2005 Nissan Pathfinder Road Test

With regards to safety equipment, the 2005 Pathfinder adds crumple zones for crash protection, Nissan's Advanced Air Bag

I personally expected the 2005 Pathfinder's price to start out a bit higher than $36,500. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), plus pretensioners and load limiters for the front seatbelts. Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags are not standard, but are available, as are roof-mounted supplemental curtain airbags for all three rows of outboard occupants.

When it comes to price, I personally expected the 2005 Pathfinder to start out a bit higher than $36,500. After all, the revamped 4Runner costs upwards of $3,000 more in base trim, allowing Nissan's SUV to reach a larger potential audience. The XE model isn't missing any necessities either, making it quite the 4x4 bargain. Standard features include air conditioning, power remote heated sideview

The 2005 Pathfinder is really attractive, offers impressive conveniences at the bottom end of the scale and luxurious appointments at the top. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

mirrors, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitor, active head restraints, and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, just a few items from what is otherwise a very long list.

Move up to the SE and the price climbs to 4Runner territory, or more exactly $39,900. It includes wider tires, fog lamps, running boards, the flat-folding front passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto climate control with dual A/C, a rear A/C controller, 8-way power driver's seat, power adjustable pedals, and more. A Premium Pack can be added to the SE for a total of $42,600, featuring a power glass sunroof, HomeLink system, a 9-speaker Bose audio system with a 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer, curtain side airbags for all outside occupants, side-seat airbags up front, and auto on/off headlights.