1996 Nissan Pathfinder Lighter, more powerful and all new. By Mike Knepper, New Car Test Drive .com

Depending on how you keep score, a quick roster check reveals over 40 entries in the

steadily escalating sport-utility game. And that's not counting all the permutations

of 2-wheel drive/4-wheel drive, 2-door/4-door, etc. With that much competition, the

manufacturers are not holding back when it comes to developing improved models.

Case in point: Nissan's new compact sport-ute, the Pathfinder.

The original hit the trail in 1986. It was a respectable entry in the still small

field. It had contemporary styling, good off-road capability and better-than-expected

on-road comfort and manners.

The new Pathfinder is better on all counts.

Leading the lengthy list of improvements is a new 3.3-liter V6 engine, unitbody

construction, a longer wheelbase, lower curb weights, strut-type front suspension and

more interior room and cargo capacity.