AUSTRALIA loves the SUV.

Maybe it’s the allure of a weekend away in the bush aided by generous ground-clearance and kit-swallowing cabins, perhaps it’s the elevated driving position for peering past the traffic on our increasingly bustling roads or maybe it’s the sense of safety of while traveling in a large tall vehicle.

Whatever the attraction, sales of SUVs are booming with almost 30 per cent of all 2013 registrations falling to the sports utility vehicle segment – and the largest share going to the large SUV camp.

Despite their higher ride-height and tall-walled tyres, a new generation of SUVs is not setting out to conquer mountains or wade rivers

Nissan’s Pathfinder is one such example. From $39,990 before on-roads, it offers the looks of a true off-roader and seven seats, but unlike the model it replaces, minus the trail-ready equipment under its skin.

With tough competition from Toyota’s Kluger and the Ford Territory, is the promise of seven real-world usable seats enough to keep it afloat amid its rivals?

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