2010 Nissan Pathfinder

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Pathfinder rides on a truck-based chassis and still provides an adequate ride on pavement, although it's a bit choppy. But where it really shines is in its off-road abilities.

• "Pathfinder is less absorbent than crossover rivals, but fine for a traditional truck-based SUV. The 16-inch tires iron out broken pavement better than LE's 18s or SE Off-Road's all-terrain treads. Still, bumps and expansion joints can cause some bounce and body shudder." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Pathfinder rewards drivers with its smooth handling, decent steering feel and surprisingly-agile cornering." -- Forbes
• "Though it's a traditional body-on-frame SUV, the Pathfinder's all-independent suspension delivers surprising agility, as well as a smooth ride." -- Car and Driver

Acceleration and Power

The base engine in the S model is a 266-horsepower 4.0-liter V6, while the SE and LE models come with an optional 310-horsepower 5.6-liter V8. Reviewers are relatively pleased with the base V6, which is a version of the same engine that powers Nissan's 350Z roadster, and they love the V8's extra power. The Pathfinder's power numbers surpass those of many competitors, including the smoother-riding Toyota 4Runner.

However, the Pathfinder pays the price in fuel economy. The EPA has not yet rated the 2010 Pathfinder, but the 2009 2WD Pathfinder achieves 15/22 mpg city/highway with the six-cylinder engine and 13/19 with the V8. The 4WD model achieves 14/20 with the six-cylinder and 13/18 with the V8. These figures are in the bottom half of the Pathfinder's class, but are about average when compared only to other off-road SUVs. Still, many off-roaders achieve better gas mileage. These include the Jeep Patriot, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Kia Borrego.

• "V6 Pathfinders are peppy from a stop and around town. A 2WD SE did 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds in our testing. Passing maneuvers require brief moment for transmission to downshift, but power is ample thereafter. However, some testers feel the V6 labors to deliver brisk uphill acceleration from midrange speeds." -- Consumer Guide
• "The new 5.6-liter V8 comes can't beat Jeep's Hemi, but comes out ahead of V8s from Ford, GM, and Toyota with 310 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, raising the Pathfinder's towing capacity from 6,000 to 7,000 pounds." -- Edmunds
• "Both engines shoot power through a five-speed automatic transmission, with the SE getting a manual-shift feature. The transmission upshifts smoothly, but faster downshifts would be appreciated." -- MSN
• "[T]he engine does sound a bit archaic compared with some of the smoother V6s on offer these days, particularly from Honda. I like this engine, though -- the torque is impressive." -- AutoWeek  

Handling and Braking

Beginning with the 2005 redesign, the Pathfinder is based on the same platform as the full-size Armada and rides on a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame with a front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension. Some reviewers find the ride lacking because it can feel very truck-like. That means the Pathfinder may not be the most comfortable daily driver.

• "Low-effort cornering induces noseplow and body lean typical of truck-type SUVs. A wide turning radius hurts close-quarters maneuvering. Braking action is smooth and progressive." -- Consumer Guide
• "In sweeping turns, the Pathfinder hits its stride. The steering is firm and quick and, when combined with a small-diameter steering wheel, makes you feel like you can carve up any back road that comes your way. When the corners tighten up, however, the body rolls and the tires squeal, reminding you that this Pathfinder is related to the Xterra, not the Murano." -- Edmunds
• "On the road, the Pathfinder handles with car-like ease. The ride is smooth without feeling overly soft and though not as plush as some car-based SUVs, it's still far from stiff." -- Motor Week
• "When you're out cruising on the highway, it is plenty comfortable and soaks up rough patches, but once again requires a steady hand and does not inspire confidence to do anything more than cruise in nice straight lines." -- Automobile.com
• "The ride was on the harsh side, and there were some rattles heard inside as we banged over the potholes." -- AutoWeek  

Off-Roading

The Pathfinder's off-road abilities are decent enough, but it still ranks in the bottom half of its class when compared to other off-road SUVs. The Pathfinder seems to straddle the line between off-roader and family SUV, which prevents it from accomplishing either goal particularly well. A downside is that a special off-road model is no longer offered.

The Pathfinder comes optional with a 4-Wheel Active Brake Limited Slip system (and it won't cost you anything extra). For 4x4 models, the S and SE feature a shift-on-the-fly two-speed transfer case, while the top-of-the-line LE gets an all-mode two-speed transfer case.

• "The remaining appeal of a vehicle like the Pathfinder is that, with three-mode four-wheel drive--rather than the fully-automated systems in most car-based ‘soft roaders'-- and more than eight inches of ground clearance, you'd actually dare to take your four-wheeler four-wheeling." -- Forbes
• "You can take the truck out of the wilderness, but can you take the wilderness out of the truck? That's the big question mark hovering over the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder. Built on a sturdy frame derived from the full-size Nissan Titan and Armada, the current Pathfinder definitely has its roots firmly planted in the truck world. With this lineage, the Pathfinder delivers plenty of utilitarian brawn and off-road prowess." -- Edmunds