Nissan's popular Pathfinder sport-utility wagon is back this year with some exterior and interior styling changes, an upgraded stereo system and environmentally friendly air-conditioning.
The changes aren't all that apparent to the eye, but they do help improve an already excellent package in a vehicle that has been a top seller in its class.By the numbers, the Pathfinder still trails most of its competitors in basic engine power - with 153 horsepower and 180 foot-pounds of torque. But don't let that fool you. This vehicle's 3.0-liter, single-overhead cam V-6 with multipoint fuel injection is not short on zip.
It's not as peppy as the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee with their high-output 4.0-liter V-6s, but it's not far behind, and this vehicle has all the power you'll need for highway passing, freeway merging and off-road hill climbing.
Off road, the Pathfinder is one of the most capable performers around. On grueling runs through the Badlands of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in Southern California, this vehicle holds its own with the best of its competitors.
Its part-time four-wheel drive system provides sure traction when and where it's needed. Automatic-locking hubs are standard, while a limited-slip differential - a necessity for serious off-roading - is part of a sport-power package ($2,220) available on either the base XE-V6 model or the uplevel SE-V6 (base price $24,540 with automatic transmission), which we tested.
Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled automatic. For the best off-road traction without missing a beat, the automatic is by far the better choice.
It comes in handy in rush-hour bumper-to-bumper traffic, too. The XE-V6 is available in a two-wheel-drive model, which makes it just half a truck. Why bother? The SE-V6 comes only with the four-wheel-drive system.
The Pathfinder, which hasn't had a complete exterior make-over since it was introduced, still remains one of the sharpest-looking of the compact sport utilities. Changes for 1993 include newly designed front and rear bumpers, along with integrated fender-flare/mud guards.
For safety, the Pathfinder gets new side-door beams for '93, while the base interior comes with new seat cloth.
Even in the base XE-V6 model, there is more standard equipment on the Pathfinder than on most of the competition. Among the goodies are power steering, power front disc/rear drum brakes with rear anti-lock system, tilt steering column, rear wiper/washer/de- froster, chrome wheels and an awesome (for standard equipment) 130-watt AM/FM/cassette system with "A" pillar tweeters and roof-mounted rear speakers.
On the XE-V6, the Sport/Power Package adds power windows and door locks, dual power remote-control heated outside mirrors, outside spare-tire carrier (a must to preserve cargo space), fog lights, remote rear-window release, remote-controlled security system and the limited-slip differential.
With the SE-V6, extra standard equipment includes power windows and door locks, semiautomatic air-conditioning, the dual power/heated outside mirrors, power antenna, cruise control, remote tailgate release, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, map lamps, velour interior and the security system.
An optional leather interior package ($1,120) even includes heated seats; it's available only on the SE-V6. The optional Sport Package adds alloy wheels, larger tires (31x10.5R15), outside spare carrier and cover, limited-slip differential, flip-up removable glass sunroof, two-way driver-adjustable shock absorbers, fog lights, rear disc brakes and sidestep rails.
On all Pathfinders, there is seating for five, with front and rear headrests for all passengers, front reclining bucket seats, split reclining rear bench seat and a very convenient dual rear lift gate that allows the rear window to be opened separately.
Quality is apparent throughout the vehicle, and interior ergonomics are excellent for this class. Instrumentation includes analog tachometer, speedometer and temperature gauge, and a digital clock is standard.
EPA fuel-economy ratings are 15 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway for the four-wheel-drive models; fuel-tank capacity is 20.4 gallons. Curb weight ranges from 3,795 to 3,890 pounds.
Our test vehicle listed for $28,475, which included the sport package, leather interior package and roof luggage rack ($175), as well as an AM/FM/cassette stereo with separate compact-disc player mounted below.