2008 Nissan Pathfinder

An off-road warrior with plenty of ground clearance and a low-range transfer case for its four-wheel-drive system, the Pathfinder sits on a hefty frame (adapted from that of the full-size Armada) and feels high and heavy behind the wheel. Its big tires, with their tall sidewalls, smoother bumps in a manner that's reassuring to those who travel over a crumbling urban infrastructure. But the downside is a bobbing, bouncing ride and woefully imprecise steering that's no fun along narrow, winding parkways and construction-squeezed lanes.

Nissan's smooth, optional 5.6-liter V-8 has 300 hp and 380 lb-ft or torque that provides plenty of punch; unfortunately it comes at considerable cost.

So the truckmaker shoehorned the V-8 into the engine bay to give tow addicts almost 400 pound-feet of torque and lifted the tow rating up 2000 pounds for a max towing capacity of 7000. More important, Nissan was able to fit the bigger and stronger five-speed transmission in as well, fixing what's been our least favorite link in Nissan's powertrain chain. Combined with the all-wheel-drive system (an option on SE and LE models), the new setup feels muscular and exceptionally grippy during hard (yet legal) cornering.

For the first time ever, Pathfinder is available with a 5.6-iter V8 engine, offering an additional 44 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque over the standard 4.0-liter V6 for greater towing capacity. Other major enhancements for 2008 include a restyled exterior and interior, and a range of available technology features such as RearView Monitor, Intelligent Key and Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

Never the shy one, the Nissan Pathfinder bounds into 2008 with freshened styling, a subtly but substantially revised cabin, and technology upgrades such as a backup camera and hard-drive music storage.

Built like a truck and unstoppable by most reasonable endeavors (Baja, anyone?) the Pathfinder is a capable mid-size SUV for those who require a genuine truck, compete rather than watch, yet still want some degree of style and comfort during the week.

Thanks to independent rear suspension and large tires, the Pathfinder rides well and the rack-and-pinion steering works precisely and turns tighter than many mid-size sedans. Also, the Pathfinder doesn't require a climb to get into and will fit easily in garages and standard parking spaces.

The cleaner nose job sweeping into the front arches reminds of a Dodge Nitro, but Pathfinder's minimal overhangs, angular edges, semi-concealed rear door handles and vertical hatch maintain its roots as a genuine off-road worthy four-wheel drive.

Despite a V8 underhood there is still sufficient space for do-it-yourself maintenance or quick belt replacement. The Toyota 4Runner is among the few vehicles that can compete with the Pathfinder off road. Others include the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Land Rover LR3.

Since it's based on a truck and not a minivan, the mid-size Pathfinder won't have the room of the minivan. But inch-by-inch it's an efficient layout.

Stolen right from the Titan and Armada, the 5.6-liter V8 purrs quietly in the background until the reins are let go and all 310 hp and 388 pound-feet of torque come on line. These numbers obliterate most in the mid-size frame-and-body SUV class and any with IRS, and with the five-speed automatic ideally matched the Pathfinder goes quickly, right now. Of course there is a penalty with EPA numbers of 12/18 mpg City/Highway for a 4WD V8, but those use the new-for-2008 methodology and our example bettered 17 mpg in mixed use. For a 5,000-pound four-wheel-drive, that's quite competitive.

The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder builds on a good thing, bringing more amenities, cleaner style inside and out, and offers a testosterone-laden V8 for power freaks and routine trailer pullers.