Since the new Pathfinder represents a complete redesign, including anall-new unitbody chassis--a major investment for Nissan--you'd expect considerable commonality between Pathfinder and QX4, and that's exactly what you get. This is not a bad thing. The new unitbody chassis is much stiffer than the traditional pickup truck body-on-frame approach still used by most sport-utility manufacturers, and should keep squeaks and rattles at bay for much longer. It also provides a solid platform for anchoring suspension components, which allows more latitude for tuning those components to deliver optimal ride and handling. The QX4 also shares the Pathfinder's 3.3-liter V6, and on this front we'd say the commonality is just okay. Although this engine has good torque characteristics, its 160 horsepower is modest for this class, particularly in a vehicle as heavy as the QX4. At 4275 pounds, the QX4 is about 250 pounds heavier than the heaviest version of the Pathfinder, thanks to its vast load of standard luxury features. The V6 engine is mated to an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission, a point of difference from the Pathfinder, which comes with a five-speed manual gearbox and offers the automatic as an option. A bigger point of difference is the QX4's standard All-Mode 4WD system, activated by a three-position switch. Similar in concept to the Explorer's 4-wheel drive, the All-Mode system can be set for rear-drive only, automatic all-wheel drive that varies the front-rear torque split on a basis of available traction and a locked mode that divides torque equally between the front and rear so all the wheels churn equally. Unlike the Explorer, there's also a low range 4WD, engaged by a separate transfer case shifter, for max traction in really tough or gooey going. The visible difference is as you see. There's a little bit of 21st century in that bluff-bowed grillework, with its multiple air intakes, and plastic cladding spiffs up the side panels. Infiniti obviously doesn't want anyone to confuse the QX4 with the Pathfinder, and we think there's not much danger of that happening.
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