2009 NISSAN NEW SUVS and CROSSOVER MODEL GUIDE

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Vehicles conformed as wagons for the Nissan line of 2009 include six nameplates. There are truck-based SUVs in three sizes with king-size Armada, mid-size Pathfinder and the compact-class Xterra. Nissan's people-hauling minivan is called Quest, while there are two crossover utility vehicles (CUV) with mid-size Murano and compact-class Rogue.

Armada
The big idea behind Nissan's full-size SUV is vast room in a huge vehicle with overwhelming power. The cabin has three rows of seats with fold-flat benches on tiers two and three or optional captain's chairs in the second row. Armada rides on a platform derived from the full-size Titan truck and uses Titan's dual-cam 5.6-liter V8 with 317 hp. Nissan outfits Armada with two-wheel-drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction. New 20-inch wheels coated in chrome apply to the 2009 Armada LE when equipped with the Technology Package.

Pathfinder
The mid-size SUV from Nissan brings a five-door passenger compartment with room in the rear for a standard fold-out third-row seat. Seats on the second row split 40/20/40 and also fold, as does the seatback of the front right bucket. Powertrains culminate in a 5.6-liter V8 making 310 hp. Base powertrain is a 4.0-liter V6 with 266 hp. The 2009 editions of Pathfinder offer choices for 2WD traction or a 4WD system, with all trims now stocking as standard side air bags for front seats plus curtain-style side air bags above outboard seats on every row.

Xterra
Nissan's compact-class wagon works as a pure SUV that's part cushy transportation and part tool box for hauling lifestyle sports paraphernalia like mountain bikes, gear for camping or rock climbing, skis or kayaks. Xterra for 2009 brings fresh styling to the prow and standard curtain-style air bags in the cabin. Platform and powertrain come from the Frontier pickup with 2WD traction or a part-time 4WD device with 2WD/4WD-high/4WD-low modes. A 4.0-liter V6 achieves 261 hp with a six-speed manual shifter or five-speed electronic automatic. Xterra Off-Road models wear new Off-Road Lights on the roof rack.

Quest
Nissan's minivan has the longest wheelbase among front-wheel drive (FWD) minivans to make considerable room for three rows of seats. The second-row buckets and third-row bench flip and fold to form a flat floor for hauling more cargo and sliding side doors are the widest in segment, while the optional Skyview roof has multiple glass roof panels. Power flows from a dual-cam 3.5-liter V6 with 240 hp through a five-speed automatic. Curtain-style air bags become standard on the 2009 Quest, along with automatic door locking for all trims.

Murano
Nissan's mid-size CUV in a new design for 2009 unites a powerful V6 engine with shapely new bodywork and a spacious five-place passenger compartment filled with a carload of comfort gear as well as high-tech electronic gadgets. For locomotion, Nissan pulls out the Altima's juicy VQ-series 3.5-liter V6 for 265 hp through an advanced continuously variable transmission (CVT) labeled Xtronic. Murano also offers Nissan's electronically controlled all-wheel-drive (AWD) equipment with yaw movement control for dependable grip on slippery pavement. The 2009 Murano shows up in trim designations of S, SL and LE.

Rogue
Nissan's compact-size CUV rides on a FWD platform of the Sentra sedan. Rogue brings a powerful engine and responsive handling traits like a sporty car, but the spacious cabin has a driver-oriented cockpit with seats for five plus stow space in the cargo bay. Both FWD and AWD traction configurations are offered for trims of Rogue S and SL. The powertrain is Nissan's 2.5-liter four-pack developing 170 hp with the Xtronic CVT. Curtain-style air bags and an anti-skid device are stock safety items on Rogue, while paddle shifters on the steering wheel are available.

For more information on Nissan SUVs and wagons.