The SE version of the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle restyles the interior, features new titanium-accented step rails, titanium-highlighted roof rack with integrated air dam, new body color bumpers and fender flares. Powering the SUV is a 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 engine that produces 250 horsepower. (The engine, adapted for a SUV, is based on the 3.0-liter that powered the 2001 Nissan Maxima sedan.) Key engine features are a valve control system and a variable induction system. The four-wheel-drive Pathfinder has a shift-on-the-fly transfer case that engages at speeds up to 50 miles per hour.

Pathfinder SE offers a variety of standard fare, including four-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, power-heated mirrors, lighted front power window switches, electric rear window defroster with timer, and black privacy glass. Option packages include a $1,299 mobile entertainment VCR system. Although the interior isn’t blah, a few spruce-up touches would be appreciated, such as a more attractive headliner material. Mile per gallon estimates are 15 city/18 highway. Nissan Pathfinder SE has a suggested retail price of $28,649.