Only astute observers will notice the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder snout is two inches longer than the 2007 models, though faithful will notice the smoother tailgate, new wheel styles and side moldings, and near total absence of superfluous character lines. The large fender arches are integral with the sheetmetal and set off by indentations around their periphery to promote the muscular attitude.

The cleaner nose job sweeping into the front arches reminds of a Dodge Nitro, but Pathfinder's minimal overhangs, angular edges, semi-concealed rear door handles and vertical hatch maintain its roots as a genuine off-road worthy four-wheel drive.

Side steps (purposely left off the SE Off-Road) are well-integrated and allow easier entry/exit for shorter occupants without dirtying trouser cuffs of taller riders, the roof rack mounts are open at the ends for hand-holds and securing of cargo (the non-skid surface on rear bumper and side steps helps, too), and the aft-angled rear doors simplify access to the third-row seats.

Stylish wheels have always been a part of Pathfinder and the wheels on our example were no different, with machined spokes and painted backgrounds, all clear-coated.

Just a few mid-size SUVs remain with a combination of a truck-style frame and independent rear suspension (IRS), but not many can compete with the Pathfinder when the going gets rough: The Mitsubishi Montero doesn't offer a V8 and the V-6 can't match Nissan's; the Ford Explorer is not the trail-exploring tool the Pathfinder is, and its engines can't match Nissan's. Look underneath a Pathfinder and you'll find steel, and lots of it: a fully boxed frame essentially a smaller-dimension version of that employed by the Titan and Armada full-sizes, steel suspension arms, plenty of bracing, and all the important bits tucked up out of harm's way. Despite a V8 underhood there is still sufficient space for do-it-yourself maintenance or quick belt replacement. The Toyota 4Runner is among the few vehicles that can compete with the Pathfinder off road. Others include the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Land Rover LR3.

Since it's based on a truck and not a minivan, the mid-size Pathfinder won't have the room of the minivan. But inch-by-inch it's an efficient layout. Third-row room is more comfortable than the numbers suggest and better than many longer three-row SUVs such as the Jeep Commander that use a solid rear axle. And unlike the sloping hatch of many crossovers, the Pathfinder's upright hatch doesn't impinge on cargo room and sheds snow and ice much better.