Nissan debuted a totally redesigned, third-generation Pathfinder in 2005 — bigger, more powerful, much more refined and downright luxurious. By design, it’s more like truck-like than car-based crossover SUVs we’ve since seen so many of — including Nissan’s own stylish Murano, which has more in common with its trendy sedans than its trucks.

Based on Nissan’s tough Frontier pickup, which is built utilizing the same rugged, fully boxed all-steel body-on-frame construction underneath its full-sized Titan pickup, the Pathfinder is classified as a mid-sized SUV because of its dimensions. Although boasting superior off-road capabilities, it’s offered in both 4x4 and 4x2 configurations.

Built in Smyrna, Tenn., the Pathfinder rounds out a complete lineup of Nissan SUVs, which includes the crossover Murano, outdoor-oriented Xterra, and full-size Armada.

Walkaround: The Titan, Frontier, Armada, Xterra, and Pathfinder all boast the stylish Nissan truck image, featuring an angled, strut-style chrome grille, aggressive, no-nonsense front end stance, and straightforward, in-your-face functionality.

Yet it also cleverly blends its styling cues — most notably the large hood, big integrated fender flares, Nissan’s signature angled C-pillars with high-mounted rear door handles, and short front and rear overhangs.

The 112.2-inch wheelbase provides for excellent ride quality and stability, while the Pathfinder is also longer overall, wider and slightly taller than the previous model, adding to total interior volume.

Exterior features on the Pathfinder include a tailgate with separate, flip-up rear glass and an integrated roof rack. A power sunroof, running boards, and heated outside mirrors are optional. There’s also a new, 2007 exterior color — Desert Stone.

Interior: The Pathfinder shares its interior design with its sibling full-size Nissan trucks. The family resemblance is obvious in the straightforward instrumentation that moves with the adjustable steering wheel, signature amber lighting, and large-knob controls organized in a no-nonsense center stack.

New for 2007 are front-passenger auto-up/down and auto reverse front power windows.

The adjustable front seats are larger than buckets, yet not big enough to be classified as Captain’s Chairs. Either way, they’re quite comfortable, with a large center console between them.

There’s a two-place third-row seat, which expands seating to seven and adds cargo/passenger flexibility. Access is easy, via a one-touch slide that moves the second row seat forward and out of the way. The rear seat folds in halves and flat, while the second row splits to hold one, two or three passengers with the balance stowed for cargo room. The front-passenger seat back also folds flat creating space from the tailgate to the dash for long items.

Nissan claims the Pathfinder’s seating can be configured 64 different ways. There are also eight tie-down hooks, each with a 110-pound capacity, in the cargo area and cool hidden storage units under the second-row seats.

Interior options include a DVD-based navigation system with a seven-inch LCD color screen, dual zone automatic temperature controls, wood trim, heated leather front seats with memory, power-adjustable foot pedals, a DVD rear entertainment system, Bose audio system with 6-CD changer with MP3 capability, a new, auxiliary-in audio jack, and the choice of either XM or Sirius satellite radio.

Standard safety technology includes dual front airbags with electronic controls that account for the size and weight of the front passenger, and front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. All seating positions have three-point belts. Front-passenger side-impact airbags, and curtain-style head protection airbags for all outboard passengers, are optional.

Under the Hood: There’s one powerplant — Nissan’s VQ-series, 270-horse, 4.0-liter, DOHC, high-output V6. Featuring an all-aluminum block and cast iron cylinders, it delivers 291 pounds-feet of torque at 4,000 RPM, with 80 percent of that available below 2,000 RPM. Towing capacity is 6,000 pounds.

This is the same engine found under the hoods of the 350Z and Infiniti G35 sports cars — but tweaked for truck applications. It features Nissan’s fully variable Induction Control System (NICS) Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC) along with durability enhancements such as micro-finished cam and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum-coated pistons, a silent, two-stage steel timing chain, and resin intake manifold.

That powerplant is married to a smooth five-speed automatic transmission that improved both acceleration and fuel economy over the previous version four-speed. The Pathfinder also boasts an improved California Emissions Certificate to LEV2 ULEV.

Behind The Wheel: I’ve had several opportunities to drive a number of configurations of the Pathfinder since it was redesigned in 2005.

The 4X4 Pathfinder offers both conventional four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and Nissan’s electronically controlled, push-button All-Mode system that has 2WD/AUTO/4HI/4LO modes. Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) anti-skid electronics are offered with an electronic off-road traction system similar to that used in the fabled Land Rover. The optional off-road package features high-performance shocks and more under-frame armor.

I got some serious off-road testing in at both a regional press event held at Camp Spillman deep in rural Mason County, and at Mudfest, the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s annual national SUV competition. The Camp Spillman event was decidedly more challenging — but both events showcased the Pathfinder’s exceptional off-road abilities.

On the highway, the Pathfinder delivers strong, even power with an ample torque curve for responsive acceleration at all speeds on all terrains. What’s missing is that usual top-heavy SUV feel in the curves.

The independent front suspension utilizes a sophisticated double-wishbone setup. The fully independent rear suspension imitates the larger Armada — departing from the conventional, solid rear axle truck design used on the Titan and Frontier pickups.

Fuel economy is about what you expect —15/city, 21/highway for the 4X4, while the 4x2 delivers 16 and 23.

Whines: All the configuration choices will confuse some buyers, while allowing Nissan to spread pricing over a wide spectrum — $25,400 to $35,700 — before options (2006 pricing — 2007 hadn’t been announced at presstime).

Bottom Line: The 2007 Pathfinder showboats Nissan’s truck roots, serious off-road and towing capabilities, technology, and vast array of standard features. It’s also pretty posh, offering all the conveniences comfort, and options you would expect. The Nissan Pathfinder is true to its off-road heritage, while also being a terrific all-around daily driver.