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 July 5, 2007 Preview: 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, Titan, and Armada
Photo Galleries: 2008 Nissan Armada, Pathfinder and Titan Minneapolis, Minnesota - The big news at Nissan may be the sexy new 2008 Altima two-door coupe, but the company has also added new engines and features to its line-up of 2008 Titan pickup trucks, and Armada and Pathfinder SUVs. None of these models are all-new, but the changes have tweaked performance and styling:
Pathfinder
For the first time, the mid-size Pathfinder features a V8 engine, in addition to the existing 4.0-litre V6. The new 5.6-litre V8 is shared with the Titan and Armada and produces 310 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque; it's a simple fit, as the Pathfinder's frame is based on that of the larger Armada. The larger engine gets a 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) tow rating, as opposed to 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg) with the V6. Nissan officials say they are "studying" diesel engines, but won't admit to anything more than that.
Inside, everything from the cupholders forward is new: all models get an updated instrument cluster and shift lever, and the V8 receives a standard heated steering wheel for chilly mornings. Go for leather seats - optional on V6, standard on V8 - and you can order an attractive new light-brown shade, dubbed "Russet".
While the U.S. market can buy the Pathfinder in two-wheel drive configuration, all Canadian models are driver-selectable four-wheel drive.
The new interior is much better than before; materials are better-quality and everything is screwed together well. The new V8 has a few model-specific standard features, such as power sunroof, wood trim, six-CD stereo with XM satellite radio, garage door opener, and driver's memory that are unavailable or must be added to the V6 models.
The big question is at the pumps: will a V8 sell in these times of high gas prices? Nissan itself is wary; the company only moves about 2,500 Pathfinders a year in the Great White North, and so it's expecting the eight-cylinder to be low-volume, especially since it's going to start at a hefty $49,000. My guess is that a few Canadians will buy it for the prestige and extra features, and a few others for its increased towing capacity, but that it's going to go like hotcakes in the U.S., where you're far more likely to find that sub-sect of SUV drivers who will pay whatever it costs to go further faster.
Titan
There's also a new PRO-4X trim line on both King and Crew Cab models, matching the Titan's regular standard equipment with a special off-road package. This includes Rancho performance gas shocks, a lower final drive ratio, oil pan and transfer case skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. Outside, you can spot the PRO-4X by its body-colour grille and bumpers and decals, and inside, it has unique gauges and its logo stitched into the seats.
Other overall changes to the line-up include a revised front end and wheel lip mouldings, along with new wheel styles. Inside, the interior is spiffed up, with a new seat design and cluster; the truck can be further optioned with Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio and a rear-seat DVD screen that's an inch larger than last year's model.
This is a big truck that gets seriously luxurious in its upper range, but those who want a vehicle for work will appreciate touches such as a factory-applied spray-in bedliner (with factory warranty), a bed channel system with adjustable cleats and available accessory racks, trays, dividers and storage units, and watertight locking storage compartments behind the wheel well on the driver's side. Properly equipped, the Crew Cab will tow up to 9,300 lbs (4,218 kg), the King Cab up to 9,500 lbs (4,309 kg); payloads have also increased by an average of 400 lbs (181 kg) over the 2007 models.
Armada
Nissan's seriously-sized, top-of-the-line SUV becomes even more seriously luxurious in 2008; its changes are mostly cosmetic, including a new front fascia, new headlight and fog light designs, a new one-piece roof rack, revised rear fascia and 20-inch wheels that replace last year's 18-inch rims.
Nissan used to sell the Armada in two trim lines, and still does in the U.S., but Ian Forsythe, Nissan Canada's Corporate and Product Planning Director, says that most buyers went for the upper crust, and so the Armada is strictly the top-line LE here. "The segment has pretty much boiled down to necessity," he says; the company only sold some 230 of them across the country last year, and Forsythe explains that those who do buy them want them for their ability to take up to eight passengers and whatever camping, boating or horse trailer items need to be hitched to the back.
The only option available on the Armada is a Technology Package, which replaces the standard six-CD stereo with a single-disc player, but adds a hard disc-based navigation system with 3D view, touch-screen controls, voice recognition, 9.3 GB Music Box and compact flash slot for MP3/WMA files. Around September, the company also plans to roll out an available XM NavTraffic system, which will provide real-time traffic information; it will start with Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, but should gain market penetration gradually in Canada.
Specifications
Manufacturer's web site
Jil McIntosh's automotive work and her garage includes cars both old and new; she writes for The Toronto Star Wheels, Old Autos, and Canadian Street Rodder.
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