The Pathfinder S ($25,600) and S 4WD ($27,600) come with fabric upholstery; air conditioning; cruise control; power mirrors, windows and door locks with keyless remote; AM/FM/CD stereo playing through six speakers; adjustable lumbar on the driver's seat; reclining backs on the middle-row seats; roof rails; and a pre-wired tow setup including hitch. S models also come standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control, a tire-pressure monitor, and 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Few options are offered, but among them is an Airbag Package ($700) that adds side impact air bags, plus roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

SE 2WD ($26,850) and SE 4WD ($28,850) add an eight-way power driver's seat, fold-flat front passenger sear, unique seat fabric, Easy Clean Cargo Area, rear reading lamps, cargo net, running boards, roof rack crossbars, fog lamps, front tow hook, first aid kit, body-color outside mirrors, and a middle seat fold-down center armrest.

Leather seating is optional ($1,500) for the SE. The SE Comfort Package ($1,550) includes dual-zone automatic air conditioning; auxiliary rear air conditioning with separate controls; six-disc CD changer with MP3 capability and auxiliary input jack; adjustable pedals; a multi-accessorized, auto-dimming rearview mirror; upgraded sunvisors; leather highlights (but not leather seating); and painted silver interior accents. The SE Premium Package ($1,700) adds a two-way power sunroof; automatic headlamps; programmable remote garage door opener; Bose stereo with nine speakers including subwoofer; redundant steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; and capabilities for MP3 and satellite radio.

The SE Off-Road ($31,650) is available only with 4WD. The Off-Road model comes with B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail P265/75R16 tires on distinctive wheels; Rancho off-road shocks; and skid plates. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are exclusive to the SE Off-Road, making it the most trail-capable Pathfinder. Off-Road also comes with standard comfort features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air conditioning with controller, adjustable pedals, digital compass, outside temperature gauge, leather steering wheel and shift knob, and upgraded audio. SE Off-Road is upholstered in a robust, waffle-texture fabric; Desert Leather is optional ($1,500).

The LE ($33,800) and LE 4WD ($36,000) come with all the comfort features of the SE Off-Road, but not its specific off-road equipment; plus leather upholstery, wood-toned trim, sunroof, Bose audio system with six-disc changer and nine speakers (including subwoofer), and 17-inch wheels and tires. The LE-exclusive DVD Navigation Package ($2,000) includes a seven-inch color LCD display.

The Mobile Entertainment System ($1,600) delivers a DVD player with a seven-inch color monitor and two infrared headphones. It is available on all Pathfinders except the basic S.

Safety features that come on all Pathfinders include two-stage frontal airbags; antilock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EDB); and electronic stability control, which Nissan calls Vehicle Dynamic Control. The optional Air Bag Package adds front-seat side-impact airbags and full-coverage side-curtain airbags. We strongly recommend opting for this last package as it can provide head protection to you and your passengers if someone crashes into the side of your vehicle, or if you roll over. Always wear your seatbelts as they are your first line of defense in an accident.