Redesigned for 2005, the Nissan Pathfinder sport utility vehicle features a 4.0-liter V-6 and three rows of seats. The four-wheel-drive SE Off-Road model features Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist.
Built on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, the Pathfinder is 187.6 inches long overall and stands as tall as 70.1 inches, not counting the roof rack.
Seven-passenger seating includes split, folding second- and third-row seats. The front passenger seat also folds. All Nissan Pathfinder s have a five-speed-automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds. Vehicle Dynamic Control and a tire-pressure-monitoring system are standard.
A four-wheel-drive Pathfinder maneuvers smartly through challenging off-road obstacles. Nissan's Hill Descent Control works with amazing expertise to control the SUV's speed during downhill runs. The seats offer good support, and the seat bottoms are short but well cushioned.
Nissan eventually added two more doors and moved to a more paved road-friendly anybody design to help the Pathfinder appeal to a wider range of drivers. Nissan fully redesigned the Pathfinder last year. The Pathfinder's four-wheel independent suspension attempts to balance ride comfort and off-road toughness, but ultimately sides with the latter.
The four-door Nissan Pathfinder SUV offers four levels of trim to suit varying desires for simplicity or luxury. The SE Off-Road trim comes standard with heavy-duty Rancho shocks, underbody skid plates and even larger tires than the standard SE. The Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine rated for a stout 270 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. XE, SE and SE Off-Road models have part-time 4WD, while the LE gets a full-time system with an all-wheel-drive mode. SE Off-Road models feature advanced traction systems like Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and electronic limited-slip control for enhanced off-pavement capability.
The Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist. LE models come standard with side airbags for front occupants and side curtain airbags that protect all three rows. As in most midsize SUVs, the Pathfinder's two-passenger third-row seat is for kids only.
The Pathfinder's powerful V6 provides ample power for just about any type of driving. Ride quality is generally smooth, but the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder feels a bit sloppy over bumps.