Under the Hood

A 3.5-liter V-6 engine that develops 240 horsepower and 265 pounds-feet of torque is the lone power plant. It drives a four-speed-automatic transmission; a manual gearbox is not offered.

The Pathfinder may be equipped with rear-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel-drive system that is intended for use on slippery surfaces. The system can be engaged or disengaged at up to 50 mph by using a floor-mounted transfer-case lever. The LE 4x4 has a push-button All-Mode four-wheel-drive system that permits up to 50 percent of available torque to reach the front wheels when needed. This system can be left engaged on dry pavement.

    See also:

    Uniform tire quality grading
    DOT (Department Of Transportation) Quality Grades: All passenger car tires must conform to federal safety requirements in addition to these grades. Quality grades can be found where applicable ...

    Operating tips
    - When the selector lever is shifted to the R (Reverse) position, the monitor screen automatically changes to the RearView Monitor mode. However, the radio can be heard. - It may take some time ...

    Fail-safe
    If the vehicle is driven under extreme conditions, such as excessive wheel spinning and subsequent hard braking, the fail-safe system may be activated. The MIL may come on to indicate the fail-saf ...