2012 Nissan Pathfinder Trims and Specs

Truck-like and a bit less than loaded, the base 2012 Nissan Pathfinder S is for those who want simple practicality and the ability to haul 7 people from here to there in tolerable, but certainly far from plush circumstances. This 5-door midsize SUV boasts, besides 3 rows of seating, 79.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the second- and third-row seatbacks folded, as well as a standard V6 engine.

Outside, look for this entry-level edition to sport 16-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, skid plates, a trailer hitch and wiring, and power-adjustable mirrors. The cabin, meantime, flaunts cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and reclining rear seats, as well as full power accessories. Cruise control and tilt-wheel steering remain standard for this year’s Pathfinder S, as does air conditioning and a single-CD player with 6 speakers.

Options again include the Protection Package, with vehicle impact sensors, an emergency road kit and wheel locks, while carpeted floor and cargo mats also remain available.

Returning for a final engagement for this year is the standard 4.0-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) V6 powerplant that mates with a 5-speed automatic transmission to put out 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. This rear-wheel-drive-only (RWD) trim can tow up to 6,000 pounds of trailer, with mileage estimated at a tepid 15 mpg city/22 highway.

Standard safety features of note, finally, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, 3-row head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. A remote antitheft alarm, meanwhile, helps keep the Pathfinder S in the right hands.

Equipped similarly to its rear-wheel-drive sibling, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder S 4WD adds, needless to say, the additional advantage of terrain-taming part-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. Of course, the 79.2 cubic feet of total cargo area remains, as does the standard V6 power, while 3 rows of seating means this midsize body-on-frame SUV can tote up to 7 people of various sizes over hill and dale.

Adorned on the outside with 16-inch alloy wheels, a trailer hitch and wiring, a roof rack, skid plates and power-adjustable mirrors, this venerable sport ute also flaunts cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining second-row seats, and split-folding second- and third-row seatbacks inside. Full power accessories, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering and air conditioning of course come standard, as does a single-CD player with 6 speakers.

Options include a Protection Package that sports a vehicle impact sensor, an emergency road kit and wheel locks, while carpeted floor and cargo mats are offered as standalone extras.

A peppy 4.0-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) V6 engine mates with a 5-speed automatic transmission to endow the 2012 Pathfinder S 4WD with 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Look for 6,000 pounds of towing capacity from this midsize ute, and a lackluster 14 mpg city/20 highway.

The shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, meanwhile, offers some decent off-road capability with electronic hi-lo gear selection and auto-locking hubs. Beware, however, that bouncing up and down boulder-strewn mountains is not a strong point for this semi-tough SUV, and that the 4WD system should not be left engaged on dry pavement.

Safety-wise, look for standard 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) aboard the 2012 Pathfinder S 4WD, as well as traction and stability control, 3-row head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. A remote antitheft alarm, meantime, offers a bit of extra security.

As the lower midlevel trim in Nissan’s truck-like 2012 Pathfinder lineup, the Pathfinder SV offers correspondingly more upscale appearance, comfort and convenience amenities.

Decorating the exterior of this 7-passenger, 3-row midsize SUV are 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, a roof rack, a tow hitch and wiring, and step running boards. Of course, the SV retains the 79.2 cubic feet of total cargo space of its siblings but also packs premium cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable power driver’s seat, reclining second-row seats, split-folding second- and third-row seatbacks, and full power accessories, including power-adjustable pedals. The leather and alloy, tilt-adjustable steering wheel is complemented by simulated alloy and leather cabin accents and mounts cruise controls and redundant audio controls. A universal remote garage door opener, a rear-view camera and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror are embraced by tri-zone climate control, while the 6-CD changer flaunts 6 speakers and auxiliary MP3 input.

Again for 2012, a Protection Package with a vehicle impact sensor, emergency road kit and wheel locks is available to the 2012 Pathfinder SV, as are carpeted floor and cargo mats.

As with its lesser sibling, the rear-wheel-drive SV is powered by a 4.0-liter variable-valve-timed (VVT) V6 engine that combines with a 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Look for 6,000 pounds of towing capacity from this midsize sport ute, but gas mileage is a disappointing 15 mpg city/22 highway.

Finally, notable standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, 3-row head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Further safety equipment includes standard front fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a remote antitheft alarm.

Packing a few added bells and whistles and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) capability, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD represents the lower midlevel trim of this midsize 7-passenger SUV’s lineup. This venerable ute totes 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, a roof rack, a trailer hitch and wiring, and step running boards. Inside, look for premium cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable power driver’s seat, full power accessories (including power-adjustable pedals) and reclining second-row seats, as well as a fold-flat front passenger seatback bolstering the standard 79.2 cubic feet of cargo area offered when the second- and third-row seatbacks are folded. The leather and alloy tilt-adjustable steering wheel, meantime, mounts cruise controls and redundant audio controls, and remains complemented by leather and simulated alloy cabin accents.

Again, standard tri-zone climate control embraces power adjustable pedals, a universal remote garage door opener, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a rear-view camera, while the 6-CD changer boasts 6 speakers and an auxiliary MP3 input.

Options-wise, the 2012 Pathfinder SV 4WD can be delivered with a Protection Package that flaunts a vehicle impact sensor, emergency road kit and wheel locks, while carpeted floor and cargo mats are further available extras.

Powering this terrain-taming sport ute is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 4.0-liter V6 engine that comes under the management of a 5-speed shiftable transmission to throw down 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Towing is maxed out at 6,000 pounds, and mileage is estimated at 14 mpg city/20 highway. Meanwhile, the part-time 4WD system flaunts auto-locking hubs and electronic hi-lo gear selection. Be advised, however, that this tough ute can go off-road, but don’t expect boulder-crawling bestiality, nor should this 4WD setup be left engaged on dry pavement.

Noteworthy standard safety equipment aboard the 2012 Pathfinder SV 4WD includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. This midlevel trim also boasts standard front-fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a remote antitheft alarm.

Boasting a number of additional creature comforts, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Silver Edition represents the higher midlevel trim echelon. This truck-based midsize 7-passenger SUV, of course, retains the 3 rows of seating and 79.2 cubic feet of total cargo area common to its lesser siblings, as well as the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, step running boards, and trailer hitch and wiring. Leather upholstery also comes standard in this higher-end ute, as do heated, power-adjustable front seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining second-row seating and split-folding second- and third-row seatbacks. The leather and simulated alloy tilt-adjustable steering wheel mounts audio and cruise controls and is complemented by leather and simulated alloy cabin accents, while power-adjustable pedals and windows, remote power door locks, a universal remote garage door opener, a rear-view camera and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror add to the convenience factor.

Entertainment, meantime, includes a Bose premium stereo system with a 6-CD changer, 10 speakers, satellite radio and an auxiliary MP3 input. And finally, Bluetooth hands-free communications is another standard item the Pathfinder Silver Edition flaunts over its lesser kinfolk.

Options for the 2012 Pathfinder Silver Edition include the Protection Package, with a vehicle impact sensor, emergency road kit and wheel locks, as well as standalone items like a power moonroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment and carpeted floor and cargo mats.

The standard 4.0-liter V6 powerplant again boasts variable valve timing (VVT) and mates with a 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Towing maxes out at 6,000 pounds, while mileage in this rear-wheel drive (RWD) people-hauler is estimated at 15 mpg city/22 highway.

Finally, expect such standard safety features as 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Added standard safety equipment includes front fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a remote antitheft alarm.

Throw standard part-time 4-wheel-drive (4WD) into the already well-endowed 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Silver Edition and behold the Silver Edition 4WD. This traction-savvy midsize SUV again sports the 3 rows of seating for 7 (with split-folding second- and third-row seatbacks) and 79.2 cubic feet of total cargo space common to its siblings, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, step running boards, a trailer hitch and wiring, heated outside mirrors and a roof rack. Comfort and convenience amenities, meantime, include leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat and reclining second-row seats, as well as leather and simulated alloy cabin accents and a tilt-adjustable leather and simulated alloy steering wheel mounting cruise and audio controls. The leather and simulated alloy motif, meantime, is carried over to a number of cabin trim accents, while full power accessories, including power-adjustable pedals, also endow this venerable ute.

Additionally, look for a universal remote garage door opener, a rear-view camera and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror in the high-end Silver Edition 4WD, as well as tri-zone climate control and Bluetooth hands-free communications. And finally, this spiffed-up Pathfinder flaunts a Bose premium audio system with 6-CD changer, 10 speakers, satellite radio and an auxiliary MP3 input.

A power moonroof and rear-seat DVD entertainment head the list of optional equipment in this midsize sport ute, with an available Protection Package offering a vehicle impact sensor, emergency road kit and wheel locks. As well, carpeted floor and cargo mats are available standalone goodies.

Like its siblings, the 2012 Pathfinder Silver Edition 4WD packs a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 4.0-liter V6 powerplant that remains under the management of a 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Look for 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque from the six-banger, with towing maxed out at 6,000 pounds and mileage estimated at a tawdry 14 mpg city/20 highway.

The shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, meanwhile, boasts electronic hi-lo gear selection and auto-locking hubs for some quasi-hefty off-road capability, though rock climbing is not a strong point. Also, the 4WD system should be left disengaged when cruising dry pavement.

Noteworthy standard safety features aboard the 2012 Pathfinder Silver Edition 4WD, finally, include 4-wheel antilock braking (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Also aboard are standard front fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights and a remote antitheft alarm.

As the flagship trim of the V6-equipped 2012 Nissan Pathfinder trim lineup, the Pathfinder LE sports 3 rows of seating for seven and 79.2 cubic feet of total cargo area. This top-shelf midsize SUV also remains eligible for full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) that boasts electronic hi-lo gear selection and a driver-selectable automatic mode for instantaneous shifting of torque from the rear wheels only (RWD) to all 4 wheels when things get slippery. Though not as terrain-taming as part-time 4WD, this system can be left engaged when driving on dry pavement.

In any case, the 2012 Pathfinder LE is delivered in standard RWD form, and totes a variable-valve-timed (VVT) V6 powerplant and 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission that combine for 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. Towing is maxed out at 6,000 pounds, with mileage pegged at 15 mpg city/22 highway. Should the available 4-wheel drivetrain be selected, towing capability drops to some 5,400 pounds, and mileage drops to 14/20.

Standard appearance features, meanwhile, include 18-inch alloy wheels, step running boards, a roof rack, a power moonroof and skid plates. Cabin accoutrements again include leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, reclining second-row seats, split-folding second- and third-row seats, full power accessories (including pedals) and driver memory settings. The heated, tilt-adjustable leather and simulated alloy steering wheel mounts audio and cruise controls, and is complemented by tri-zone climate control. Leather, simulated wood and simulated alloy cabin accents, meantime, presage a most welcoming cabin ambiance.

Of course, a universal remote garage door opener comes standard in the flagship Pathfinder LE, as do a rear-view camera and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, while a standard voice-activated hard-drive-based navigation suite helps keep drivers on target and on time. Further techno-goodies include a 6-CD-endowed Bose audio system with 10 premium speakers, satellite radio, a memory card slot and an auxiliary MP3 input, with all this complemented by standard Bluetooth hands-free calling.

Options-wise, look for rear-seat DVD entertainment to be available to this year's top-end Pathfinder trim, as well as carpeted floor and cargo mats, all as standalone options. The available Protection Package, meantime, boasts a vehicle impact sensor, wheel locks and an emergency road kit.

Finally, standard safety features include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, 3-row head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head restraint whiplash protection. Further standard safety equipment includes front fog/driving lights and dusk-sensing headlights, as well as a remote antitheft alarm.