Tow Test: 2005 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan’s new Pathfinder is a beautiful beast: beautiful to drive and a beast beneath the bonnet.

Sporting a sleek new angular exterior and a highly adjustable interior, Nissan is heartily pushing the vehicle’s flexibility, and with the range of features available, the choice of power trains and extensive standard options, there is a Pathfinder for everyone.

The new Pathfinder has plenty to offer when it comes to mobility, with models incorporating petrol and turbodiesel power plants.

The potent 4L DOHC V6 petrol engine generates 198kW @ 5600rpm and 385Nm @ 4000rpm, and is mated to a smooth shifting five-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential shift function.

The refined 2.5L common-rail turbodiesel engine generates 128kW @ 4000rpm and a massive 403Nm of torque @ 2000rpm and is available with a new six-speed manual or the five-speed automatic transmission.

We had occasion to try out the ST 2.5L intercooled turbodiesel. While the Pathfinder boasts an impressive 750kg towing capacity for trailers without brakes, we didn’t have a brake controller, so couldn’t test the full 3000kg limit.

Instead, a 400kg Heards camper trailer was fitted for this test. Towball download capacity is inversely proportional to GVM, but ranges between 300kg and 50kg for the diesel models. The trailer had a nominal effect on acceleration, or general driving feel. The Pathfinder seemed to hardly notice it was pulling anything.

Offroad and on-road, the Pathfinder’s rigid, fully boxed all-steel ladder chassis and body-on-frame construction ensure a refined, road-conscious ride.

The car is highly responsive, giving a tight tuned ride, thanks to twin independent double wishbone suspension on the front end and rear multi-link independent suspension and anti-roll bars.

Power-assisted rack and pinion steering means that on the highway, it cuts and jabs like a fighter, while providing smooth control in tight parking lots.

With the ST, washouts become puddles thanks to the standard 16x7JJ alloys fitted, with huge 255/70R16 tyres. There is a full-sized spare standard.

The brake system consists of ventilated discs front and rear, ABS with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, for sure-footed braking. Bolstered by twin front airbags, the Pathfinder has an impressive safety system.

There is even an immobiliser fitted as standard.

Inside, sleek lines are complemented by an efficient layout. A new chunky, aggressive steering wheel has cruise control mounted conveniently within reach, with the option of adding stereo controls.

An in-dash AM/FM radio/ cassette/ CD means plenty of choice as well for either mud-flecked ambition or tarmac relaxation. Coming out of four warm speakers, it all sounds great.

The Bottom Line

The 2005 Pathfinder is a luxurious ‘go-anywhere’ vehicle. It has just the right balance of fancy features and rugged construction.

While it is a full-sized offroader, it moved down the road with utter grace in our hands. The tow capacity is huge, at 3000kg, so pretty much anything that can be hitched onto a towball can be pulled with ease.

Bright, clear headlights also add to a much less stressful night tow.