No more need for “Wow, I could’ve had a V-8” exclamations from fans of the Nissan Pathfinder, because now there is a 5.6-liter V8 rated at 300-plus horsepower and 380-plus pounds-feet of torque — the first time a V8 has ever been offered in the popular Pathfinder. It’s been awhile in coming about, since the Pathfinder has been around for 22 years. The V-8 is offered as an alternative to the 266 horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine, which is no slouch in its own right.
Regardless of the power source chosen, the Pathfinder is available in a 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive configuration. Other significant Pathfinder updates and improvements for the 2008 model year include: new front and rear styling, new wheel designs (excluding S-V6 trim), available 18-inch wheels and two new exterior colors — White Frost and Mocha. Inside, Pathfinder adds the following new features: a heated steering wheel (LE models only); a redesigned center console area; reclining 2nd row seat center section; new illuminated switchgear (all models except S-V6); new trim packages; Intelligent Key with twist start (LE models only); Bluetooth hands-free phone system (LE models only); and revised Nissan Navigation System with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive (available on LE models only); a 7.0-inch color display and RearView Monitor (all models except S-V6); revised cupholder design, new fabrics and materials, and a new Russet interior color (leather-appointed only). Gauges include an analog speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel level, along with LCD digital twin trip odometer and digital clock.
All Pathfinders continue to be built on a high-strength, fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the full-size Nissan Armada SUV offering first-class amenities with standard three-row seating. The new Pathfinder will be available in four trim levels: the base model S; upscale SE; OR (Off-Road); and flagship LE. Options offered include: an SE Premium Package; SE Leather Package; HDD Navigation Package; DVD Mobile Entertainment System; Airbag Package; XM satellite radio; In-Cabin Microfilter; body-color side moldings; and splash guards.
The test Pathfinder came in the SE trim level, powered by the new 5.6-liter V8 engine with the All-Mode Four Wheel Drive system. The exterior was sprayed Desert Stone metallic, while the interior was done in leather in a Caf Latte tone. The base price was set at $32,850. The optional extras boosted the final tally to nearly $40,000. ($39,860.) The options consisted of: XM satellite radio receiver and antenna; floor mats; the SE Premium Package with power-sliding moonroof (rear-tilt, One touch open/close and auto reverse feature), auto on/off headlights, 10-speaker Bose audio system with AM/FM 6-disc CD, MP3, CD-ROM playback and satellite capability with dual Subwoofer and HomeLink Universal transceiver; the Air Bag Package with front seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact/rollover supplemental air bags for outboard occupant head protection; DVD Mobile Entertainment system with DVD player, ceiling-mounted 7-inch color display, rear seat wireless headphones (two) and remote control; the SE Leather Package with leather appoint front and second row seats, heated front seats, dual power heated mirrors and four-way power passenger seat; and Destination charges. The standard equipment and features list is nothing to sneeze at and is quite impressive and complete.
Nissan claims that this newest iteration is the “most capable Pathfinder ever.” In this case, they speak the truth. The Pathfinder was one of the pioneers in the SUV marketplace, and their 22 plus years of experience in producing such a vehicle, has allowed them to get it right.
It looks like an SUV, and performs as an SUV should, and the new, added level of horsepower that is delivered by the 5.6-liter V8 is truly a welcome addition. Actually, the Pathfinder is now much more contemporary in its overall appearance, and considerably less like a box than the original. Acceleration is now more than adequate. The amenity level has risen considerably from the first generation Pathfinder, along with the interior space and comfort zone.
The handling serves up athletic characteristics, but not on the order of a luxury sedan — if that were the case, it wouldn’t be able to handle its duties and live up to its intended purpose.
In the bottom-line analysis, the 2008 Pathfinder continues to favorably evolve arguably toward perfection. I say arguably that the many who totally disdain SUVs probably won’t find anything good to say at all simply because of its category and its new found power source. For SUV fans, the Pathfinder has earned the right to a continued existence.
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