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2010 Nissan Pathfinder

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Overview

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2010 Nissan Pathfinder Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Nissan's 2010 Pathfinder mid-sized SUV offers room for five, plenty of power for towing and hauling and a progressive design that is both stylish and rugged. While car-based crossover SUVs are growing in popularity, there is still a large segment of the population that wants a sturdy body-on-frame design, which provides a more capable off-road platform and the ability to tow heavy loads. Until recently, Nissan buyers who required the pulling power of a V8 had to move up to the full-size Armada, but the addition of an available V8 engine to the Pathfinder powertrain choices means owners can stick with a modest-sized SUV and still tow up to 7,000 pounds.

You'll Like This Car If...

Even if you seldom go off-road, you might still appreciate the Pathfinder's ability to give the most accomplished nameplates a mud-run for their money. And if you're looking for a people-mover that comes across as more mountain man and less soccer mom, the Pathfinder should more than suffice.

You May Not Like This Car If...

{The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder makes no attempt to mask its rugged capabilities behind a soft exterior, and its ride and handling are far from car-like. Although a welcome addition, the big V8 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient, making this Pathfinder option costly in the long-term.

What's New for 2010

In addition to some new interior/exterior color combinations, the LE-V6 now features as standard equipment a power glass moonroof, while the LE-V8 gains standard navigation. The Off-Road trim has been discontinued.

Driving the Pathfinder

Driving Impressions We spent time in both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive Pathfinders, including the LE-V8 model, and came away impressed by both our off-road and on-road experiences. In particular, the LE-V8's XN All-Mode...

four-wheel drive, which can distribute torque to all four wheels (up to 50 percent to the front wheels when needed), was appreciated during our steeper, more strenuous off-road exploits. Back on the streets, where even major off-road enthusiasts will log most of their miles, the vehicles shifted smoothly, turned confidently and delivered a ride that seemed pleasant enough for even longer road trips.

Favorite Features

Folding Three-Row Seating
The Pathfinder converts quickly and easily from seven-passenger troop transport to cavernous cargo hauler.

Bose Audio
With its ten speakers and powerful subwoofer, this system may not literally be able to blow the doors off the Pathfinder, but it sure feels like it.

2010 Nissan Pathfinder Details

Interior

The big story for the 2010 Pathfinder continues to be its roomy interior, especially as third-row seating has become a requirement of the mid-size category. Like most SUVs in this class, the Pathfinder's third-row seat is better suited to small children or, for adults, quick jaunts across town. Unlike many, the Pathfinder's third-row folds completely into the floor, and center and third-row seats fold flat without requiring removal of the head restraints. Combined with the folding front passenger seat, the cabin is able to swallow lengthy cargo, but the Pathfinder's interior is just as well suited to everyday commutes, and delivers a roomy, comfortable environment.

Exterior

The Pathfinder's design features mesh easily with Nissan's current philosophy in creating a rugged, purposeful exterior befitting the vehicle's lineage and ability. The bold front end mimics other Nissan models such as the Armada and Frontier, tying in a familial theme. The Pathfinder has grown larger over the years – the latest growth spurt necessary to accommodate its optional V8 engine – but overhangs both front and rear remain appropriately short. The factory roof rack looks rugged, but it might not match the weight ratings or versatility of some aftermarket units.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Noteworthy as standard on all three trim levels are the impressive V6, fold-flat third-row seating, five-speed automatic transmission, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, front side and side curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. The LE V6 includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed first- and second-row seats with four-way power front passenger seat, heated steering wheel, Bose audio system with 10 speakers and subwoofer, driver's memory package (seat, mirrors and pedals), heated outside mirrors, automatic on/off headlights, RearView Monitor, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth phone connectivity and Nissan Intelligent Key. The Pathfinder LE -V8 adds the 5.6-liter V8, XN All-Mode 4x4 system, navigation and special badging.

Optional Equipment

SE models offer the SE Premium Journey Package which adds automatic on/off headlamps, auto dimming rearview mirror with compass, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, RearView Monitor, roof rack crossbars, Bose audio with six-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth phone connectivity and Nissan
Intelligent Key keyless entry and start. 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).

Under the Hood

The Pathfinder's standard 4.0-liter V6, which is a Nissan workhorse, is a powerful and torque-happy engine that's well-suited to the needs of the average SUV owner. For those who need extra horsepower and towing ability, the optional 5.6-liter V8 is the obvious answer, adding an additional 100 foot-pounds of torque and 44 more horsepower.

4.0-liter V6
266 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
288 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 (2WD), 14/20 (4WD)

5.6-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
388 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18 (4WD)

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2010 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.3

Out of 5

Based on 406 Ratings for the 2005 - 2012 Nissan Pathfinder models.

Review this car

Value

4.2/5

Quality

4.3/5
Reliability

4.5/5

Performance

4.5/5
Comfort

4.2/5

Styling

4.5/5

Ultimate outdoorsman(or womans) SUV.

By rebelrebel (CO) on Friday, February 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

5 4.0

overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 4/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my fully loaded pathfinder with 22,000 miles and have NEVER had a problem with it. I must say though, ive maintened it very well, servicing the recommended 30k and 60k with the dealership. The horsepower in teh V6 is plenty, even for towing another vehicle through Colorado. The gadgets always work, great heated seats, could be a little more comfy though, the interior is functional just not as comfy as most American cars. Im 6 ft and theres plenty of room, theres just no good place to put your left arm when driving, but the right arm is satisfied by the huge arm rest. The legroom in the 2nd row is good for 2 6 footers for any ride, but i wouldnt put 3 in there, and the third row is for people 5'7 and under. Mine came with the DVD system which i could play through the AWESOME BOSE system, made for fun in college, my drunk friends would love sitting in the back watching "The Office." It didnt do horrible on gas for a 7 seater, around town in Chicago i got about 14.5 in 2wd, 13.5 in 4wd. Having that change on the fly transmission is essential,u can make your own parking spots in tough winters (im currently in Colorado). If you use cruise control at 70 mph you can get 22 mph, and if you use it at 60 you can get up to 24.5 which i was VERY pleased with. The greatest functions i will say are the ability to lay all of the seats flat, the cargo room is better than that of a short bed truck i think, because your gear is inside and protected, and there are so many little hooks for stablilizing bikes or anything else. There is also a hidden compartment under the second row of seats that is great for a pistol if thats your thing, always be prepared i say. The other greatest function is that Pathfinder stayed true to its roots, i never fear about going over a bump or off road, but with that in mind, it takes pot holes in the city pretty rough, it almost craves the off road handling. I will end here, i actually wrote this review as a homage, im trading in my pathfinder tomorrow for a mini because im moving back to chicago and will be commuting over 2.5 hours each day :( gas aint cheap. Im a 26 year old Soldier in the Army and I love my Pathfinder...P.S....get the fully loaded one, you wont regret it"

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Great in the snow and for towing with people.

By Shana (WA) on Sunday, January 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

5 4.0

overall rating 4 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5

Pros: "Back row folds flat. Good room for 5 plus 2 kids."

Cons: "No second row power supply"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have used all of the options this SUV has to offer and still no major repairs. Tires were expensive. Second row cup holder can't be replaced and broke the first year. Also, needs power supply to run kids stuff. Seats are hard to clean. Rear exterior door handles are too high for old or young people. Good towing power while cruising cross country fully loaded. Gas mileage is 15 with A/C or towing and 19 or better highway. This large vehicle is bulky in city maneuvering and visibility backing is less than a car."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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