For 2008, the Armada is graced with a power-operated rear hatch and a power articulating 60/40-split third row seat. Leather upholstery is supplied as standard fare as is a new, Bose premium audio system along with a rearview camera, Bluetooth and rear seat DVD entertainment.
Although the vehicle is unchanged outwardly, a keen eye will detect interior modifications rendering a new instrument panel and upgraded material for improved "touch and feel." The enhanced cabin surroundings nicely complement the Armada's plush ride and near silent operation. Notwithstanding its tenacity on rugged terrain, this vehicle is a wonderful highway cruiser where its bulk is less noticeable. Due to its size, maneuvering the Armada through narrow apertures in the forest can be tricky. The last contender among the three Nissans reviewed here mitigates this uneasiness with its mid-range sizing.
Pathfinder
The big news for Nissan's highly popular Pathfinder for 2008 is the availability of V8 power. A retuned version of the same 5.6-litre, DOHC V8 breathing life into the Titan and Armada was under the hood of the test units at Nissan's cross-country event. The new engine, which produces 310 horsepower and 388 pounds-feet of torque, transforms one of the market's most desirable mid-size SUVs into a remarkably athletic example with impressive get-up and go.
The new engine is very civilized in its operation unless pushed to the max, at which point it communicates fairly gruffly while quickly reaching redline. Along with a new engine, 2008 finds the Pathfinder showing off new rear-end sheetmetal. This latest treatment emphasizes the Pathfinder's rugged side while its redesigned instrument panel and interior improvements highlight its luxuriousness.
Next to its abundant torque, most notable about the vehicle's performance is the outstanding nimbleness it exhibits on and off the road. After winding its larger siblings through the circuitous off-road route, the Pathfinder felt like a sports car thanks to its smaller dimensions and quick, responsive steering combined with plenty of juice on demand. Of the three 4WD Nissan products driven on this particularly hot day in May, the V8-powered Pathfinder would be my choice for everything except the need to haul seven adults.
The V8 under the Pathfinder's hood ups the vehicle's towing capacity as well, giving it an impressive rating of 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs). Unfortunately to secure the brawny V8, buyers must be prepared to move up to the top-of-the-line, Pathfinder LE. Once there, the only option is a navigation system.
Although the vehicle is unchanged outwardly, a keen eye will detect interior modifications rendering a new instrument panel and upgraded material for improved "touch and feel." The enhanced cabin surroundings nicely complement the Armada's plush ride and near silent operation. Notwithstanding its tenacity on rugged terrain, this vehicle is a wonderful highway cruiser where its bulk is less noticeable. Due to its size, maneuvering the Armada through narrow apertures in the forest can be tricky. The last contender among the three Nissans reviewed here mitigates this uneasiness with its mid-range sizing.
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| V8 power is the big news for the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. |
Pathfinder
The big news for Nissan's highly popular Pathfinder for 2008 is the availability of V8 power. A retuned version of the same 5.6-litre, DOHC V8 breathing life into the Titan and Armada was under the hood of the test units at Nissan's cross-country event. The new engine, which produces 310 horsepower and 388 pounds-feet of torque, transforms one of the market's most desirable mid-size SUVs into a remarkably athletic example with impressive get-up and go.
The new engine is very civilized in its operation unless pushed to the max, at which point it communicates fairly gruffly while quickly reaching redline. Along with a new engine, 2008 finds the Pathfinder showing off new rear-end sheetmetal. This latest treatment emphasizes the Pathfinder's rugged side while its redesigned instrument panel and interior improvements highlight its luxuriousness.
Next to its abundant torque, most notable about the vehicle's performance is the outstanding nimbleness it exhibits on and off the road. After winding its larger siblings through the circuitous off-road route, the Pathfinder felt like a sports car thanks to its smaller dimensions and quick, responsive steering combined with plenty of juice on demand. Of the three 4WD Nissan products driven on this particularly hot day in May, the V8-powered Pathfinder would be my choice for everything except the need to haul seven adults.
The V8 under the Pathfinder's hood ups the vehicle's towing capacity as well, giving it an impressive rating of 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs). Unfortunately to secure the brawny V8, buyers must be prepared to move up to the top-of-the-line, Pathfinder LE. Once there, the only option is a navigation system.
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| The Pathfinder's interior is refined with better ergonomics and quality plastics. |