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2008 Nissan Pathfinder – Ride and Handling

Handling
The Nissan Pathfinder has very good on-road manners for a mid-size, off-road capable. The steering has a solid feel and is quick and precise for a truck of this size. Stability in corners and a lack of the usual wallowing that plagues other SUVs was a welcome surprise. The brakes have good pedal feel and are easy to modulate. Nissan put discs at all four corners, and it’s an antilock system with electronic force distribution. The ride is comfortable without being springy, unlike many vehicles designed for off-road use.

Fun to Drive
The Pathfinder is a true SUV that’s pretty easy to live with, except for the low fuel economy: 14.2 mpg in mixed driving conditions. It has a comfortable ride, overall decent handling and very good power from the V-8 engine. While the EPA estimate for the V-8 is 12 mpg city and 18 on the highway, the V-6 only improves to 14/20. The extra towing capacity is also a plus.