Nissan has decided that less is more for its 2009 Pathfinder model. As the only significant change from ’08, the automaker removed the RWD V8 SE and the RWD LE-V8 from its ’09 lineup, leaving the Pathfinder 4WD LE-V8 as the sole bearer of an eight-cylinder powerplant. For 2009, all but two of Pathfinder’s trim levels will be available in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations; the SE-Off Road and LE-V8 are now offered only with 4WD. Pathfinder, though running a tad leaner, still features three trim levels: S, SE, and LE.

All ’09 Pathfinders, except the LE-V8, are powered by a 4.0-liter, 24-valve V6 that delivers 266 hp at 5,600 rpm and 288 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Coupled with a five-speed automatic transmission, standard in all Pathfinder trims, this potent V6, one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines in 2008, will give drivers of an ’09 RWD Pathfinder a somewhat voracious rating of 15/22 mpg city/highway. Four-wheel-drive trims are even more gluttonous at 14/20 mpg.

The 2009 Pathfinder LE-V8 packs a 5.6-liter, 32-valve V8 under its hood, which is good for 310 hp at 5,200 rpm and 388 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 rpm. The Pathfinder LE-V8 trim, with its five-speed automatic, is available only in 4WD, and fuel economy figures become downright rude at 13/18 mpg.

Pathfinder owners were impressed with the standard features included in the ’08 model. Air-conditioning, a six-speaker, in-dash CD player, seats that have been described as “plush,” third-row seating (which drove complaints that it’s a bit tight back there), cruise control, lots of storage and cupholders, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, remote door locks, front power windows, and 16-inch alloy wheels are all standard in the base S trim and should have ’09 Pathfinder owners buzzing about value. Throw in options such as a portable nav system (only with the Graphite Interior – go figure!), dockable DVD, XM satellite radio, floor and cargo mats, and splash guards and the Pathfinder's base S trim begins to seem mighty plush indeed. Rear-view cameras, the Nissan Intelligent Key, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, and heated outside mirrors are among further options offered on the Pathfinder SE and LE trim levels.

The SE rolls on standard 17-inch alloy wheels, and the LE has 18-inch alloys. The Pathfinder SE Off Road 4x4 also comes equipped with Bilstein gas-filled shocks and 16-inch off-road alloy wheels to fit a little more S into this SUV.

Nissan didn’t skimp on Pathfinder’s standard safety features, either. Four-wheel ABS, front side curtain airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution, advanced dual-stage airbags, and roof-mounted side-impact curtain airbags for all rows with rollover sensors are just a sampling.