Chicago Preview: 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
The '08 Pathfinder's schnoz gets a smoothed-our grille and more pronounced below-the-bumper opening, but the big story is what can now be found behind the SUV's new face. Joining the familiar V6 is an optional 5.6L V8 that delivers 300 horsepower and a message to the domestics that Nissan's looking to swipe some of their V8 SUV customers. Count us as fans of those new 12-spoke wheels, too.
Inside, a reshaped center stack is home to the all new switchgear, including the same audio and climate controls found in the Armada. Navigation and a hard drive-based entertainment system are available as options, and you might notice that Nissan has ditched its squared-off shifter for a classier-looking rounded unit. Check it out after the jump.
We got an inkling that something new was coming for the Pathfinder when we saw a disguised one on the highway as we made our pre-dawn drive into Detroit proper for day 2 of NAIAS. While the changes are subtle, they look to be well-executed inside and out.
[Source: Kicking Tires]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dean 8:55AM (2/01/2007)
Why on earth couldn't they change that fugly steering wheel as well? We looked at a Pathfinder in November, but I just couldn't stand the thought of that ugliness in front of me everyday.
I am also not sure about adding a hefty and thirsty v8. Acura gets 300hp from a v6......, and Nissan's v6 VQ series has long been one of the best. Why now, other than marketing?
The rest is a definite improvement.
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Nellydesign 8:57AM (2/01/2007)
Despite fuel costs and poor mileage, the domestics all offer V8's and to some customers thats enough to sway their decision. The V6's are still there. To me it seems like this is greatly improved. That previous center stack was weak.
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Shawn 9:36AM (2/01/2007)
Agreed...I'm afraid that ugly steering wheel is the representative icon of Nissan interiors today. I had an 04 Maxima, good car over all, but damn that interior was fugly.
I do like the exterior freshening and I also agree, I'd keep the VQ. That V8 puts up some of the worst mileage numbers anywhere when dropping in the Armada and Infiniti version.
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Michael Karesh 9:36AM (2/01/2007)
This V8 will provide a lot more low-end grunt than Acura's six. Have they released the towing capacity? The move makes sense to me.
Biggest problem with the Pathfinder is it's a bit tight in the second and especially in the third row. Still, it's a better buy than the Xterra, which offers less room and less refinement for not much less money (prices can be compared at http://www.truedelta.com).
My review of the Pathfinder:
http://www.epinions.com/content_169462828676
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tikirob 9:37AM (2/01/2007)
It looks nice I just hope it has a better feel inside. The current one feels a bit cheap.
Rob
http://www.autoshortlist.com
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ormesheradam 9:39AM (2/01/2007)
I like the idea of having the V8 as an option in here finally. But, I would have a hard time passing up Nissans venerable V6.
I guess Nissan might start grabbing some sales from the other guys with that little badge on there though. It still seems like everyone I meet up here in the midwest still thinks that the measure of a vehicle's quality is the size of the number after the 'V'.
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Michael Karesh 9:38AM (2/01/2007)
Forgot to mention that the revised interior looks much better. Good riddance to the hollow-feeling HVAC knobs that Nissan put in most of its products in recent years.
The black color helps. Dark is always the way to go when the materials aren't the best.
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Juan 9:53AM (2/01/2007)
Exterior styling on large SUVs is getting pretty bland lately. Although it is a little better looking than the Yukon and a lot better looking than the Durango.
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D Man 9:53AM (2/01/2007)
I like the redesign. The exterior is superior to the FUGLY 4Runner. I think American like V8's and I am interested in towing numbers. And when was the last time you saw an Acura towing a boat or trailer.
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mj 11:22AM (2/01/2007)
Reminds me of the Aspen in a bad way. Lower half, mostly. They should just make a larger CUV and kill the pathfinder, they already have the xterra, what's the point?
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MikeW 11:59AM (2/01/2007)
What a waste.
the current 5 speed automatic has 3.841, 2.352, 1.529, 1, 0.839
with two different axle ratios, 4x2 3.133, 4x4 3.357.
Moving to the ZF 6 speed automatic 4.171, 2.34, 1.521, 1.143, 0.867, 0.691 with the current axle ratios would improve mileage.
If nissan wanted more mileage & more performance move the axle ratios of the 6 speed automatic to 3.357 for 4x2, and borrow the corporate 3.538 for the 4x4.
we don't need no stinkin' crossplane crank V8s!
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Nick 7:12PM (2/01/2007)
I'm about to become the type of person I hate for saying this, but it looks like a Nitro (with Nissan headlight/grill treatment, or course).
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mikomi 4:36PM (2/01/2007)
Does this mean the diesel variant of the Pathfinder (available everywhere else but North America) will get boosted to a 3L diesel? Currently it has a 2.5L diesel and I find that a little small. Although it's not as heavy as the Nissan Patrol, a 6000lbs behemoth with a 2.5L diesel.
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Ligor 10:57AM (2/11/2007)
I am loving the improved interior.
My finace will be up for a new car son, adn she loves the Pathfinder but the center stack was bothering her, but now that wont be a big deal as it seems to have gotten a great treatment.
The v8 might even be the better choice as we plan on a boat in the coming years, so the 5.6L will be just perfect.
way better than the 4runner/exporer/Trailblazer/Pilot
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Ligor 9:06PM (2/01/2007)
I am loving the improved interior.
My finace will be up for a new car son, adn she loves the Pathfinder but the center stack was bothering her, but now that wont be a big deal as it seems to have gotten a great treatment.
The v8 might even be the better choice as we plan on a boat in the coming years, so the 5.6L will be just perfect.
way better than the 4runner/exporer/Trailblazer/Pilot
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Ligor 9:05PM (2/01/2007)
I am loving the improved interior.
My finace will be up for a new car son, adn she loves the Pathfinder but the center stack was bothering her, but now that wont be a big deal as it seems to have gotten a great treatment.
The v8 might even be the better choice as we plan on a boat in the coming years, so the 5.6L will be just perfect.
way better than the 4runner/exporer/Trailblazer/Pilot
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leo 8:56PM (2/01/2007)
I am loving the improved interior.
My finace will be up for a new car son, adn she loves the Pathfinder but the center stack was bothering her, but now that wont be a big deal as it seems to have gotten a great treatment.
The v8 might even be the better choice as we plan on a boat in the coming years, so the 5.6L will be just perfect.
way better than the 4runner/exporer/Trailblazer/Pilot
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Jason 4:21AM (2/02/2007)
Not sure about the exterior changes... it DOES look a lot like the Aspen now. The new dash is welcomed, minus the "erupting volcano" gear shifter base. These housing need to be integrated and hidden, not exposed. Nissan is backward. And we really didn't need a V8. The market is going away from them. Nissan is just trying to make the Pathfinder more like its peers, as most have V8's. That is it, no other reason.
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Nizman 6:59PM (2/01/2007)
Hahah...
I actually like the steering wheel. Not as much as I like the one in the new 07 Altima, but I don't think it's FUGLY, by any means. Although, fugly is in the eye of the beholder, I guess.
The V8 is ESSENTIAL, as Nissan is all about the LOW end torque. The V6, as it is w/ Acura, would be whining heavily while towing 7500 lbs. Honda's engines rev higher than most, I'd say. Not a good comparison, Acura to Nissan.
I'm a bit disappointed that Nissan did not lengthen this ride just a bit to give more room in the 2nd & 3rd rows. The Pathfinder should be a bit wider, too IMO. But who am I to say?
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MikeW 10:16PM (2/01/2007)
That still wouldn't be short enough, VQ40 & ZF 6 speed auto.
3.538 for 4x2, 3.692 for the 4x4, and 4.083 for the SE off-road (oversized tires)
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