Nissan, under its famous turn-around president, Carlos Ghosn, has produced yet another masterful new vehicle redesign — the Pathfinder SUV. Debuting with the 2005 model, it bears no resemblance to its forebears. The SUV is larger, more powerful, more capable and comes in many different guises — XE, SE, SE Off-Road and LE. Nissan has tried to cater to all SUV tastes with this wide range of models and options. With the SE Off-Road, Nissan has taken direct aim at the Land Rover Discovery, now replaced by the new, more expensive LR3.

The SE Off-Road, like the Land Rover, is a no-compromise vehicle. If you don’t plan to go off road, up mountains, over rivers, camping, skiing, bicycling, fishing in this rig, it may not be for you.

The Pathfinder has a new engine derived from its famous 3.5 liter version. This 4.0 liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 engine develops 270 hp and 291 ft lb of torque, pretty close to the 315 ft lb of torque from the Land Rover LR3 V8. The LR3 weighs in at 5,700 pounds and does 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds whereas the Pathfinder is 4,800 pounds, and its V6 moves it from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 7.3 seconds. The engine boasts a variable intake system, continuously variable valve timing control system and electronic drive-by-wire throttle, a level of technical sophistication more commonly found in the BMW and Mercedes Benz world. The transmission is a smooth, unobtrusive 5-speed automatic.

Nissan’s 2005 Pathfinder is larger and more powerful than its previous models and comes in many different configurations.

Not a pretty vehicle, it looks rugged and feels solid, sturdy and indestructible. The interior is comfy both to look at and feel with great seats and a functional and pleasant looking instrument panel and console. It has huge cup holders. German automakers should take note.

On the road the ride is much smoother than earlier Pathfinders, somewhere between truck-based SUVs, which it is, and car-based SUVs like the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander. It handles well for its size and weight on twisty roads and always feels as solid as a rock. Steering is a little touchy and stiff in a straight line, which requires a fair amount of driver attention. Otherwise its road manners are excellent.

All of the models are very well equipped and include Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System, four-wheel disc antilock brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution system, three rows of seats for a seating capacity of seven and a towing hitch.

The options are too numerous to detail here, but Shift on the Fly full four-wheel-drive is available on the XE , the SE and the SE Off-Road. All-Mode four-wheel-drive (similar to that found on the Acura MDX, the Toyota Highlander and many other car-based SUVs) is standard on the LE. This system works better for slippery roads, and is not as capable for off road tasks as full four-wheel-drive.

The SE Off-Road has a hill descent control system, à la Land Rover, and a hill assist system. There’s very little terrain that this beast cannot conquer with the myriad of off-road features it sports.

The two-wheel-drive XE starts at $25,230, the major option being side airbags for $700. The two-wheel-drive SE is $26,430, options being side airbags, a comfort package with leather, dual zone air and automatic mirrors for $1,350 and a premium package with moon roof, steering wheel touch controls, upgraded Bose radio/6-disc changer/MP3 and Satellite feature prep for $1,700 and a rear seat DVD system for $1,600.

The two-wheel-drive SE Off-Road is $29,030 and options are the same as the SE. The top of the line LE two-wheel-drive is $32,550, the all-wheel-drive $35,330. The premium package, the comfort package and the side airbags are standard. The rear seat DVD system is $1,600 and a navigation system is $2,000. Four-wheel-drive versions of the XE, SE and SE Off-Road are about $1,500 to $2,000 more. Four-wheel-drive versions give the driver the ability to select two-wheel limited slip or four-wheel limited slip modes.

A virtual candy store of accessories is available for outdoor activities: bicycle rack, ski and snowboard rack, tent to make it into a camper, kayak carrier, and an aerodynamic cargo carrier. It is bigger inside than earlier Pathfinders so you can carry more stuff.

EPA estimates fuel consumption of 16 city and 23 highway for the four-wheel-drive models and 15 city and 21 highway for the two-wheel-drives.

It is covered by a 36-month/36,000-mile vehicle, and a five-year, 60,000-mile drivetrain warranty.

Those in the market for a seven-seat fully equipped SUV that has reasonable fuel consumption and excellent reliability should drive the LE before making a decision. Those who can’t afford it can get similar off-road abilities, save some $15,000 and perhaps some scheduled trips to the dealer service department by getting the SE Off-Road.

Finally, for those lacking the change for either of these, the XE or SE may be fine. No matter the model, the new Pathfinder is a sweet and desirable SUV.

Among the San Diego dealers offering this model are Mossy Nissan in Kearny Mesa and Oceanside, which loaned the test car.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today’s ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.