If you need a tough tow vehicle, it's hard to go past the Pathfinder. Note: prices are Manufacturer's List Price and do not include dealer delivery or on-road costs. It's down on power and torque compared to the Pathfinder, and, at the price, a poor value-for-money proposition. Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL ($64,400) - The Prado has outstanding off-road abilities, but feels barge-like to drive and is the heaviest of this bunch.Spec levels for the Challenger XLS far exceed the Pathfinder ST-L though, making the Mitsubishi a better value buy. Mitsubishi Challenger XLS ($56,390) - The Challenger's live-axle rear suspension gives more off-road wheel articulation than the Pathfinder – at the expense of on-road comfort – however its interior has less appeal and its engine has less power and torque.HOW IT COMPARES | VALUE FOR MONEY RATING: 3/5 Before purchase contact your local Nissan dealer, as capped prices may vary. Service costs: Servicing costs are capped for the first 120,000km or six years.Warranty: 5 year/130,000km vehicle warranty, and a 10 year/160,000km powertrain warranty.Safety features: Standard on the ST-L are six airbags (front, front side and curtain), three-point seatbelts on all seats, ABS, EBD, stability control and traction control.ANCAP rating: 4-Stars (pre-update model).On the plus side, the tractable diesel engine, dual-range transfer case, clever traction-control system and smooth automatic make the Pathfinder easy to pilot on rough trails. Off-road: The Pathfinder's greatest off-road limitation is its independent suspension, which doesn't allow as much articulation as some other models in the segment.On gravel, the ABS calibration works well. Braking: Ventilated disc brakes are fitted to both axles, and slow a fully-laden Pathfinder down.Steering effort is not excessive, and neither is its 11.9 metre turning circle. Suspension: With independent suspension front and rear, the Pathfinder possesses good on-road handling and a comfortable ride.Still, the cabin is reasonably well isolated and the Pathfinder's engine noise is not as intrusive as some of its competitors. Refinement: You'd expect a bit of engine clatter from a diesel, and the Pathfinder is no exception.It also subtly blips the throttle to smooth out down-changes (a nice touch). The automatic gearbox is a good unit too, with minimal gear-shuffling on inclines and well chosen ratios. It has no trouble keeping the 2.1-tonne Pathfinder moving. Driveability: The extra power and torque of the new 2.5 litre turbo-diesel is immediately noticeable on the road.The second row seatbacks fold flush with the boot floor, accommodating a huge amount of cargo. ![]() Storage: There's enough room for the weekly shop with the third row raised and plenty of space for a large pram with the third row seats stowed.Equipment: The Pathfinder ST-L gets leather seating (heated and power-adjustable up front), an iPod-compatible 6-CD stereo system, Bluetooth, a trip computer, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, foglamps, 17-inch alloys and reverse parking sensors. ![]() On the plus side, the third-row seats have enough legroom for smaller adults and teens. The second-row bench is quite flat in both the squab and backrest.
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