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First introduced in 1986, the Nissan Pathfinder indeed cut an innovative path for a range of Nissan SUVs and Light Trucks to follow. Armada, Murano. Xterra. And if that wasn't enough, the Pathfinder also has been completely redesigned for 2005. Assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee with engines coming from nearby Dercherd, Tennessee, the new Pathfinder remains true to the adventure roots of the original.

Like the Armada and the new Xterra, the Pathfinder uses the same "F-Alpha" platform. The rest of the power train includes a standard 4.0-liter DOHC V6, rated at a 270 horsepower and 291 lb-ft torque. This new engine is also in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest only it's been specifically tuned for SUV and truck applications. It includes features such as Electronic Throttle Control with secondary mapping in 4LO (4x4 models), Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS) and several others.

Every 2005 Pathfinder is equipped with a standard electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission. Its Direct Control System helps provide smooth shift quality. The new Hill Descent Control (HDC) allows for going downhill without the constant application of the brake pedal. It kicks in when engaged in 4HI or 4LO, and at speeds up to 31 mph in 4HI and 15 mph in 4LO. Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver to stop on a slope, release the brake pedal and not roll back for up to two seconds. HSA is always active and is available in 2WD and 4WD 4HI and 4LO. Other features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution.

The longer wheelbase is 112.2 inches for an enhanced roominess, ride comfort and stability, while its manageable overall length of 187.6 inches and short front and rear overhangs enhance maneuverability around town or driving on off-road trails.

Like the previous generations, the new Pathfinder is offered in 4x2 or 4x4 configurations. Pathfinder's available advanced All-Mode four-wheel drive system includes 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case. A Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard.

Along with the new engine, the drivetrain has had major enhancements for 2005. Specifically, the new off-road traction system offered is standard on 4WD SE Off-Road models. It's an advanced Four-Wheel Limited-Slip system, which helps keep traction consistent.

Maximum towing capacity (if properly equipped) is rated at 6,000 pounds and an integrated tow hitch is standard. Available wheels include standard sixteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (XE and SE) or off-road style sixteen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (SE Off-Road) or seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (LE).

The exterior changes include a larger, more powerful hood and headlights, solid shoulder line, large integrated fender flares, short front and rear overhangs and Nissan's SUV's signature angled C-pillar with high-mounted rear door handles and a new grille. Nissan has been bringing all their light trucks in line with the design that started on the Frontier. A new roof rack design with integrated forward and rear grips, and a clean-cut rear tailgate design with flip-up rear glass hatch opening have been updated. Side running boards, heated outside mirrors and power slide and tilt sunroof complete the look.

Inside the Pathfinder, an addition of the third row seat gives Pathfinder seven-passenger seating, along with passenger/cargo flexibility. Seating is very flexibile and can be put in any of 64 seating configurations—from all up to down under the floor and everything in between. The back side of the third row seatbacks combines with an available easy-to-clean luggage area flooring and a total of eight cargo area utility hooks (floor hooks can carry up to 110 pounds) to create an extremely versatile area for hauling camping equipment, bikes, wetsuits and other gear. Another feature of the new Pathfinder's interior is the hidden storage area located under the second row seats.

There is a long list of available comfort and convenience features. Standard equipment, however, includes power windows and door locks, tilt steering wheel, dual front and rear twenty-ounce cup holders, four twelve-volt DC outlets (two front, one rear and one in the center console box), eight-way adjustable driver's seat and overhead console with sunglass storage. Available features include a first aid kit, dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning, adjustable pedals, leather-appointed seats, power sunroof, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bose audio system with eight speakers and subwoofer, MP3 CD playback capability, power-adjustable driver's and front passenger's seats with driver memory package, leather-appointed steering wheel, wood grain trim, navigation system and DVD entertainment system.

For safety, the Pathfinder features and equipment include Nissan's Advanced Air Bag System (dual-stage front supplemental air bags, seat belt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), a three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Standard are three-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) and a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Also available are supplemental front seat side-impact air bags, and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for outboard passengers in all three rows.

The all-new 2005 Pathfinder will be offered in a choice of four models: XE, SE, SE Off-Road and LE. Every model comes complete with standard three-row seating, 4.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission and in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 configurations.

Additional features found on the Pathfinder XE, SE models are running boards, roof rack crossbars, fog lamps, front tow hook, fold flat front passenger sear, easy-to-clean cargo area, rear reading lamps, cargo net, first aid kit, body-color outside mirrors, eight-way power driver's seat and second row fold-down center armrest.

The SE Off-Road model adds off-road style aluminum-alloy wheels, Rancho performance shocks, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist (4WD models only), skid plates (lower radiator, oil pan and fuel tank, and transfer case on 4WD), dual-zone automatic temperature control, rear air conditioning with controller, adjustable pedals, digital compass, outside temperature gauge, leather steering wheel and shift knob and an "Off-Road" badge.

The 2005 Pathfinder LE includes many of the features found on the SE Off-Road model, plus seventeen-inch wheels and tires, heated outside mirrors, auto headlamps, power sunroof, HomeLink system, advanced Bose audio system with eight speakers and subwoofer, steering wheel audio switches, leather-appointed seats and door inserts, four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, driver memory package, wood grain trim and supplemental front seat side-impact air bags, and roof-mounted supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection. Rancho performance shocks are offered as standard equipment on the SE Off-Road model.

A number of other optional packages are also offered, including the SE Comfort Package, SE Premium Package, Off-Road Leather Package, SE/LE Mobile Entertainment System, LE Navigation Package and Air Bag Packages.

The Pathfinder we tested is the 4WD Off-Road model and the MSRP is $35,500. The EPA mpg rating is 15 city/21 highway. Whether you're the dependable Carpool Mom, lugging around bulky stuff or just on a joy ride through the mud the Nissan Pathfinder is worth the look. R&D