The 2011 Pathfinder’s stout, truck-type body-on-frame construction recalls a day when all SUVs were built to go off road and tow big trailers. Should you buy a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder or wait for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder? Styling: The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder styling is unchanged and continues to strut its tough-truck stuff. Along with the Toyota 4Runner, Pathfinder is among the very few remaining body-on-frame midsize SUVs. Almost all crossovers have front-wheel drive and offer light-duty all-wheel drive (AWD) that automatically provides temporary extra traction on slippery pavement. Several -- Pathfinder included -- offer V-6 and V-8 power, and they commonly have traditional rear-wheel drive feature conventional four-wheel drive (4wd) systems suited to severe off-road conditions.
The 2011 Pathfinder’s lineup has been revamped and now consists of entry-level S models, midline SV versions, better-equipped Silver Editions, and the top-of-the-line LE models.
A V-8 is alternately offered, but only in the 2011 Pathfinder LE V-8 model; this 5.6-liter engine again delivers 310 horsepower and 388 pound-feet of torque. Pathfinder’s sole transmission remains a five-speed automatic.
Pathfinder S, SV, Silver Edition, and LE V-6 models come standard with two-wheel drive (2wd), which in the case of truck-based SUVs means rear-wheel drive. The 2011 S, SV, and Silver Edition models are available with a basic “part-time” setup. The 4wd system available on the Pathfinder LE-V6 is a full-time system. The 2011 Pathfinder LE-V8 comes with a 4wd system that requires no driver interaction and is permanently engaged. V-6 Pathfinders can tow trailers weighing up to 6,000 pounds and V-8 versions can pull 7,000 pounds.
Standard equipment on the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder includes power windows with driver and front passenger auto-up/down, power locks, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and remote keyless entry. The SV adds amenities like a power driver’s seat, power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, a CD changer audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, fog lights, auto headlamps and day/night rearview mirror, a garage-door opener, and a rear-view monitor.
Rear DVD entertainment also is available. Wheel sizes are 16-, 17-, and 18-inches, depending on model and option package.
Among the changes are the arrival of a new and technically advanced 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; important improvements to the popular 2.5-litre dCi diesel; greater levels of passive safety; new equipment including the availability of a state-of-the-art Nissan Connect Premium touch-screen satellite navigation system, a premium Bose sound system and a rear view camera; enhanced interior quality and a number of styling changes to keep Navara and Pathfinder looking sharp.
Emissions and fuel efficiency targets included achieving Euro 5 compliance. It also helps stretch oil change intervals to 20,000 kms.
As well as delivering performance gains, the changes have seen improvements in fuel economy and lower emissions. There’s a new 18 inch alloy wheel to complement the existing range of 16 inch (steel and alloy) and 17 inch (alloy) designs.