Road Test: Nissan Pathfinder ST

By Peter Maniatis - 7/Mar/2006

Nissan's new Pathfinder range begins at just under $45,000 for the 128kW diesel model, whose most obvious competitors would to be the Pajero, Kluger, while vehicles such as the Toyota Prado and the Land Rover Discovery 3 could be seen as secondary rivals.

Either way you look at it, the new R51 Nissan Pathfinder has a tough job ahead itself trying to convince buyers that it's the best choice. Is it the best choice? 

Well, I have to take the diplomatic stance here and say it's a very good car, and probably the best Pathfinder that Nissan has ever built, which is quite something in and of itself.

I only had the chance to test the Pajero from those vehicles listed above, and in that respect it's a tough call - both vehicles are very capable, comfy and versatile. The styling of the Pathfinder is certainly more utilitarian, giving a very rugged look, and like most new 4x4s, can be had with diesel or petrol engines. We tested the diesel version, which also happens to be the most cost-effective entry-level model as well. Here's the inside line:

Nissan's Pathfinder doesn't mind getting dirty, yet is still an easy car to live with in day-to-day situations Engine: Nissan 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder diesel (YD25) The longitudinally mounted 2488cc L4 engine features 4-valves per cylinder actuated by dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). Being a (direct injection) diesel engine the compression ratio is naturally high - 16.5:1 - and it features an air to air intercooler and a turbocharger to improve torque production. The Pathfinder also gets a large 80 litre fuel tank. Max Power: 128kW @ 4000rpm Max Torque: 403Nm @ 2000rpm

At first glance the new Pathfinder from Nissan comes across as a stylish looking 4x4 built for versatility and for transporting multiple bodies and equipment from A to B. But under the hood we have a genuine 4WD with plenty of torque from the new breed of efficient and economical turbo diesels.

Our test model featured the 2.5-litre diesel engine hooked up to a 6-speed manual transmission it motivates the Pathfinder well. With 128kW of power and 403Nm of torque available @ just 2000rpm the diesel has a monstrous bottom end, and would suit anyone looking to tow trailers as well.

It sounds like a truck from the outside, but the turbocharged and intercooled engine is quite smooth in operation and its acoustics have been well damped inside the vehicle.

Constructed in Spain, the interior of the Pathfinder will please the would be Toorak Tractor market with nice materials and styling, even in the base model that we drove. And having taken a peek at the top of the range model the Pathfinder compares with any of the Europeans for styling and presence.

For some, the new Pathfinder may seem a little boxy, but there is something about its squareness that pleases this reviewer - for some though it may seem too agricultural or should I say “Discovery” looking. Oversized wheels arches gives the 4WD a rugged profile and there's nothing too outrageous in the overall design cues - it's a modern, versatile and ultimately practical vehicle built, whose unfussy exterior works well.

But perhaps the designers at Nissan understood that design and function can go hand in hand as the rear cargo space is exceptionally roomy and easy to manipulate and manoeuvre large and awkward-shaped traveling items in and out (including kids).

It's not a small vehicle this, and for that reason it makes family life a lot less of hassle, and makes any expeditions or vacations a lot easier than the average family wagon or sedan. But on the other side of the coin there's also the car's size to consider, and with chunky C- and D-pillars, the blind spots don't make parking any easier than it should be.

Road handling and maneuverability matches the sedan feeling ride of the well healed Pajero, which makes sense as the Pathfinder features independent, double-wishbone suspension up front and multi-link independent rear suspension that replaces the more archaic live rear axle of previous Pathfinders.

As such, the driver feels as though they are driving a high riding sedan, when all the while you’re up on all fours in a grunty turbo diesel 4WD, riding on large 255/70 R16 tyres. It's large size can make city driving a bit ponderous at times, but it doesn't take long to get used to its size and again, the suspension ensure that ride and handling will always remain friendly.

Using what Nissan calls its 'All Mode' AWD system, the Pathfinder is quite a clever vehicle, making use of a lateral G-force and yaw rate sensor to ensure drive is delivered to the correct wheel when heading off the beaten track.

We took the Pathfinder through its paces in real 4WD mode and it came up trumps. It has enough ground clearance (211mm) to get in and out of trouble as was demonstrated in partly flooded bushland along the Murray River in Northern Victoria. Mind you - a bit of dirt flinging left and right across the Pathfinders bow adds to the whole off-road look and feel. You sense the added rush of testosterone running through your veins with every dunking and sideways slushing as the big Nissan forces its way through bogs and dirt.

Overall: 3.5/5

Powered by the diesel engine, the Pathfinder is not bad on fuel economy, and can shift a car loaded with seven people and equipment with utmost ease, plus with a good suspension setup, it's a non-intimidating vehicle to drive.

This reviewer is totally sold on the versatility, economy and low end torque coming from the current crop of turbo diesels on the market, and the Pathfinder is no different. It's got great highway cruising and overtaking abilities, low end get up and go that both suits driving around town and up steep off-road terrain, and it's easy to drive. It doesn't have a heavy feel and is adaptable enough to tackle a variety of different conditions.

Inside, there's room for up to seven occupants and the cabin's sound damping masks the diesel tapping that can still be heard on the outside, and when you consider that the Pathfinder is lugging around 2.2 tonnes of metal and can tow another 3000kg, you definitely have to consider the diesel set up - it makes a lot of sense.

At less than $45,000 for the ST turbo diesel model, which includes seats for seven, cruise control, air conditioning, ABS and 16-inch alloy wheels, I reckon Nissan's onto yet another winner with the Pathfinder. Whether it can compete with other seven seater 4WDs in the genre remains to be seen, but the Japanese company has given itself a fighting chance with this impressive vehicle.