The Pathfinder is very good for a truck-based SUV. It is powerful, fairly agile, and reasonably roomy and comfortable inside. However, unlike the pre-2005 model, it does not attempt to emulate the driving experience of a car (the car-based Murano now fills that niche). The ride is stiff and noisy, and while the vehicle handles well, it still feels like Nissan’s Frontier pickup truck more than its Altima sedan. On the other hand, other testing has suggested that it is now more capable off road, and can tow more, of value to some consumers more than a smooth ride. But for on-road-only consumers, there is no usable advantage to off-road capability, and other drawbacks include mediocre interior quality and a high price tag.

As noted, the Pathfinder has a very firm, overly stiff ride. This gives it impressive control on smooth pavement, but it bounces over any imperfections and jiggles constantly over poor road surfaces. It feels quite agile, but never carlike in cornering, but body roll is pronounced. The steering is responsive, well-weighted, accurate, and communicative. There is no available V8, but the standard 4.0-liter V6 is the next best thing. It provides quick acceleration accompanied by a rich engine note in all but the hardest acceleration, where it sounds a bit rough. Wind and road noise are clearly audible. Gas mileage isn’t great for a V6 SUV, regardless of power.

Inside, the Pathfinder’s roomy front seats are firm and comfortable, though the cushion could be longer. The rear is low and could use more foot space, but is well-shaped and comfortable overall. The third row is low, hard, and almost entirely lacking in space even by the low standards of this class; even some children will not be comfortable. The dash makes overly-liberal use of hard plastics, and not all trim pieces fit together well. Stereo controls are too small, but the instruments are otherwise intuitive. The gauges are large and clear. The driver sits high, but visibility is obstructed by a small rear windshield and thick roof pillars. Entry/exit is aided by large footwells, wide door openings, and a high roof, but with the Pathfinder's high ride height, it's still not as easy as in many competitors. Children may have trouble reaching the high-mounted exterior rear door handles. Some usable cargo space exists behind the third row, rare in this class. The well-shaped cargo area offers impressive space behind the third row, though the maximum cargo capacity is not particularly high.

The Pathfinder did well in NHTSA crash testing, earning four stars for both the driver and for the front passenger in the frontal test, and five for both the driver and for the rear passenger in the side test. NHTSA estimated that it would have a 22% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle accident, good for a three-star rating. The IIHS has not crash tested the Pathfinder or evaluated its head restraints.

The Pathfinder reviewed here does not come particularly well-equipped at its price of $30,719. It includes standard traction and stability control, and such options as torso-protecting side airbags and a three-row head-protecting curtain, automatic climate control, a 6-disc CD changer, and satellite radio, but no power adjustments for the passenger seat, no leather, and no sunroof.

Overall, the Pathfinder makes sacrifices that are unnecessary to most midsize SUV shoppers for the purposes of additional off-road ability and towing capacity. Ride comfort and refinement take the biggest hit, and interior quality and space suffer as well. Tack on the additional cost, and the Pathfinder is a good SUV, but not as good as it could be. It is worth a look from consumers looking for more qualities from a truck than a car in their SUV, but only those who actually need their vehicle to do what the Pathfinder can should deal with its compromises.