2009 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4X4

If function is just as important as form to you, the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4X4 should do the trick nicely. All four of its 17-inch alloys come wrapped in white-letter tires and are powered by a 4.0-liter V6 through a two-speed transfer case. A five-speed transmission is still standard, as are roof rails, running boards, a front tow hook, skid plates, and trailer wiring. Foglights add illumination, and front variable-intermittent wipers and a rear intermittent wiper and washer combo teamed with a defogger make sure the view through the glass is clean and clear.

Passengers are greeted on the inside by front bucket and second- and third-row split-folding seats. Comfort is handled by dual-zone automatic climate controls, and rear air conditioning with separate controls. The stereo is a 6-CD unit with MP3 playback as well as a digital-media player connection. Privacy glass keeps rear passengers safely shielded from both sun and prying eyes, and a center console provides some storage.

The front passenger bucket folds flat, while the driver’s bucket has 8-way power. Drivers also get power-adjustable pedals, cruise control, a tachometer, and a trip computer. As would be expected at this trim level, power windows, mirrors, and doors are included, as is remote-keyless entry.

Safety features for the 2009 Nissan Pathfinder SE 4X4 include traction control, antilock four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid, and a tire pressure monitor. Dual front airbags protect occupants, along with front side and curtain side units with rollover deployment. Front-seat active head restraints are also included, along with a theft-deterrent system.

By Michael Perkins