Large 4x4s might not be the most politically correct vehicles but models like Nissan’s Pathfinder are well suited to the needs of an active family. STEVE WALKER reports.

The Nissan Pathfinder slots neatly into the comprehensive line-up of 4x4 vehicles currently being offered by the company.

This comprehensive range includes authentic off-roaders like the Terrano, the Patrol and the Navara pick-up as well as plush crossover models like the Murano. The Pathfinder is positioned somewhere in-between, forming a Sports Utility Vehicle double act with the smaller X-Trail and going up against large 4x4 rivals.

To succeed, the Pathfinder needs to do it all, be capable off-road but comfortable on it, have a spacious, practical interior and a competitive sticker price.

The Pathfinder range is split into three trim levels named Trek, Sport and Aventura. The entry-level Trek models do without the rearmost row of seats and so offer a five-person capacity but all other Pathfinders have the ability to seat seven. Externally, the Nissan family face, as seen on 4x4 models across the manufacturer’s range, is very much in evidence.

The vast majority of Pathfinder customers will specify the 2.5-litre dCi engine although the 4.0-litre V6 petrol unit does offer more by way of performance.

The 174PS common-rail diesel unit offers up its maximum power at 4,000rpm and a hefty maximum torque output of 403Nm is available as low as 2,000rpm.

The Pathfinder is a big vehicle but the dCi engine seems up to the task of shifting it around, just don’t expect anything too exhilarating. There’s a decent slug of acceleration available from low speeds and if you keep your foot planted, 60mph is a none too shabby 11.7s away.

The Pathfinder will return an average of 31mpg and tow up to three tonnes, although, obviously, not at the same time. The 6-speed manual gearbox is user-friendly enough and highly preferable over the slow-witted 5-speed automatic option, which seems to increase engine noise substantially at motorway speeds.

The 265bhp V6 petrol engine option is a development of the unit found in the 350Z roadster and it can hit 60mph in 8.9s. It’s only offered in plush Aventura trim.

The Pathfinder is a comfortable cruiser, even if overtaking manoeuvres do put a strain on that engine, but it also takes to winding country roads with a level of composure not normally associated with big 4x4 vehicles.

If the Pathfinder is to fulfil all of the varied roles that family buyers are likely to require of it, the interior will have to be practical and Nissan have obviously put considerable effort in on this score.

We’re told that the 7-seat Pathfinder has no fewer than 64 different seating configurations.

What’s more impressive and likely to be more appealing to potential buyers is that none of the seats need to be removed for the different load/passenger carrying options to be accessed.

When additional space is required, the rearmost seats simply fold into the floor with the release of just one catch and the middle three are almost as easy to pack down, giving a flat load floor behind the driver and front passenger.

Leather upholstery is standard on Aventura models but the cloth trim on lower spec derivatives has a netting-like texture and may prove difficult to clean once your kids have melted a chocolate bar to it.

The Pathfinder is available with a variety of nice technological features including Nissan’s market-leading Birdview satellite navigation system, a colour reversing camera and keyless entry.

At prices starting from £22,995 for a five-seat version or £25,595 for a seven-seater, the Nissan Pathfinder looks a very capable and cost-effective family vehicle. Only the absence of a more powerful diesel engine really stands in its way.

FACTFILE

Nissan Pathfinder range

PRICES: £22,995-£30,895 - on the road

INSURANCE GROUPS: 13-14

CO2 EMISSIONS: 238g/km

PERFORMANCE: [dCi] 0-60mph 11.7s

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [dCi] (combined) 31.4mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver, Passenger, front seat and curtain airbags, ABS, ESP+