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A Design As At Home in the Outback as at the Office

Throughout its history, Pathfinder has maintained an iconic exterior design, while also remaining fresh and dynamic. The exterior was refined for the 2008 model year, 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 reinforce the distinctive Pathfinder appearance.

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. 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 (LE models).

For 2010, six exterior colors are available: Super Black, Silver Lightning, Dark Slate, Red Brick, Avalanche and Navy Blue.

Inside the ruggedly elegant body, the Pathfinder interior offers standard three-row seating and exceptional utility and storage capacity. Seating selections include an available 8-way power driver's seat, 4-way power front passenger's seat, fold-down front passenger seat, driver's seat auto entry/exit system with two-driver memory and heated front seats. A flat-folding 3rd row seat, 40/20/40 split separate-folding 2nd row seats with easy one-touch release lever for 3rd row access come standard on all models.

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.

Storage areas are plentiful throughout the spacious cabin, including eight cupholders and an overhead console with sunglass storage. Utility is 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) and outside temperature gauge (standard on LE).

The Nissan HDD Navigation System, available on LE models, includes a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive. Other available technology includes Nissan Intelligent Key with twist start, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately). Other available features include a 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 Universal Transceiver, Bose audio system, 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 (LE only).

An Advanced V8 Powerplant

The 2010 Pathfinder LE-V8 is available with a powerful 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine producing 310 horsepower and 388 lb-ft of torque. The engine is offered with the Pathfinder LE 4x4 configuration. Backing the engine is a standard electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission.

The transmission features a wide gear ratio spread for maximum acceleration performance and a Direct Control System to provide smooth shift quality.

The 4.0-liter V8 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 when properly equipped.

Pathfinder is offered with several advanced 4x4 systems. The Pathfinder LE V8 4x4 features a 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.

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).

All 2010 Pathfinder models utilize 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. LE-V8 model features special 18-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/60 R18 BFGoodrich BSW tires. All Pathfinders provide a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and full-size spare tire.

Standard Safety and Security Equipment

Pathfinder's long list of standard safety features and equipment includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System, featuring dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor; supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags; and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for improved side impact and rollover head protection for outboard occupants 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); Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Four Well-Equipped Models

The 2010 Pathfinder is offered in a choice of four models: S-V6, SE-V6, LE-V6 and LE-V8 (4x4 only), each with an array of standard features, including three-row seating.

Pathfinder SE-V6 models add 17-inch wheels with P265/65R17 tires, 7.0-inch multi-information display, 8-way power driver's seat, fold-flat front passenger's seat, power-adjustable foot pedals, unique seat fabric, AM/FM/6CD audio system with MP3 capability, illuminated steering wheel audio controls, automatic temperature control with rear air conditioning, 2nd row fold-down center armrest, leather steering wheel and shift knob, 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 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 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 Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and Nissan Intelligent Key. The Pathfinder LE-V8 adds the 5.6-liter V8, XN All-Mode 4x4 system, Nissan Navigation System and special badging.

For 2010, only five option packages are available. SE models are available with the new SE Premium Journey Package, with automatic on/off headlights, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, auto dimming rearview mirror with compass, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, RearView Monitor, roof rack crossbars, Bose 6CD audio system, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and Nissan Intelligent Key. The new LE-V8 Value Package offers a DVD player, 7.0-inch color monitor for rear passengers, rear seat wireless headphones and power moonroof. Also available is a HDD Navigation Package with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, DVD Mobile Entertainment System (LE only), and Power Moonroof (standard on LE).

The 2010 Pathfinder is assembled at Nissan's award-winning Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing facility, with engines supplied by Nissan's nearby Decherd, Tennessee engine facility.

Nissan Pathfinder: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications