2006 Pathfinder Review

[AZhitman]

The numbers tell the story: 76,156 versus 38,119.

That's how much sales of Nissan's midsize Pathfinder rose in 2005 from 2004.

What a difference a redesign makes. Now that the remake is complete, we tested the 2006 Pathfinder to check out the changes. It is offered in four versions, the S, SE, SE Off Road and top-of-the-line LE, which all received new sheet metal along with 5 inches added length and 3 inches added width for 2005. The added size not only creates a more comfortable cabin, but also gives the SUV better road ability.

We tested the Off Road in dolled-up SE trim to see how Pathfinder has shed its age spots.

Off Road means it comes with four-wheel-drive and stiffer shocks as well as underbody skid plates for off-road protection.

What makes most sit up and take notice is that the old fogey -- Pathfinder has been around since 1986 -- has so much power thanks to its 4-liter, 270-horsepower V-6 that develops 291 foot-pounds of torque. That's up from a 3.5-liter, 240-h.p. V-6 developing only 260 foot-pounds of torque.Strap yourself in, tap the pedal and off you go without hesitation. For a midsize SUV, this thing bolts down the road like a sports sedan.Of course, the price you pay for such bolting down the road is that the fuel gauge needle moves just as quickly and you'll need to pause at the pump after most any workout.

Pathfinder is rated at only 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway with its 5-speed automatic, but the fuel gauge sure seemed to move even faster than that.Other than raw power, Pathfinder's strong suit is its decidedly non-truck-like ride -- unexpected because it's built on a shortened Titan pickup platform. Sometimes a 4x4 tackles any hill or creek or fallen tree stump in its way, but bounces you around like a ball when on the road again.Pathfinder is on-road refined even with stiffer shocks that allow for off-road travel when the mood or situation arises.

Handling still is SUV-like, meaning you aren't going to take corners with pinpoint accuracy. However, the center of gravity in this machine is low enough so you don't feel tipsy in corners or turns, even with the large all terrain 16-inch radials. A stability-control system helps keep the vehicle under control.

The expanded dimensions give Pathfinder room to sport three rows of seats so it can hold seven, up from five. The two with tickets to the third row, however, may not find the extra seats that noteworthy if they are older than 10 or taller than 4 feet. Space is cramped.

Second-row seats are cozy and the backs recline for added comfort on those long trips. Nissan boasts a special feature in the second row. Lift the bottom cushions and there are two compartments built into the floor to hide items.

Just don't hide any life-saving medicine in those compartments because getting the lids open was a chore.

Cargo area behind the third-row seat is fairly ample for some luggage. Need more room? Pull the lever on the third-row seat backs, and they quickly fold flat. So why are those seats so easy to fold and those hidden compartments so difficult to open?

Noteworthy touches include a window that opens separately from the hatch for easier loading/unloading without having to open the lid; rubberized backing on the third-row seats to carry wet items and for easy cleanup; four power plugs; and abundant beverage holders.

Also, you only have to turn the dial in the dash to engage four-wheel-drive, including a low setting for heavy-duty off-roading. And the limited slip differential helps wheels keep their grip starting on low-traction surfaces.Nice power, ride and cabin comfort, but hopefully the next generation, not due for at least a couple years, will offer something in the way of new technology or new features to better set itself apart from the other midsize SUVs.

2006 Nissan Pathfinder SE Off Road

Length: 187.6 inches. Engine: 4-liter, 270-h.p. V-6.Transmission: 5-speed automatic.Fuel economy: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway.Price as tested: $36,640.

THE STICKER• $31,450 base price.• $1,700 SE premium package with power slide/tilt sunroof, automatic headlights, HomeLink transceiver, Bose audio system with 10 speakers and AM/FM radio, six-disc CD changer, MP3 capability and steering-wheel controls.• $1,600 DVD entertainment system with headphones and remote control.• $1,400 leather package with front- and second-row leather seats, heated front seats, dual power heated mirrors, power passenger seat and body-color side moldings.• $350 Sirius satellite radio.• $140 floor mats.• Add $605 for freight.

PLUSES:• The V-6 is a powerhouse.• Plenty of people and package room.• Third-row seats fold flat to expand cargo capacity.• Pleasant ride.

MINUSES:• The powerhouse V-6 consumes lots of gas.• Try opening the hidden compartments.• Folding the second-row seats.