2005 Nissan Pathfinder Road Test

I started out driving the new SUV at an off-road challenge set up at Nissan's Camp Pathfinder. The automaker had sectioned off a

The Pathfinder's combination of a tough-as-nails undercarriage mixed together with a compliant ride make 4x4ing a truly enjoyable experience. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

fairly steep, hill climb, just for testing its 4x4 equipped Frontier pickup trucks that were also on hand. I asked if it would be OK to take the Pathfinder up the same trail, and after some wincing, no doubt at the thought of scratching up such pristine new examples with rocks, roots and branches, they agreed. I don't know why they were concerned, as it nonchalantly walked up the trail, cool, calm and collected. I have to admit that I love 4x4ing in comfort, and the Pathfinder's combination of a tough-as-nails undercarriage mixed together with a compliant ride made for a less than bone jarring experience.

On the way out of the camp the road seemed longer than when I came in. Being that I was trying to keep up with the lead SUV, driven by Nissan Canada head of PR Susan Elliott and PR assistant cum navigator Jacquie Adams, who said they knew a shortcut back to the hotel, and stopping here and there to take photos, I really needed to kick some gravel up in order to not hold anyone up. Was I ever glad for the Pathfinder's traction control system, that put more spin on the wheels with the most grip, and even more

The Pathfinder's traction control system and Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability system kept the SUV firmly planted on the backroads. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

important, Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability system kept the rear end of the SUV from losing grip on the loose road surface.

Out on dry pavement there were no such concerns, and I was able to let off some steam and test out the Pathfinder's road-holding and engine performance. As for road-holding, I already mentioned that it's not necessarily the best in class, but it's a far cry better than most truck-based 4x4s that preceded it. I was able to push it into corners at higher than posted speeds without any concern about rollover, with it even remaining stable after applying the brakes mid-corner - not recommended unless you're experienced in vehicle control methods, but nevertheless a good test of a vehicle's stability under stress.