Chris Woodyard

USA TODAY



Nissan's Pathfinder, one of the better-known SUVs, is getting a big overhaul, with a new engine packing more horsepower, a new front look and even a new wood-grain appearance on the dash.

Just unveiled this week, Pathfinder will get a 3.5-liter V-6, which will pack 284 horsepower, up from 260 horsepower previously. Gas mileage will remain about the same despite the upgrade.

The Pathfinder front end gets an edgier, more aggressive appearance. There's a new "V-Motion" grille, boomerang-shaped headlights and LED daytime running lights. It also gets new safety features that can help prevent accidents. Inside, there's more of an open-pore look to the fake wood used on on the dashboard.

Joining Ford and other brands, Nissan will offer a tailgate on the midsize SUV that can be hoped by waving a foot or ankle underneath the trailer hitch mount.

Pathfinder also has two important safety features. Forward Emergency Braking and Intelligent Cruise Control.