2005 Nissan Pathfinder Road Test

The Pathfinder's ride quality also isn't up to the Murano's, for instance, but once again I'm comparing a 4x4 capable SUV to a

The new Pathfinder features a 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension and speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

light-duty car-based crossover. Against its off-road capable rivals it fairs pretty well, with a firmer ride than the Toyota 4Runner, but what seemed to be a similar improvement in overall handling. It's set up well for my tastes, so no complaint here.

From a technical perspective the new Pathfinder features a 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension, speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, with off-road models featuring performance shocks specially tuned for 4x4 duties.

As for braking, the 4-wheel discs with ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) scrub off speed with much appreciated ability. My tester was equipped with the optional 17-inch rims wrapped in 265/65R17 tires, optimizing the contact patch that reached the road, which no doubt helped bring the SUV to a stop quicker than if fitted with the standard 16-inch wheel and tire package.

That larger contact patch helps when moving forward too. To this end Nissan has equipped the Pathfinder with a substantial 4.0-liter V6 as its only engine choice. The engine, derived from the brand's ubiquitous 3.5-liter V6, makes a total of 270 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. To put this into perspective,

As its only engine choice, Nissan has equipped the Pathfinder with a substantial 270-hp 4.0-liter V6, which produces 291 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

the 4Runner's new 4.0-liter V6 only makes 245 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque. Where the 4Runner walks away from the Pathfinder is when the optional 4.7-liter V8 is applied. Now sporting 282 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, it's a hard package to beat. The Nissan brass that joined us for the event wouldn't deny the possibility of the 305 horsepower 5.6-liter V8 with 379 lb-ft of torque finding its way under the hood of the Pathfinder, which would decimate any rival as effectively in the midsize SUV class as it does in Titan's full-size pickup truck segment and Armada's full-size sport utility category. With a wry smile we were reminded that the Pathfinder is built on the same frame as the Armada, so fitting it in wouldn't be a problem.