 lb.-ft. of torque. As of this writing, no numbers have been posted by the EPA for fuel economy on the V-8 engine. The only transmission available on Pathfinder is a 5-speed automatic; 4WD models come with a standard shift-on-the-fly switch-operated 2-speed transfer case. The SE Off-Road model features standard hill descent control and hill start assist, which Nissan says are invaluable tools for descending steep dirt hills without wearing down the brakes, and climbing hills without worrying about rolling backward. All models have 4-wheel vented anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. The Off-Road model also features Bilstein off-road performance shocks.

Safety
The F-Alpha platform under the Pathfinder is a fully boxed all-steel ladder frame that provides strength in the event of a collision. All Pathfinder SUVs feature standard dual-stage front air bags; a front-occupant classification sensor that determines full, partial, or no air bag deployment strategies; seat-mounted side air bags for front-seat occupants; and a side curtain air bag to protect in the event of a rollover or severe side impact. A tire-pressure-monitoring system is also standard on every Pathfinder, as is stability control.

Technology
The optional DVD-based navigation system on the 2008 Pathfinder features real-time traffic information that includes a 7-inch color LCD touch-screen monitor with voice recognition, along with a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and compact flash slot that allows downloading up to 2900 songs directly into the audio system, along with the ability to download photos from a compact flash card. The navigation system includes Bluetooth hands-free cell phone usage and the Intelligent Key keyless entry and ignition system. Satellite radio is optional. The RearView monitor is standard on all but the S model as part of the 7-inch multi-information display screen.