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Acceleration
Peppy from a stop and around town. Test 2WD SE clocked 7.8 sec 0-60 mph. V6 lacks muscle for brisk uphill acceleration from midrange speeds. Passing on level roads requires heavy throttle input--and slight wait for transmission to downshift. Maximum towing capacity is 6000 lb.
Value
"For everyday driving ease and fuel economy, this truck-type SUV trails such
car-type rivals as the Honda Pilot and Nissan's own Murano. Only the top-line
LE offers the convenience of 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement.
However, Pathfinder does possess a solid array of true-SUV attributes, including
real off-road prowess and 6000-lb trailering capacity."
Ride
"Less absorbent than car-type rivals, but fine for a truck. The 16-inch tires
iron out broken pavement better than LE's 17s. Still, bumps and expansion joints
can cause some bounce, wheel patter, even body shudder."
Economy
Test 2WD SE averaged 17.0 mpg in a city/highway mix despite gas-eating performance tests. A 4WD version averaged 15.7 mpg despite mostly highway driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
Noise
"Quiet for a truck in gentle cruising, but wind rush rises markedly with speed.
V6 sounds coarse, strained at full throttle. SE Off-Road's all-terrain tires
quite noisy, regular treads less so."
Comfort - Front
"Ample leg, head room for most occupants. SE/LE seats soft, supportive, but some
testers dislike Off-Road's seatback shape, fabric texture. Available adjustable
pedals allow for good driving position. Driver visibility aft, over the shoulder
impeded by thick roof pillars, rear windshield wiper, and rear stop-lamp. Step-in
is true-SUV lofty, but available running boards, well-placed grab handles assist
entry/exit."
Comfort - Rear
"Good 2nd-row head room, even beneath sunroof housing, but tight leg room for
tall riders with front seat more than halfway back. Third-row seats sized for
kids, tricky to access even with tumble-forward 2nd-row seats. "
Controls
"Well-placed gauges, user-friendly controls. Available navigation system takes
time to learn, but doesn't absorb audio/climate controls--a plus. Cabin surfaces
padded in places frequently touched; mostly hard plastic elsewhere, which imparts
a low-budget ambience. LE's wood-tone trim lends a classier look."
Cargo Room
"All rear seats fold to form a level load deck without removing headrests. Fold-flat
front-passenger seatback available for long cargo. Available DVD entertainment
system eats into front console space. Cabin storage otherwise ample, includes
clever in-floor compartment under 2nd-row seats."
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