2009 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4X4

Nissan’s seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle appeals to active families.

By Nina Russin

2009 Nissan Pathfinder

When Nissan first rolled out the current Pathfinder for the ‘06 model year, product planners described the truck as a “decathlete.” In my opinion, the metaphor is a bit exaggerated. But the seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle is a good choice for buyers wanting Xterra‘s functionality, but with more interior space.

Last year Nissan refreshed the Pathfinder’s exterior styling and added a second engine choice: a 5.6-liter V8 available on the upscale LE model. This year side curtain airbags become standard on all models. The LE V6 tested gets a wheel upgrade as well, to eighteen-inch alloy rims.

Crisp ride and handling

The four-liter V6 engine on the test car is a stroked-out version of the block used in the Nissan Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest. Though it has considerably less horsepower than the V8 (a block shared by Titan and Armada), my guess is that fuel economy is much better.

Nissan hasn’t announced fuel economy figures for the V8 Pathfinder, but other trucks using the block are thirsty. Average fuel economy for the four-wheel drive V6 truck is sixteen miles-per-gallon.

The six-cylinder engine on the test car falls a bit flat in twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour acceleration, attributable to the truck’s curb weight: just under 5000 pounds. Towing capacity of six thousand pounds is well in excess of our ALV minimum standards. The V6 engine has plenty of low-end torque for off-road driving, and enough on the high end to pass other cars on the highway with ease.

The standard five-speed automatic transmission does a good job of downshifting for power without excessive shock. Speed sensitive rack-and-pinion steering has good on-center response, and no noticeable steering wheel play.

The Pathfinder is a body-on-frame truck, making it more robust for off-road driving and towing. Despite that, it doesn’t beat up its passengers. A fully-independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars is compliant enough for road trips, and sturdy enough for off-road trails.

Although its 112-inch wheelbase and 192-inch length limit the Pathfinder’s maneuverability on narrow trails, the truck has all the features necessary for negotiating uneven terrain. All models come with a skid plate under the radiator. Buyers can opt to add skid plates under the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.

A tow hook in front helps drivers who need to get towed out of an unexpected hole. Minimum ground clearance on the test truck is 8.8 inches: sufficient to clear most rocks or roots along the way.

A two-speed transfer case provides extreme low gears for off-road driving. The driver can switch between automatic, four-wheel drive high and low modes using a dial on the center console. A switch nearby turns off the vehicle stability control, so the driver can spin the wheels. The Pathfinder comes with a full-sized spare tire.

Versatile interior

The interior has everything active types look for: an abundance of power points, cup and bottle holders, navigation system, rear backup camera, and a configurable cargo area. There are three twelve-volt powerpoints up front and one in the cargo area.

A standard tilt steering wheel can be positioned low enough to stay out of the driver’s line of vision. Audio, Bluetooth and cruise controls buttons on the steering wheel are easy to use without taking one’s eyes off the road.

Two-position memory on the test truck allows multiple drivers to program in seat, mirror and pedal positions. Heated seats on the test truck will appeal to owners in cold climates. Tri-zone climate controls with four overhead vents keep all passengers comfortable in temperature extremes.

The seats are firm, with adequate lower lumbar support. As with many three-row trucks, legroom is adequate but not abundant for those sitting in back. Most adults will be comfortable in the second row, but the third row works best for kids.

I was surprised at how easy it is to get in and out of the back row. Running boards on the test truck make it less difficult to climb over the wheel wells. They also ease access to the roof rack for loading cargo up top.

There are several enclosed storage areas up front: a deep center console bin, and a two-piece glovebox. Audio, temperature and navigation controls on the center stack are easy to reach from either front seating position. The driver can adjust the rear temperature using knobs on the overhead console. A second set of knobs behind the center console allows people in back to do the same.

Configurable cargo area:

Despite its ground clearance, liftover height on the Pathfinder isn’t excessive. The average adult should have no problems loading items in back. A step pad on the rear bumper makes it easier to load items onto the roof rack.

Designers stashed a first aid kit in the liftgate: an item which can come in handy after a day of adventure on the trails.

There’s enough room with all three rows of seating in place to stash the weekly groceries and some small duffel bags. Designers also added a couple of cubbies to keep small items from shifting around.

The rear seats fold flat using a single release lever on the back of each seatback. With the rear seats folded down, there’s plenty of room to slide a bike in with the wheels off.  Folding the second-row seats flat is more complicated: the operation involves folding the seat cushions forward and then folding the seatbacks down.

Standard safety

The LE model comes standard with front, side and side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Pathfinder received a four-star federal crash test rating for frontal impacts, but only a three star rating for rollover collisions.

Base price on the Pathfinder LE is $38,510, not including a $780 delivery fee. Nissan manufactures the Pathfinder at its Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant.

Likes: A well-equipped seven-passenger sport utility vehicle that meets our ALV towing, off-road and bicycle-friendly standards.

Dislike: Floor mats are a $155 option

Quick facts:

Make: Nissan
Model: Pathfinder LE 4X4
Base price: $38,510
As tested: $41,295
Horsepower: 266 Hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 288 lbs.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: Standard
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: Yes
Off-road: Yes
Fuel economy: 14/20 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $780 destination charge.

2009 Dodge Caliber SXT

Compact crossover vehicle with big functionality

By Nina Russin

2009 Dodge Caliber

Rising fuel costs and tightening pursestrings may be the Dodge Caliber’s ticket to fame. The compact crossover vehicle combines many interior features found in larger trucks with better fuel economy and value pricing.

The Caliber is available in three grades, and a choice of three four-cylinder engines with either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Rear seats are easy to fold flat and extend the cargo floor, making the Caliber bicycle friendly. An optional MusicGate feature adds an extra set of speakers in back: the speakers flip down from the liftgate, providing open-air music for a tailgate party. An optional flashlight that stows in the headliner comes in handy during a roadside emergency.

Designers culled features from Dodge minivans to transform the Caliber’s interior into a mobile recreation room: chilled cupholders, a 115-volt inverter, 12-volt powerpoints, a two-part glove box, satellite radio and a MP3 plug-in.

This year Dodge adds an available hard drive for downloading music and photos, as well as navigation with real-time traffic updates.

Car-like ride and handling

The test car is the SXT grade with a continuously variable automatic transmission and four-wheel independent suspension. Average fuel economy is twenty-four miles-per gallon. Four-wheel disc brakes and four-channel antilock braking, previously part of an option package, are now standard equipment.

The two-liter engine has plenty of power for the average commuter’s needs. It won’t race down the dragstrip in under twelve seconds, but there’s enough low-end torque for merging onto the highway, and adequate power on the top end to pass cars on the highway.

A standard timing chain doesn’t produce any noticeable noise. Chains or more durable than timing belts: they don’t require replacement during the average lifespan of the vehicle, saving the owner a big chunk of money.

The fully independent suspension provides a car-like ride, yet keeps the chassis remarkably flat in the corners. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the Caliber handled a decreasing radius cloverleaf ramp at speed.

On-center feel is adequate, though not exceptional. Engineers kept steering wheel play to a minimum, even at low speeds. A thirty-five foot turning radius makes it easy to do the occasional U-turn.

The front pillar is rather thick, and protrudes out into the driver’s line of vision: it’s quite noticeable when cornering to the left, or watching for oncoming traffic. Visibility to the sides and rear is good, despite the car’s thick rear pillar.

A standard rear wiper keeps the back glass clear in rain and snow.

Brakes are firm and linear without being grabby. The upgrade to four-wheel discs will help drivers in wet weather climates: they work better in rain and snow than drums, and are easier to service.

Well-equipped interior

Chrysler designers excel at interior packaging. The Caliber’s high roofline makes it feel like a bigger car than it actually is.

Up front, standard cloth seats have manual adjustments. The seats are firm enough to provide adequate lower lumbar support. Standard heated seats make travel more comfortable for people who live in cold climates. A sliding armrest allows drivers of all sizes to find a comfortable position.

White face gauges are easy to read. An ambient temperature display in the odometer is handy for drivers who like to play outdoors. Standard stain-repellent fabric appeals parents with small children, or athletes coming home from the trails.

Temperature and audio controls on the center stack are reachable from either front seating position. The standard audio system is MP3 compatible. The standard audio system comes pre-wired for satellite radio: Chrysler throws in a year of free service to Sirius/XM.

A premium sound package on the test car upgrades the audio to a Boston nine-speaker system with steering wheel mounted audio controls. It also adds the MusicGate: two speakers that flip down from the liftgate to broadcast music outside the car.

A chilled cupholder in the center console keeps drinks cold. All of the cupholders in the car are big enough for water bottles.

The center console bin is large enough to hold a stack of compact disks. A 115-volt inverter on the front of the bin allows the front passenger to plug in a computer or video games.

A two-piece glovebox  has a huge lower bin: big enough to hold a small purse. A shelf inside stows the owner’s manual and other important paperwork. The upper bin is smaller, but has enough room for small books, maps, or electronic devices.

Legroom in the second row outboard seats should be adequate for the average adult, although taller men may feel cramped. Cupholders behind the center console and a floor tunnel eliminate all legroom in the middle. There is plenty of head and shoulder room.

Configurable cargo area

A strap on the outside of seat cushions releases the seatbacks and folds them flat to extend the cargo floor. With the second-row seats folded down, the Caliber easily meets our bicycle-friendly standards.

A standard tonneau cover hides items in back from prying eyes. The cover is removable for larger cargo. The Caliber’s undersize spare tire is located under the cargo floor.

Standard safety

Standard safety features on the SXT grade include antilock brakes, front and side curtain airbags.

Electronic stability program and daytime running lamps are part of a security package that also adds a trailer wiring harness and engine oil cooler.

Chrysler builds the Caliber at its Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant.

Likes: The front-wheel drive Caliber is a versatile, fuel-efficient crossover vehicle with a well-designed interior and configurable cargo area that easily meets our bicycle friendly standards.

Dislike: Electronic stability program is only available as part of an option package.

Quick facts:

Make: Dodge
Model: Caliber SXT
Year: 2009
Base price: $17,600
As tested: $21,465
Horsepower: 158 Hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 141 lbs.-ft. @ 5000 rpm
Zero-to-sixty: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: N/A
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Fuel economy: 23/27 mpg city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $630 destination charge.