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The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is primarily unchanged from the previous model year, but does feature new safety equipment and updated package contents. Side airbags and side curtain airbags are now standard on all Pathfinders as is a new auto door lock function. Two new exterior colors are available for 2009 and V6 LE models now come standard with 18-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels. The Pathfinder continues to feature three rows of seating as well as two engine choices, including a 310-horsepower V8.



Inner SpaceThe Pathfinder is a seven-passenger SUV with three rows of seats, although the third row is difficult to reach and is best suited for a pair of kids. Large outside and interior door handles and hefty interior grips on windshield posts help entry and exit, but the running boards are too narrow for those with larger shoe sizes. Occupants sit high with good visibility, but there's no surplus of legroom for second-row occupants.
The quiet, businesslike interior has been thoroughly upgraded from early Pathfinders. The front seats provide good support, and second- and third-row seats have a split-folding feature. Gauges can be read quickly, while climate controls are large and smaller sound system controls are fairly easy to use. I had no difficulty seeing dashboard items at night. The optional navigation system doesn't absorb climate or audio controls, which is a plus. Cupholders and storage areas are plentiful, but the front power windows can be annoying because they move up and down so quickly they're hard to stop anywhere in between.

Standard for the S are air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, cruise control, an AM/FM/CD player and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The SE adds rear air conditioning, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a CD/MP3 changer, running boards and a newly standard color information dashboard screen with a rearview camera for safer backing up.

Heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power front passenger seat, a power sunroof, a Bose sound system and satellite radio are added to the uptown LE. It's doubtful that many thought the Pathfinder would come this far when it was first introduced.
Safety features for all trim levels include a stability-control system, rear traction control and anti-lock all-disc brakes. The LE also adds front-seat side and side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment. They're in a $700 option package for other Pathfinders.
Major options include an $1,850 package for the SE with the power sunroof and Bose sound system. The same-cost Leather Package for the SE and SE Off-Road has leather upholstery and heated front seats and a power front passenger seat. The $2,400 Navigation Package for the LE has the "nav" system and keyless access and starting.

There's little cargo space with the third-row seatbacks in their upright position. But the split second-and third-row seatbacks fold flat to provide a spacious cargo area, and there's no need to remove headrests. Moreover, the SE has a fold-flat front passenger seatback for extra-long objects, and there's a handy in-floor compartment under the second-row seats.