2005 Nissan Pathfinder III Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Nissan Pathfinder III ranges from 2132 to 2165 kilograms (approximately 4700 to 4770 pounds), while its maximum weight capacity is between 2793 and 2880 kilograms (roughly 6157 to 6349 pounds). This substantial weight reflects the SUV's robust build, contributing to a stable and secure ride, especially in off-road or towing situations. The heavy curb weight can influence fuel efficiency, but it also supports the vehicle's strong structural integrity and towing capabilities.

The Nissan Pathfinder III provides a luggage capacity of 515 liters (about 18.2 cubic feet) when all seats are upright, which is sufficient for everyday usage such as grocery shopping or airport luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space expands dramatically to 2091 liters (around 73.9 cubic feet), offering significant room for larger items, sporting equipment, or moving boxes. This versatile cargo area makes the Pathfinder highly practical for a variety of needs.

A standard garage typically measures around 2440 mm (96 inches or 8 feet) in height, 2438 mm (96 inches or 8 feet) in width, and perhaps 6000 mm (236 inches or 20 feet) in length. With dimensions of 1879 mm (74 inches) tall, 1854 mm (73 inches) wide, and 4877 mm (192 inches) long, the Nissan Pathfinder III fits comfortably within the typical garage height and width limits, and its length is well below the standard garage depth. Therefore, owners can expect the Pathfinder III to park inside a standard garage without issues.

The Nissan Pathfinder III comes equipped with 17-inch rims paired with tire sizes of 255/65 R17. The 17-inch rims strike a good balance between providing solid road contact and cushioning, benefiting on-road comfort. The 255 mm width of the tire enhances grip and stability, which is especially useful on varied road surfaces or off-road conditions. The 65 aspect ratio means the tires have moderately tall sidewalls, contributing to a smoother ride, better shock absorption, and improved off-road performance, ensuring the Pathfinder III remains capable beyond paved roads.

The Nissan Pathfinder III is known for its spacious interior, accommodating up to seven passengers with its three-row seating configuration. Its generous length and height translate into ample headroom and legroom, even in the third row, which is not always the case in midsize SUVs. This makes it a practical choice for families or those needing extra passenger capacity. Compared to competitors, the Pathfinder offers a comfortable and roomy cabin with versatile seat folding options, enhancing both comfort and utility.

Compared to its predecessor, the Nissan Pathfinder III saw a notable increase in size and capability. The third generation grew in length to 4877 mm (192 inches), which generally offered more interior room and cargo space. The height also increased to 1879 mm (74 inches), enhancing passenger comfort and visibility. These changes translated into a bulkier, more rugged SUV with improved off-road and towing capacities. Additionally, the styling and structural enhancements gave the Pathfinder III a more modern and robust presence compared to the more compact second generation.

During its production years, the Nissan Pathfinder III competed with other midsize SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Pathfinder stood out with its seamless blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. With its spacious interior, especially the three-row seating and versatile cargo space of up to 2091 liters (about 74 cubic feet) with seats folded, it compared favorably to rivals. Its weight and rugged build also made it suitable for towing and rough terrain, whereas some competitors leaned more towards car-like driving dynamics. Thus, the Pathfinder offered a balanced package catering to families and adventure enthusiasts alike.

The Nissan Pathfinder III’s relatively large dimensions—4877 mm (192 inches) long, 1854 mm (73 inches) wide, and 1879 mm (74 inches) tall—along with its curb weight of over 2100 kg (4600+ lbs), impact its fuel efficiency and urban driving ease. The heavier weight and sizeable frontal area generally lead to higher fuel consumption compared to smaller SUVs or crossovers. Additionally, its length and width can make tight parking spots and narrow city streets more challenging to navigate. However, the 17-inch tires and well-calibrated steering help maintain agility. Despite this, owners should expect moderate fuel economy typical of SUVs its size and anticipate a learning curve for maneuvering in crowded urban environments.

The Pathfinder III was designed with off-road capability in mind, featuring a robust body-on-frame construction. Its taller height of 1879 mm (74 inches) and wide stance provide good stability and ground clearance, which is critical for tackling uneven terrains. While exact ground clearance figures vary by trim, the overall dimensions and tire setup (255/65 R17 tires) facilitate confident driving on dirt, gravel, and light off-road conditions. The vehicle’s build and size, combined with available four-wheel-drive options, make it very competent for off-roading compared with more urban-focused SUVs that offer less traction and durability.