2010 Nissan Pathfinder

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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers are pleased with the 2010 Pathfinder's interior, especially with its refined dashboard, just redesigned last year. However, competitors offer roomier and higher quality interiors.

• "Cabin surfaces are padded in places frequently touched. Most other panels are hard plastic, which imparts a low-budget ambiance. LE's wood-tone trim lends a classier look." -- Consumer Guide
• "Seven-passenger seating includes split, folding second- and third-row seats. The front passenger seat also folds. The second-row seat is split 40/20/40. The 50/50-split third row folds into the floor with the head restraints in place. Eight utility hooks are installed in the rear cargo area, and storage is provided under the second-row seats." -- Cars.com
• "The Pathfinder's interior is naturally roomier than previous years and primed with the comfort and amenities necessary to compete in its class." -- Motor Week

Seating

Reviewers are mostly pleased with the Pathfinder's cabin, though the second and third rows can be cramped. Still, reviewers appreciate having the option. The top-of-the-line LE model comes standard with leather-appointed seats. For more spacious seating, consider the Ford Explorer -- even its optional third row provides plenty of space. Or, for two spacious rows, check out the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

• "The design of the front seats is quite good; they have acceptable support, and the mesh bolsters are cool, although I don't know how long those microsuede inserts will last during day-to-day use." -- Automobile.com
• "The front seats are very comfortable, but the rear falls short on room for both feet and shoulders. Only kids will fit in the third row, and younger ones might have trouble entering the cabin to begin with, due to the high-mounted handles." -- Edmunds
• "Headroom is good in the 2nd row, even beneath the sunroof housing. Legroom is tight for tall riders with front seats set far back. The 3rd-row seat is sized for kids and tricky to access even with tumble-forward 2nd-row seats." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Pathfinder's third-row seat is fairly small, but it does provide a place for youngsters." -- Kansas City Star  

Interior Features

Equipment-wise, the Pathfinder offers four trim levels that vary from simple to luxurious. New for 2010 are several features, including a standard moonroof on the LE V6 model and a standard navigation system on the LE V8. A plus for young children, the new LE V8 Value Package comes with a rear DVD player and seven-inch color monitor. Another new package, the SE Premium Journey, comes with a RearView Monitor, 10-speaker Bose audio system and XM Satellite Radio.

• "The gauges are easy to read, and most controls are simple to use. The LE's available navigation system takes time to learn, but doesn't absorb audio or climate controls -- a plus." -- Consumer Guide
• "While the Pathfinder has a rugged persona, the cabin of the SE is far from rough. The test vehicle's heated leather front seats were quite comfortable, and creature comforts included a power sunroof, rear-seat entertainment system, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity and a 10-speaker Bose stereo with XM satellite radio." -- Kansas City Star  

Cargo

The 2010 Pathfinder provides 16.5 cubic feet of cargo volume with all seats in use, 49.2 with the third row folded flat, and 79.2 with both the second and third rows folded flat -- about average for the class. The Ford Explorer, by contrast, provides only 13.6 cubic feet with all three rows in use.

The Pathfinder's standout feature is in its versatility: Nissan says there are 64 different seating and cargo configurations. These are available through a fold-down front passenger's seat (on all models but the S and LE), a second-row fold-flat bench seat, and a third-row 50/50-split fold-flat bench seat. Small storage spaces include eight cup holders, side cargo nets, 12 cargo tie-down hooks and under-floor storage.

• "The second-row seats divide 40/20/40, while the third-row seats split 50/50. That means if, for example, you're going skiing, you can dump the third-row and the 20%-split second-row seats and use the additional space as a pass-through for your skis, while still carrying four passengers in comfort." -- Forbes
• "Fortunately, both rear rows fold down perfectly flat to form a 79-cubic-foot cargo hold -- about average for the class." -- Edmunds
• "All rear seats fold to form a level load deck without removing the headrests. A fold-flat front-passenger seatback is available for long cargo, though it's not offered with leather upholstery on the SE or SE Off-Road. The available DVD entertainment system eats into front console space. Cabin storage is otherwise ample, including a clever in-floor compartment under the 2nd-row seats." -- Consumer Guide
• "The third seat is split 50/50, and it yields a flat cargo floor when folded. The back of the seat is covered with a hard surface, and eight hooks in the cargo hold are convenient for tying down gear." -- Kansas City Star