Driving Impressions

Bigger is better as far as interior space and comfort are concerned but could be problematic vis-a-vis ride and handling, given the '05's abandonment of the previous generations' unibody construction. Kudos go to the suspension engineers, then, for taming the new, truck-based foundation. The longer wheelbase, for starters, mellows pavement heaves and minimizes the head toss on rippled roads, while the wider track lessens body lean in turns. Turning circle, though, suffers, as it's almost two feet larger than the '04's. Close body panel tolerances and multiple door seals tame wind noise. Strategically positioned sound deadening mutes road and tire noise, including that from the Off-Road model's more aggressive treads. The roof rack's cross bars generate some whistle, which is most noticeable with the sunroof's inside shade retracted. Transmission shifts, up and down, are smooth, virtually invisible, executed by the slick computerized engine management system that now incorporates drive by wire. This latter allowed programming the throttle for a more measured tip in when the Pathfinder is in 4X4 mode. An extended exploration in the SE Off-Road of a muddy, technical, single-vehicle track in a heavily wooded area on Bainbridge Island across the bay from Seattle proved not only the effectiveness of this alternative throttle programming, but also the surprising dexterity of this larger and heavier Pathfinder in the rough. Crawling over downed trees, crossing axle-deep water holes and descending sloppy slopes were accomplished without stress, strain or undue slippage, with credit due in part to the SE Off-road's impressive 9.2 inches of ground clearance. Power from an enlarged and truck-tuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 in the Nissan 350Z, while not in the stump-pulling class, is more than adequate. In fact, in horsepower it's 31 up on the Explorer's V8, in torque up nine lb. ft. Power builds smoothly, too, pulling solidly to the upshift limiter, programmed to step in at 5600 revolutions per minute. A welcome side benefit is the healthy exhaust note accompanying the engine's ups and downs. At highway speeds, steering fed back a comforting on-center feel. The engine moved the Pathfinder's nearly two-and-one-half tons at significantly extra-legal speeds with the same aplomb as slogging through muddy ruts. Swiftly executed lane changes excited no disconcerting tail wagging. Brake pedal feel was solid.

Final Word

The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is what the original promised and should have become, had the market's sirens not distracted its creators: a truly capable, and truly midsize, SUV. All the elements are there: A robust powertrain, with the proper choices of 4X4 mechanicals. Fresh and eye-pleasing styling. Accommodating interior. And some nice-to-have amenities. New Car Test Drive correspondent Tom Lankard filed this report from Bainbridge Island, Washington.