2012 Nissan Pathfinder Preview

Introduced in 2005 as an entirely new model, the third generation Nissan Pathfinder midsize SUV has become a comfortable, secure and powerful family transporter with off-road capabilities.

The truck-based underpinnings and V-6 or V-8 power, seven passenger seats, and rear-wheel drive or, the Pathfinder is able to traverse through rough terrain or towing up to 7000 pounds when properly equipped. The Pathfinder also has a strong mix of luxurious amenities, with a 9.3 gigabyte hard drive for storing music, an optional six-disc 10-speaker Bose stereo, available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, heated leather appointed seats on uplevel LE models.

Pathfinder shares platform shared with the Titan pickup truck and Armada and Xterra sport / utility vehicles, but has an independent rear suspension for improved dynamics. A 4.0-liter V-6 engine with 266 horsepower is standard, and a 5.6-liter V-8 borrowed from the Armada and Titan with 310 hp is available. Both the Pathfinder of the second and third rows folded down, cargo capacity increases to a respectable 79.2 cubic feet.

Body: SUV

Engines: 4.0-liter V-6, 5.6-liter V-8

Transmission: five-speed automatic

Models: S V-6, SV V-6, V-6 Silver, LE V-6 (rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive optional) LE V-8 (four-wheel drive only)

To commemorate 25 years of the Pathfinder, Nissan created a silver edition for 2011 and 2012. This year, Nissan is adding a power moonroof and a DVD entertainment system as standard equipment for the Silver Edition. A navigation system is now standard on LE models, and Brilliant Silver Lightning Silver replaces the color of the Pathfinder palette.

Pathfinder's signature design elements are visible in the large headlights, large flared fenders, and high-mounted rear door handles integrated into the window frames. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches, with all sizes beautifully accentuate the 112.2-inch wheelbase.

With standard seating seven passengers and a maximum 79.2 cubic feet of cargo, the Pathfinder also pampers with available leather seats, heated steering wheel, navigation with a 9.3 gigabyte music hard drive, Bluetooth phone capability, and backup camera. Dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning controls are optional equipment.

Standard engine for the Pathfinder is still a 4.0-liter V-6 that 266 horsepower and 288 pounds-feet of torque. If that's not enough spice, an available 5.6-liter V-8 generates 310 horsepower and 388 pound-feet. Each engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. All Pathfinders use a front control-arm/rear multi-link suspension, V-6 models can tow up to 6000 pounds, the V-8, 7000.

Nissan Pathfinder provides each with front, front side and side curtain airbags, the latter for outboard occupants in all three rows. The Pathfinder also gets front seat active head restraints, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

S, SV, Silver, LE V-6 (rear-drive models): 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway

S, SV, Silver, LE V-6 (four-wheel drive models): 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway

LE V-8: 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway