2009 NISSAN PATHFINDER COMBINES UTILITY, RELIABILITY AND PERFORMANCE FOR AD
08/01/2008
Nissan
The popular Nissan Pathfinder, which expanded its lineup in 2008 with the addition of an available 5.6-liter V8 engine, continues in the 2009 model year with revised packaging and equipment availability, including the addition of standard 18-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels on Pathfinder LE V6 models (previously standard on LE V8 models only). Other changes include the addition of standard side and curtain supplemental air bags on all models and a new auto door lock function. Two new exterior colors are also available for 2009.
With standard three-row seating and the choice of two powerful engines, Pathfinder again combines first-class amenities with rugged family adventure capabilities. The refined Pathfinder interior offers a range of amenities, including available leather-appointed seating, heated steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ with twist start, Nissan Navigation System with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately) and RearView Monitor.
Pathfinder's 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine is rated at 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of toque, which helps it to achieve 7,000 lbs of maximum towing capacity. Also available is Pathfinder's proven 266-horsepower 4.0-liter version of the award-winning Nissan VQ-series V6 engine. Both engines are available with 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, giving buyers a wide range of engine/driveline configurations to meet their specific performance needs and desires. All 2009 Pathfinders are built on a high-strength, fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the full-size Nissan Armada SUV.
"Pathfinder continues to stand out as an innovative, rugged SUV capable of handling adventures both on- and off-road," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "The refinements for 2009, including standard side and curtain supplemental air bags, make what we believe is one of the best designed and thought-out family SUVs and even better value for 2009."
A Powerful, Rugged Exterior
Throughout its 23-year history, Pathfinder has maintained an iconic exterior design, while also remaining fresh and dynamic. The exterior was refined for the 2008 model year, including new front and rear styling treatments, enhancing its unique combination of sophistication and rugged, go-anywhere looks.
Large headlamps, angled strut-style grille and a sweeping hood hint at the power underneath, while Pathfinder's broad shoulder line, large integrated fender flares covering purposeful wheel and tire combinations and distinctive C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles give the Pathfinder a family resemblance to the larger Nissan Armada SUV.
A long wheelbase of 112.2 inches allows for a roomy three-row cabin while providing ride comfort and stability. Pathfinder's manageable 192.5-inch overall length and short front and rear overhangs enable drivers to feel comfortable driving or parking the capable SUV on almost any terrain.
Additional exterior highlights include standard roof rails with integrated front and rear grips and a rear tailgate design with flip-up rear glass hatch opening and rear privacy glass. Pathfinder also offers side running boards on SE and LE trims, fog lights (standard on all trim levels except S-V6), available heated outside mirrors and power slide and tilt moonroof.
Two new colors - Red Brick and Navy Blue - add to Pathfinder's palette of eight total exterior colors: Desert Stone, Super Black, Storm Gray, Silver Lightning, Avalanche and White Frost (a special three-stage pearl paint).
An Interior Design To Enhance Active Family Lifestyles
The Pathfinder interior - refined in 2008 with a new instrument panel center stack design, revised front center console and standard color 7.0-inch Multi-Function Information Display (except S-V6) - continues to offer standard three-row seating and exceptional utility and storage capacity.
Standard seating features include flat-folding 3rd row seat, 40/20/40 split separate-folding 2nd row seats with easy one-touch release lever for 3rd row access and an available fold-down front passenger seat.
Storage areas are plentiful, including eight cupholders and an overhead console with sunglass storage. Utility is also enhanced with four 12-volt outlets (two on instrument panel center stack, one for 2nd row and one cargo area), front seatback pockets, plentiful passenger assist grips and available rear reading lamps (standard on all but S-V6), outside temperature gauge (standard on LE) and cargo net (standard on all but S-V6).
Additional standard equipment includes power windows with driver and front passenger auto-up/down and safety reverse, power door locks with new auto door lock function, tilt steering wheel, Remote Keyless Entry, trip computer and climate control system.
The Nissan Navigation System, available on LE models, includes a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive. Other available technology includes Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ with twist start, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System and XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately). Other available features include a first aid kit, dual-zone automatic temperature control (standard on all but S-V6), rear air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals (standard on all but S-V6), leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats, power moonroof, HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver, Bose(R) audio system, power-adjustable driver's and front passenger's seats with driver memory package, leather-appointed steering wheel (standard on all but S-V6), wood grain trim and DVD entertainment system with 7.0-inch color rear monitor and rear seat wireless headphones.
A Choice of Two Advanced Powerplants
The 2009,Pathfinder is available with a choice of two engines - a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine producing 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque and a 266-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. The V8 engine is offered with the Pathfinder LE 4x4 configuration, while the V6 is offered in S, SE and LE 4x4 and 4x2 models. Backing both engines is a standard electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission.
The transmission, which is specially tuned for each engine application, features a wide gear ratio spread for maximum acceleration performance and a Direct Control System to provide smooth shift quality.
Pathfinder's Endurance V8, assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., is shared with the full-size Nissan Titan pickup and Nissan Armada SUV. The engine's advanced design includes features such as an aluminum engine block with cast iron cylinder liners, chain-driven dual overhead camshafts with silent single-stage timing chain for quiet operation and durability, and electronic drive-by-wire throttle for precise control. For greater efficiency, graphite-coated pistons, microfinished forged steel crankshaft and microfinished camshaft help reduce friction. Maximum towing capacity with the V8 is a full 7,000 pounds.
Pathfinder's advanced 4.0-liter DOHC V6 is rated at 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque. This specially tuned engine, created for SUV and truck applications, is part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest.
The 4.0-liter version features a longer stroke than the 3.5-liter version (92.0 mm versus 81.4 mm), and includes Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4x4 models), Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons and lightweight aluminum block. Maximum towing capacity for V6-equipped Pathfinders is 6,000 pounds.
Again in 2009 Pathfinder is offered with several advanced 4x4 systems. The Pathfinder LE V8 4x4 features a special full-time XN All-Mode 4-wheel drive system that can instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction with improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering capability.
Pathfinder V6 4x4 models are available with a part-time 4-wheel drive system (S, SE) or an All-Mode 4-wheel drive system that includes 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case (LE V6).
Standard on all Pathfinder models is a responsive engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system and 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with G-sensor and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
The 2008 Pathfinder utilizes Nissan's "F-Alpha" platform, with a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame providing a solid mounting point for the stylish body and the four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension, as well as a standard integrated tow hitch.
Pathfinder's long-travel front suspension is an all-steel double-wishbone design with coil-over shocks and large stabilizer bar. For smooth ride quality and optimized handling, the rear suspension is an independent double-wishbone design with the coils located on the toe control link (offset spring and shock) with stabilizer bar. Standard underbody component protection puts a plate under the radiator.
Wheel packages vary by Pathfinder model. S-V6 models offer standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/75R16 tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P265/65R17 BFGoodrich Long Trail tires are offered on SE-V6. LE-V6 and LE-V8 models feature special 18-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/60R18 BFGoodrich BSW tires. All Pathfinders provide a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and full-size spare tire.
Standard Safety Equipment
The 2009 Pathfinder includes a long list of standard safety features and equipment, including Nissan Advanced Air Bag System, featuring dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor. For 2009, all Pathfinder models receive standard supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard passengers in all three rows.
Other features include Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones; energy absorbing steering column; front seat Active Head Restraints and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the 2nd row center position; adjustable 2nd and 3rd row head restraints; LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system; Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Four Well-Equipped Models
The 2009 Pathfinder is offered in a choice of four models: S-V6, SE-V6, LE-V6 and LE-V8 (4x4 only). Pathfinder S-V6, SE-V6 and LE-V6 come with a standard 266-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission and in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4. The Pathfinder LE-V8 features a 300-plus horsepower 5.6-liter V8 with standard 5-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive. Every model comes with standard three-row seating.
Pathfinder SE-V6 models feature 17-inch wheels with P265/65R17 tires, 7.0-inch multi-information display, 8-way power driver's seat, power-adjustable foot pedals, unique seat fabric, AM/FM/6CD audio system with MP3 capability, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, first aid kit, rear cargo net, automatic temperature control with rear air conditioning, 2nd row fold-down center armrest, leather steering wheel and shift knob, front fog lights, rear reading lamps, body-color outside mirrors and side running boards.
Pathfinder LE models add enhanced levels of style and luxury. The LE-V6 includes new 18-inch bright machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, body side molding with chrome inserts, leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats and door inserts, heated steering wheel, Bose(R) audio system with 10 speakers and subwoofer, 4-way power front passenger seat, wood grain trim, driver memory package (seat, mirrors and pedals) with programmable remote keyfobs, heated outside mirrors, automatic on/off headlights, RearView Monitor, auto day/night rearview mirror, compass, roof rack crossbars, HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System and Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ. The Pathfinder LE-V8 adds the 5.6-liter V8, XN All-Mode 4x4 system and special badging.
For 2009, a number of revisions have been made to Pathfinder's available option packages. SE models are available with a new SE Journey Package, with automatic on/off headlights, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, auto dimming rearview mirror with compass, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, RearView Monitor and roof rack crossbars. The SE Premium Package now includes the Bose(R) 6CD audio system, XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System and Nissan Intelligent KeyÔ. The SE Leather Package adds leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors and 4-way power front passenger seat.
Also available are a DVD Mobile Entertainment System, with a 7.0-inch color monitor and rear seat wireless headphones); HDD Navigation Package with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive; Power Moonroof; In-Cabin Microfilter; Bodyside Color Moldings; and Splash Guards.
The 2008 Pathfinder is assembled at Nissan's award-winning Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing facility, with engines supplied by Nissan's nearby Decherd, Tennessee engine facility.