The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder is the evolution of one of the earliest SUVs. It's a midsize vehicle competing domestically with Dodge Durango, Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Chrysler Aspen, GMC Acadia, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Saturn Outlook. On the foreign front it goes head to head with Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Toyota 4Runner and Volkswagen Touareg 2, among others.

Somewhat a slave to fashion, Pathfinder is pretty much an also ran in the looks department and most of the things that set it apart don't distinguish it. Looks haven't changed much in the past couple years. It does get good reviews for its top towing capacity of 7,000 pounds and for its headroom and legroom. It does not fare as well in cargo capacity, which is well below class average.

Pathfinder comes in three trims: S, SE and LE. All come in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. There is also an SE Off Road model which comes only in four-wheel drive.

The standard engine for the Pathfinder is a 266 horsepower 4.0 liter V6. However, for the first time ever, you can get the LE four-wheel drive (only) with a 310 horsepower 5.6 liter V8. The transmission for all combinations is a five-speed automatic with overdrive. Fuel economy is not a Pathfinder strong point. It gets its best mileage with the six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, which is an unimpressive 15 miles per gallon city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway.

Pathfinder is weak in the safety department with anemic four-star front driver and passenger crash ratings from NHTSA. The rollover rating was three-star, which is not great, but not unusual for the type of vehicle. There are no side impact ratings for the 2009 model year yet, but side impact ratings for the 2008 model year were five-star. Standard safety features include child safety locks, anti-theft device, antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, tire pressure monitor and airbags everywhere. You can get an electronic parking aid and a first aid kit on some models.

Standard exterior features on the Pathfinder include an underbody skid plate, a full size spare, power mirror, rear window defogger and a towing package. Optional exterior goodies are automatic headlights and heated exterior mirror. Inside comes standard with tilt wheel, trip computer, CD player, steering wheel mounted controls, second row folding seat and third row removable seat. With trim upgrades or options you can get a heated, leather covered steering wheel; adjustable foot pedals; six-CD changer with premium sound; DVD player; navigation system; power, leather, heated seats with memory; and sunroof.

One plus for the Pathfinder is a price on the low side, with a base of $27,210. Overall, though, the Pathfinder comes in as pretty average.