2009 Nissan Pathfinder Overview
For the last 23 years, Nissan’s Pathfinder has stood out as an innovative, rugged SUV capable of handling adventures both on and off-road. For 2009, the Pathfinder continues to strive for perfection with changes to both its SE and LE models.
This year’s Pathfinder models now come with a standard 4.0L, V6 VQ40DE engine, and will no longer be available with a V8 engine. Changes specific to the LE include the removal of the in-mirror compass when equipped with the Navigation package (compass appears in screen). Changes specific to the SE model include the addition of a 17” machine finished alloy wheel now included in the Premium package and the replacement of the Easy Clean cargo area with carpet while the Leather package has been removed. Bluetooth and Nissan Intelligent Key® are now available in the SE Premium package and standard for LE.
All 2009 Pathfinders now come with standard power door locks with auto-locking feature while the power cinching feature has been deleted from all models. New exterior colours include Carmine and Ink Blue, while Sparkle Red, Silverstone Blue, Majestic Blue and Café Mocha are no longer available. Russet (R) is no longer an available interior colour. The 2009 Pathfinder will be available across Canada in October and will continue to offer standard three-row seating, exceptional storage capacity and is again built on a fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the full-size Armada.
A Powerful And Rugged Adventure Partner
Standard on all 2009 Pathfinder models is an advanced 4.0-litre DOHC V6, rated at 266 horsepower and 288 lb-ft torque. This specially tuned engine, created for SUV and truck applications, is part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest.
The 4.0-litre version features a longer stroke than the 3.5-litre version (92.0 mm versus 81.4 mm), and includes Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO, Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons and lightweight aluminum block.
Backing this engine is a standard electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission featuring a wide gear ratio spread for maximum acceleration performance and a Direct Control System to provide smooth shift quality.
All Pathfinder models come standard with an All-Mode 4-wheel drive system that includes 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case and an advanced 4-Wheel Limited-Slip system (ABLS), which helps limit wheel slip when starting on low traction surfaces. Standard on all Pathfinder models is a responsive engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system and 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with G-sensor and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).
A Solid Foundation For Go-Anywhere Activities
The 2009 Pathfinder utilizes Nissan’s "F-Alpha" platform, with a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame providing a solid mounting point for the stylish body and the four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension, as well as a standard integrated tow hitch. Pathfinder’s long-travel front suspension is an all-steel double-wishbone design with coil-over shocks and large stabilizer bar. For smooth ride quality and optimized handling, the rear suspension is an independent double-wishbone design with the coils located on the toe control link (offset spring and shock) with stabilizer bar.
Standard underbody component protection puts a plate under the radiator. Wheel packages vary by Pathfinder model. S models offer standard 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/75R16 tires, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are offered on the SE with 265/65R17 tires. LE models feature special 18-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/60R18 tires. All Pathfinders provide a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and full-size spare tire.
Powerful Exterior Styling
With exquisite front and rear styling, Pathfinder looks even more the part of a go-anywhere rugged and sophisticated SUV. Large headlamps, angled strut-style grille and a sweeping hood hint at the power underneath. Pathfinder’s broad shoulder line, large integrated fender flares covering purposeful wheel and tire combinations and distinctive C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles give the 2009 Pathfinder its own unique look, while proudly resembling the larger Armada SUV.
A long wheelbase of 112.2 inches allows for a roomy three-row cabin while providing ride comfort and stability. Pathfinder’s manageable 192.3-inch overall length and short front and rear overhangs enable drivers to feel comfortable driving or parking the capable SUV on almost any terrain.
Additional exterior highlights include standard roof rails with integrated front and rear grips, rear tailgate design with flip-up rear glass hatch opening and rear privacy glass. Pathfinder also offers side running boards and fog lights on SE and LE trims, heated outside mirrors and power slide and tilt moonroof. Two new colours – Carmine and Ink Blue – add to Pathfinder’s 2009 palette of exterior colours for a total of eight excellent options to choose from.
An Interior Design To Enhance Active Family Lifestyles
The 2009 Pathfinder returns with its familiar and stylish interior from the previous year, with the exception that Russet is no longer available as an interior colour. Still featured inside the pathfinder is the instrument panel centre stack design, automatic transmission shifter with special grip (all models except S), heated steering wheel (LE models) and illuminated switchgear (all models except S). Other features include a standard colour 7.0-inch Multi-Function Information Display with RearView Monitor (all models except S) and a reclining function for the centre portion of the 2nd row seat.
Standard seating includes flat-folding 3rd row seat, 40/20/40 split separate-folding 2nd row seats with easy one-touch release lever for 3rd row access and a fold-down front passenger seat (available on SE only). The Easy-Clean rear cargo area is deleted from the SE which now comes with standard carpet. Storage areas are plentiful, including eight cup holders and an overhead console with sunglass storage. Utility is also enhanced with four 12-volt outlets (two on instrument panel centre stack, one for 2nd row and one cargo area), front seatback pockets, plentiful passenger assist grips and available rear reading lamps, outside temperature gauge and cargo net (standard on SE and LE).
Additional standard equipment includes power windows with driver and front passenger auto-up/down and safety reverse, power door locks with auto-locking feature, tilt steering wheel, remote keyless entry, trip computer and climate control system. The Nissan Navigation System, available on LE models, returns for 2009 with 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive, Nissan Intelligent Key® with twist start and Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.
Other available features include a first aid kit, dual-zone automatic temperature control (standard on all but S), rear air conditioning, power-adjustable pedals (standard on all but S), leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats, power moonroof, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Bose® audio system, power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats with driver memory package, leather-appointed steering wheel (standard on all but S), wood grain trim and DVD entertainment system.
Safety Equipment
The 2009 Pathfinder includes a long list of standard safety features and equipment, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones; energy absorbing steering column; front seat Active Head Restraints and 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Also standard is the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System, featuring dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the 2nd row centre position; adjustable 2nd and 3rd row head restraints; LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system; Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
Supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and available roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard passengers in all three rows are also standard.
Three Well-Equipped Models
The 2009 Pathfinder is offered in a choice of three models: S, SE and LE. All models come with a standard 266-horsepower 4.0-litre V6 and automatic transmission and in 4x4.
Every model comes complete with standard three-row seating, electronically controlled automatic transmission, full-size spare tire and remote keyless entry. Pathfinder SE Premium Package models feature new 17-inch machine finished alloy wheels with 265/65R17 tires, 7.0-inch multi-information display with RearView Monitor system, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, power-adjustable foot pedals, unique seat fabric, AM/FM/6CD audio system with MP3 capability, new illuminated steering wheel audio controls, auto day/night rearview mirror, first aid kit, rear cargo net, automatic temperature control with rear air conditioning, roof crossbars, 2nd row fold-down centre armrest, digital compass, leather steering wheel and shift knob, front fog lamps, rear reading lamps, side running boards and power heated outside mirrors.
Pathfinder LE models add enhanced levels of style and luxury. The LE includes body side molding with chrome inserts, leather-appointed 1st and 2nd row seats and door inserts, heated steering wheel, Bose audio system with 10 speakers and subwoofer, XM Satellite radio, 4-way power front passenger seat, wood grain trim, driver memory package (seat, mirrors and pedals) with programmable remote keyfobs, power moonroof, heated outside mirrors, automatic headlamps, supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover head protection for outboard passengers in all three rows.
A number of option packages are offered in 2009, including the SE Premium Package, with power moonroof and 10-speaker Bose audio system. Also available is a DVD Mobile Entertainment System, with a 7.0-inch colour monitor and rear seat wireless headphones (all models except S); LE Pathmaster® Navigation Package with Music box hard drive, Nissan Intelligent Key® with twist start and Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.
The 2009 Pathfinder is assembled at Nissan's award-winning Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing facility, with engines supplied by Nissan’s nearby Decherd, Tennessee engine facility.
* All horsepower ratings are per SAE J1349 JUN1995