Subtly revised styling front and rear, plus interior design tweaks keep Nissan's mid-size SUV fresh while retaining its visual distinctiveness. Perhaps more important than reworking the Pathfinder visually is what Nissan managed to do beneath the hood. My tester was powered by a formidable V8- the first ever for Pathfinder.

Distinctive appearance encompasses comfort and functionality
Like its larger sibling, the Armada, the Pathfinder exhibits a rugged yet sophisticated appearance that adheres to Nissan's design language of late and sets it apart from competitors. Cabin design is less exciting but well thought-out nonetheless.

Controls are logically positioned and intuitive to operate. Adjustable foot pedals along with a tilt steering column assist in fine-tuning the driving position. Pathfinder front seats are big, plush and remarkably supportive, contributing fatigue-free motoring.

Like its larger sibling, the Armada, the Pathfinder exhibits a rugged yet sophisticated appearance.

All Pathfinders are equipped with 50/50-split third row seating; although fairly easy to access, these perches are less than ideal for adults but perfectly serviceable for children when the need arises. Particularly noteworthy is the 40/20/40 tri-split second row bench seat.

The third row is sectioned into three independently folding seats, which adds to the multiple configurations available to accommodate just about any conceivable mix of cargo and passengers. As with the front thrones, there is plenty of second-row head and legroom.

Big power on-tap for 2008
The Pathfinder's optional V8 adds 1000lbs of additional towing capability to the vehicle over and above what the V6-powered Pathfinder is rated. The more muscular powerplant is tow-rated at 3,175kg (7,000lbs), which can be an important feature to boat and trailer owners. Unlike the Ford Explorer, trailer-sway mitigation is not available on the Pathfinder.

Nissan's big DOHC V8 displaces 5.6-liters and utilizes CVVTCS (Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System) to generate 310-horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 388 Pound-feet of torque @ 3,400 rpm. That's a lot of kick for an SUV that performs quite smartly with its 266-horsepower V6 base engine.

Inside, the controls are logically positioned and intuitive to operate.

Needless to say, the V8 Pathfinder's ability to leave others, including some sport sedans, in its wake is very real indeed. The polished operation of this mill belies its underlying brute force. Never did I find my test vehicle wanting for punch. Truth be known, the awesome power is a delight; that is until fill-up time, which comes all too soon.

At 17.1 and 11.4 liters of premium petrol per 100K of city and highway driving respectively, the V8 Pathfinder is no miser, albeit folks requiring this level of performance will undoubtedly be impressed with the engine's overall capability despite its considerable thirst.

Nissan's big DOHC V8 displaces 5.6-liters and utilizes CVVTCS to generate 310-horsepower and 388 Pound-feet of torque.

Pathfinder's power seamlessly delivered to all four wheels
The underhood potency flows through a five-speed automatic transmission before heading off to a sophisticated transfer case that allows the driver to choose between two-wheel-drive, automatic four-wheel-drive, four-wheel locking high-range and four-wheel locking low-range.

Adding to the overall control package is Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) program and their Active Braking Limited Slip (ABLS) technology, the latter of which directs power to the wheels acquiring superior traction. The Pathfinder's four-wheel antilock disc brakes provide strong stopping power, and are easy to modulate. Missing though is a hill-descent control program, which some competitors such as Toyota's 4Runner are equipped with.

This week's testing didn't subject the Pathfinder to passages more challenging than dirt roads; that's because I had the opportunity some months ago to take the Pathfinder off-roading and found it capable of easily conquering pitches and inclines best left to all but the most robust 4WD vehicles.

Ride and handling
The Pathfinder is fitted with double wishbone suspension front and rear, along with stabilizer bars. Despite contending adeptly with rough off-road terrain, these underpinnings deliver pleasing "real world" ride quality, much of which can be attributed to the Pathfinder's structural rigidity.

In so much as handling can be assessed in this segment, the Pathfinder is secure, stable and predictable. It may not possess the cornering verve of a BMW X5 but it has no apologies to make thanks to its superior ride quality; an attribute of importance from my perspective. Living with a hard-riding SUV can be wearisome.

The underhood potency flows through a five-speed automatic transmission.

Safety for all
As standard equipment, the Pathfinder is fitted with a comprehensive array of inflatable protection that includes roof-mounted curtain airbags delivering side-impact and rollover protection for all three rows of seating. Nice work Nissan.

The punch of its iron horse V8 is satisfying, and its structural rigidity reassuring.

Pathfinder findings
Of the many mid-size SUVs available in today's diverse market, have I found few equally as pleasing as the Pathfinder. Yes, the punch of its iron horse V8 is satisfying (to say the least), and its structural rigidity reassuring however I think it was the Pathfinder's size, refinement and maneuverability that won me over. This is an SUV that I could live with if gas were free or thereabouts.