2010 Nissan Pathfinder Trims and Specs

Slotting in above the S and SE trim levels, the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder LE V6 is loaded with so much standard equipment that it nearly resembles a luxury car. While it features the same 4.0-liter DOHC engine and five-speed automatic transmission as its more basic siblings, the LE V6 upgrades to a sophisticated full-time 4WD system that is completely automatic.

The LE V6 accommodates seven passengers in leather-lined comfort. In addition to all the features found on the SE trim level, the LE V6 rides on standard 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-season rubber. A power-operated sunroof and heated power mirrors are nice touches.

The interior of the LE V6 is a very comfortable place to pass the time. Leather covers the seats, which also feature power operation for the driver and front passenger. The front seats are heated, and the driver even gets a heated steering wheel for those cold mornings. An optional integrated navigation system features real-time traffic reports and an internal hard drive for music storage. Also available is a rear-seat DVD entertainment system to keep the kids at bay during those long road trips.

With a throaty bark from its massive engine, the 2010 LE V8 cements its position as the top model in Nissan's Pathfinder lineup. The LE V8 is aimed at those who need the towing capacity and payload of a full-size SUV, but don't have access to the kind of parking real estate required by the larger Armada.

In the LE V8 the 266-hp V6 standard in lesser Pathfinders is replaced by a 5.6-liter, 32-valve V8 engine borrowed from the Titan pickup. This monster easily outclasses its competition in the midsize segment with 310 hp and 388 lb/ft of torque, all fed through a five-speed automatic transmission.

The LE V8 is able to tow up to 7,000 pounds and can haul 1,276 pounds of payload. But all this capability comes with a significant penalty at the gas pump; the LE V8 is rated at a paltry 13 mpg in the EPA city cycle. Performance is astounding for a two-and-a-half-ton SUV, with 0-60 coming up in 7 seconds flat, well ahead of its competition.

Nearly every feature optional on lesser Pathfinders is standard on the LE V8, including leather, navigation, a sunroof, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The only options are a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, floormats, and a protection package with wheel locks and an emergency road kit.

For 2010 the Pathfinder S is the base trim level for Nissan's popular midsize SUV. Like all Pathfinders the S is available in rear-wheel- (RWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) guise and features only a five-speed automatic transmission. For a basic trim level the S is quite well equipped and should appeal to buyers looking for a good value.

Powering the S is a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that produces 266 hp and a healthy 288 lb-ft of torque. This engine has more than enough power to move the two-plus-ton Pathfinder along with uncommon verve and allows for a 6,000-pound tow rating. Braking is by vented discs at all four corners, with ABS standard. The four-wheel independent suspension delivers an acceptable (if not plush) highway ride.

Family friendly safety features for the S include dual front, side, and head impact airbags and a whiplash protection system. A remote anti-theft system with engine immobilizer is standard, along with traction and stability control.

The interior of the Pathfinder S seats seven in cloth-upholstered buckets up front and two split-folding rear bench seats in back. Basic power accessories (windows, locks, and mirrors) are standard, along with cruise control and a micro-filtered air conditioning system. A six-speaker stereo with a single-CD player has a diversity antenna for better radio reception. Options include a protection package with wheel locks and an emergency kit as well as a portable Garmin navigation system.