2005 Nissan Pathfinder: Road Test
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2005 Nissan Pathfinder ▼
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- MSRP: $24,900 -$35,000
- Invoice: $23,289 -$32,369
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Our road test for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder help you decide if a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Peppy from a stop and around town. Engine strains slightly in uphill acceleration at highway speeds, and highway-speed passing requires heavy throttle foot, with slight delay as transmission downshifts and V6 gathers power. Maximum towing capacity is 6000 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Test 4WD SE averaged 15.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. Nissan recommends premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
Not as composed as car-type midsize SUVs, but absorbent enough around town. Higher speeds bring slightly more bounce, mild wheel patter over bumps and expansion joints. On broken pavement, 16-inch tires give softer ride than LE's 17s.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Direct, responsive steering. Noseplow, body lean in turns typical of truck-type SUVs. Some testers found turning radius too wide for easy close-quarters maneuvering. Smooth, progressive brakes.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Impressively quiet at cruise. Wind rush mostly subdued, but increases at highway speeds. Engine sounds coarse, strained in rapid acceleration. Noticeable tire roar, especially from SE Off-Road's all-terrain tires.
CONTROLS
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Well-placed gauges, user-friendly controls. Available navigation system takes time to learn, but doesn't absorb audio/climate control--a plus. Cabin's padded surfaces reserved for places frequently touched; some testers say balance of hard plastic surfaces imparts low-budget ambience. Wood-tone trim on LEs gives classier look.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Ample leg and head room for most drivers. SE, LE seats soft, supportive. Seatback shape, fabric texture of SE Off-Road's cloth seats uncomfortable to some testers. Available adjustable pedals allow for good driving position. Driver's visibility aft and over the shoulder impeded by rear-glass-mounted windshield wiper and stoplight, and thick middle and rear roof pillars. Step-in height true-SUV tall, but available running boards, well-placed grab handles assist entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Good 2nd-row head room, even with optional sunroof, but leg room tight for tall riders with front seats fully back. Third-row seats sized for kids, tricky to access even with tumble-forward 2nd-row seats.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Second-, 3rd-row seats fold to form a flat load floor without removing headrests. Available front-passenger seatback also folds for more cargo length. Available DVD entertainment system eats into front console space. Plenty of map pockets, cupholders, cubby holes. Clever storage compartment built into floor under 2nd-row seats.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Everyday driving ease and fuel economy don't match car-type competitors such as the Toyota Highlander or Nissan's own Murano. And you have to pay for the top-line LE version to get the convenience of 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement. Pathfinder does deliver a solid array of true-SUV attributes, including off-road capability and the strength to tow a 6000-lb trailer.
Total Score
| 4WD SE | 2WD SE Off-Road | 4WD LE w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 54 | 53 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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