VALUE: The Spanish-made Pathfinder is a sibling of the Navara dual-cab ute and now – as the Ti550 – gets the option of a Renault 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and dual-range, part-time 4WD system. Add leather, the latest music storage unit within the extensive infotainment and navigation system, plus a sunroof, and the dollars add up.
The Pathfinder is price comparative with what true offroaders buy – Prado, Discovery and Pajero.

DESIGN: This shape has been around for about six years. It’s purposeful and functional but looks dated compared with edgier designs from most rivals. The “hidden” rear door handles follow Alfa Romeo’s concept to de-clutter the lines but can be awkward to use for adults and impossible for some children.
Cabin treatment is simple but packed with features. The seven seats, which fold flush into the cargo floor, are irreplaceable for hauling friends of the family.
The full-size spare is tucked under the chassis.

TECHNOLOGY: This V6 diesel with a single turbo has been floating around in the Nissan-Renault alliance models. Its huge 550Nm of torque kicks in at 1750rpm.
Even better is the seven-speed sequential automatic that has enough cogs for brisk acceleration and long legs for touring. The drive system is part-time-it’s a rear-drive layout-with an electric dash switch to select 4WD High and 4WD Low.

SAFETY: The Navara version of the Pathfinder Ti 550 has a three-star rating but this wagon gets four stars. It adds six airbags, electronic stability control and all the other aids.

DRIVING: A big, bulky and slow 4WD wagon? No, it is remarkably quick. The slow steering ratio – lots of turns lock to lock for the benefit of dirt driving – is about the only thing that dulls the Pathfinder’s on-road verve.
It’s also quiet and relatively comfortable, though the seats are not its strong point.
Off the road it’s as if the bitumen never ended.
The big boots, gobs of low-end torque and the effective drive system make beaches and gravel pits too easy. Fuel consumption on test was 10.6L/100km, which gives a pleasing 760km range.

VERDICT: Climb over the price and the Ti 550’s space, 3500kg towing ability, off-road competence and reasonable economy can make a strong argument against its rivals, particularly the Prado.
The V6 is arguably less stressed than the $16,000-cheaper four-cylinder Pathfinder diesel and is therefore recommended for heavy duty work.

specs

ON BALANCE: