2005 Nissan Pathfinder Review

Specifications

The 4×4 Rivalry Continues

When Nissan introduced its full-size Pathfinder Armada last year, a general concern spread over those faithful to the venerable midsize Pathfinder. Would this Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition competitor replace their favorite SUV?

While it was initially confusing for Nissan to attach the Pathfinder name to their new full-size sport utility, which was recently simply renamed the Armada, its hard to blame the Japanese brands marketers for trying to associate something all-new with an SUV as legendary as the Pathfinder.

After all, the first Pathfinder entered the scene in 1986, garnering accolades and devout 4×4 loyalists ever since. It was among the forerunners in the SUV game.

Speaking of forerunners, Nissans number one Pathfinder competitor since day one, the Toyota 4Runner, was completely updated last year, making the current Nissan look and feel more than a bit dated.

The all-new Pathfinder looks worth the wait, however, pulling many design cues from its larger Armada sibling, but in a tighter, more efficient package.

“The styling of the new Pathfinder gives it a tough but modern appearance. It projects an authentic 4×4 adventure feeling, much like the Pathfinder Armada, yet with a relaxed attitude that implies an athletic leanness rather than overt force,” said McNabb. “The new Pathfinder has also grown in nearly every dimension, though it retains its manageable size that is ideal for many buyers - neither too big nor too small.”

Despite the smaller dimensions when put beside an Armada, the new model is large compared to any previous Pathfinder. That longer wheelbase and added width allows it to feature three rows of seats, important now that Toyota offers a 7-occupant upgrade in its 2004 4Runner.

Nissan states its split fold-down 2nd and 3rd row seats can be “folded individually, combining with the fold-down front passenger seat to provide 64 different seating/cargo configurations.” Its second row seat boasts a 40/20/40 split, with a “one-touch release lever” to make getting in and out of the back row of seats easier.

As is now requisite in the SUV class, the third row seat folds flat into the floor when not in use. Its a 50/50 split bench as well, adding to its versatility. Whats more, its head restraints dont need to be removed to tumble the seat down.

Following a lead developed in the minivan arena, the rear seatbacks feature eight cargo area utility hooks on their backside, ideal for hanging groceries. Floor hooks are also added, capable of 110 pound loads, making them ideal for tying down bikes or camping gear. The 2005 Pathfinder also features a hidden storage area under the second row of seats, perfect for keeping valuables away from prying eyes.

Quick access to the cargo area comes via a flip-up rear glass hatch, with loading and unloading larger items best through the conventional liftgate.

“The new Pathfinders interior offers both function and room for cargo and passengers,” stated Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. “Its a great space and great facilitator for family adventures or personal pursuits.”

The longer wheelbase that makes the interior improvement possible, also adds to the 2005 Pathfinders ride quality. Reportedly its just as easy to park around town or maneuver off-road as well, due to shorter front and rear overhangs.

Even more important to 4×4 fans will be the SUVs rugged, fully-boxed, all-steel “F-Alpha” platform pulled from the full-size Armada.

“The 2005 Pathfinder, with its body-on-frame construction and enhanced utility and performance, is designed to offer a higher level of an authentic, rugged off-road performance than the typical SUVs in its class,” added McNabb.

Contrasting the new SUVs tough character is a much more refined 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension, benefiting ride and handling. Handling is further improved via speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering. Off-road models feature performance shocks specially tuned for 4×4 duties.

Power comes by way of a standard 4.0-L version of the automakers award-winning VQ V6, featuring a longer stroke than the engine featured in Nissans 350Z, Altima, Maxima and Murano SUV, among others, that normally displaces 3.5-liters. It features 24-valves and dual-overhead cam architecture, resulting in more than 250 horsepower and over 270 lb-ft of torque - the final output figures are not yet available. The engine has been optimized for torque, more suitable for heavy payloads and towing.

Like the 3.5-L version, the new 4.0-L V6 boasts Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4×4 models only), Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), the Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), a silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, a resin intake manifold, a digital knock control system, a high capacity muffler, plus a lightweight aluminum block and platinum-tipped spark plugs.

Nissan hasnt made an announcement regarding the inclusion of an optional V8, but being that the Armadas sophisticated 305-hp 32-valve, DOHC 5.6-liter unit featuring 385 lb-ft of torque is available, and its toughest competitor offers eight-cylinder power, its a given.

Unlike the current Pathfinder, no manual gearbox will be available. Rather, all new Pathfinders will get an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission. The shifter doesnt offer a manual mode or a gated shift pattern for that matter, but features a 1st to 2nd gear side-to-side gate for optimizing takeoff in slippery conditions.

Traction in mind, rear-wheel drive will be standard. This makes sense as buyers in the warmer southern states only need the extra traction for going off-road, the majority of which wont. Rear-wheel drive is optimal for payloads and towing, which will serve some peoples needs more effectively.

The all-mode 4WD system sports 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes and an electronically controlled transfer case. Also part of the package will be Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) for added stability, along with traction control.

The new Pathfinder can be purchased with 17-inch rims wrapped in 265/65R17 tires, the top wheel and tire package, enhancing on- and off-road handling and braking performance. Stopping is initiated by 4-wheel discs and ABS brakes featuring Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

Adding to the safety net, the 2005 Pathfinder adds crumple zones for crash protection, Nissans Advanced Air Bag 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 will be available, as are roof-mounted supplemental curtain airbags for all three rows of outboard occupants.

The new Pathfinder will join the Armada, as well as Nissans full-size Titan and midsize Frontier pickups at its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. Nissans Decherd, Tennessee engine facility, situated nearby, will supply the engines.

With the all-new 2005 Pathfinder, Nissan has once again upped the ante in the midsize 4×4-capable SUV class, and simultaneously recharged the longstanding Pathfinder vs. 4Runner feud.