The third generation of Nissan’s first sport utility vehicle, the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder, is larger, more powerful, more capable and more versatile than ever before.
Scheduled for introduction in October, the ’05 Pathfinder’s features include:
- Body-on-frame construction based on the new Titan and Armada F-Alpha platform;
- New 4.0-litre VQ engine with 270 horsepower and 291 foot-pounds of torque mated to a wide-ratio five-speed automatic transmission;
- Four-wheel independent, double-wishbone suspension;
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS;
- Standard VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system with Traction Control;
- Three rows of seats that can be configured into 64 different seating choices;
- Standard seven-passenger seating with split-folding third-row seats;
- 454 kilograms (1,000 pounds) more towing capacity than previous models;
- New SE “Off-Road” model;
- Available new high-tech features such as NAVI, DVD entertainment systems and power adjustable pedals (accelerator & brake).
“The 2005 Pathfinder brings an impressive list of credentials to the mid-size SUV market,” says Nissan Canada marketing director Ian Forsyth. “Its new size and capacity — larger in almost every major interior and exterior dimension — will further differentiate it from other SUV models and broaden the appeal of our SUV portfolio considerably.”
Forsyth noted that Pathfinder, launched in 1986, was Nissan’s first SUV and an innovator in its class. Today, the third iteration of Pathfinder joins the Nissan Canada family of SUVS that has grown considerably and now includes Pathfinder, Xterra, Murano,the recently introduced full-size 2004 Armada and the new entry-level X-Trail.
Pathfinder’s third major redesign is an evolution of the classic look of previous generations. It includes larger hood and headlights, a solid shoulder line, large integrated fender flares, short front and rear overhangs and high-mounted rear door handles.
New exterior features include a new roof rack design with integrated forward and rear grips and an updated, clean-cut rear tailgate design with flip-up rear glass hatch opening.
The 2005 Pathfinder features a longer wheelbase for enhanced roominess (almost 6” larger than the previous generation), ride comfort and stability. Still, its manageable overall length and short overhangs enhance maneuverability for around town or off-road driving.
Addition of a third-row seat gives the 2005 Pathfinder seven-passenger seating along with outstanding passenger/cargo flexibility. The split fold-down second- and third-row seats can be folded down individually, combining with the fold-down front passenger seat to provide 64 different seating/cargo configurations. The second-row seat, for example, features a 40/20/40 split feature with a one-touch release lever for easy access to the third row.
The new Pathfinder is built on a fully boxed, all-steel ladder frame and adds an all-steel double-wishbone front and rear suspension with stabilizer bars. Special white & red “Rancho” performance shocks are also available with the Pathfinder SE Off-Road model.
The Off-Road model is one of two variations of the mid-grade Pathfinder SE model and will be available as of October 2004. The Pathfinder three-model lineup also includes a base XE model and top of the line LE model.
In addition to the three different trim models, the 2005 Pathfinder can be further personalized with the addition of a number of option packages that expand the total number of models offered to 10. Available option packages include: a DVD Entertainment Package, Off-Road Leather Package, Premium Equipment Package, Airbag Package and NAVI Package (LE Only).
All 2005 Pathfinders are powered by a new 4.0-litre 24 valve DOHC V6 engine, which is part of Nissan's award-winning VQ engine series found in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest.
The engine, which features a longer stroke than the 3.5-litre version, includes such advanced design features as Electronic Throttle Control, Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler, lightweight aluminum block and platinum-tipped spark plugs. This gives the new Pathfinder 270hp (30hp more than the previous engine).
Every 2005 Pathfinder is also equipped with a standard electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission, and Pathfinder XE, SE and SE Off-Road are equipped with a standard four-wheel-drive system with two-speed transfer case. Pathfinder LE is equipped with Nissan’s advanced All-Mode four-wheel-drive system, which includes 2WD/AUTO/4H/4LO modes and electronically controlled transfer case.
Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) along with an advanced off-road traction system is standard on all 2005 Pathfinders.
Other standard equipment includes engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).
Pathfinder XE rides on 16-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with P245/75R16 black sidewall (BSW) tires . Pathfinder SE’s tires are upgraded to P265/70R16 BFGoodrich Long Trail OWLs. While SE Off-Road gets P265/75R16 BFG Rugged Trail Tires with off-road tread. Pathfinder LE upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65R17 BSW tires.
The ’05 Pathfinder's list of safety features and equipment includes Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seatbelt sensors and a front occupant classification sensor), and three-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Standard are three-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including the second row centre position, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat anchor system.