It seems somehow quaint and agricultural to our tarmac-softened minds, the idea of an off-roader that is actually designed to go off-road. But such is the pace of culture that where perhaps ten years ago a tall car with slab sides and the ability to see over traffic jams meant off-roading and mud, now that same car is a mere lifestyle accessory, frequently with front-wheel drive only.
Nissan still has a hairy-chested off-roader on the books, though - like a garden extension, Nissan put a roof on the back of its Navarra pick-up truck and created a slightly leftfield choice for families wanting seven-seat practicality and brutish off-road skills. And if Fiat, Citroen and others can get away with sticking windows in their vans why shouldn't Nissan have a crack here?
The whole thing kind of works, if you go into the relationship with your eyes open, fully aware that you will be required to rough it a little. The entry-level model in the Pathfinder range is usefully cheaper than conventional competition, starting as it does at around £28,000.
The Pathfinder is geared towards durability rather than quality - no soft-touch plastics to be found here, but the dashboard doesn't feel cheap and brittle like in some more downmarket cars. The Nissan feels robust enough to take some sustained hard abuse from demanding owners.
The main problem with any such car that is great off-road (and it is, thanks to the fancy traction control and lockable differential) is that it is then by definition going to be not as good on the road. It feels safe to drive, but the steering is remote from the action and the body rolls a lot through corners if you try anything too exciting.
The Pathfinder isn't a great companion on longer journeys either. Although it will swallow up large amounts of luggage, the cabin is not well insulated from the inevitable engine roar and wind noise you get from something based on a pick-up. The seats aren't comfortable over long distances either, though there is plenty of room for five. The extra two seats right at the back are best saved for occasional purposes.
If you want practical seven-seat family transport but also have need for a load-lugger with the ability to conquer the countryside than you need look no further than the Pathfinder. It isn't a great alternative to a Land Rover Discovery though...