2011 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs

Nissan Pathfinder

The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder SUVs.
The Nissan Pathfinder tries to be both a capable off-road vehicle and a family SUV. While the Nissan Pathfinder is a credible choice for off-roading, reviewers prefer Nissan's own Xterra when the pavement ends.

The Nissan Pathfinder is priced around the middle of its class, but its "fuel economy" falls closer to the bottom (though it's about average when compared to other off-road SUVs). --The Traverse can seat up to eight (one more than the Pathfinder) has better fuel economy and a smooth ride.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Pathfinder, so Nissan has added a special Silver Edition to the lineup of Pathfinder trims: the base S, Pathfinder SV, and LE. If you like the Pathfinder, be sure to check out this month's Nissan Deals.

The single most distinctive design detail on the Nissan Pathfinder is its rear door handles. The tough Pathfinder features short overhangs and good ground clearance, and its four-wheel-drive system has an electronically controlled transfer case with a separate low range and auto mode that switches to four-wheel mode once slip occurs. There's a flat-fold passenger seat in front, a 40/20/40-split second row, and a 50/50-split third row. Also, the tall step up to get into the Pathfinder might be challenging for kids, pets, or grandparents. On up level models, the Pathfinder gets flashier wheels, heated seats, Bluetooth hands-free, Intelligent Key, XM Satellite Radio, and upgraded Bose audio with ten speakers—and even a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and wood trim on the top LE.

Two engines, a V6 and a V8, are available; the Nissan Pathfinder is also available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. --No matter which trim you select, your Pathfinder’s base engine is a 4.0-liter V6 that gets 266 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. When it comes to off-roads driving, the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder truly shines. The 2011 Pathfinder has two different available engines. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are also both available. Unfortunately, fuel economy is lackluster at best; four-wheel drive Pathfinders with V6 engines get 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the freeway.

Standard features include power windows and locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power seats and rear air conditioning.-Standard features available on the Nissan Pathfinder are antilock brakes, side-curtain airbags and front airbags.

If you upgrade to another trim from the base S or want upgraded features, you can choose from moon roof, heated seats, leather seating, heated mirrors, memory seats, Bluetooth connectivity and upgraded audio and technology features.

The "Nissan Pathfinder" has plenty of old-style SUV features, including its basic chassis design. The biggest perk of the Nissan Pathfinder is its off-roads capabilities; drivers who won't be taking advantage of them probably don't need the Pathfinder. The truck-like feel of the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is definitely one of its biggest drawbacks.