2013 Nissan Pathfinder Expert Review

Vehicle Overview

The very first Nissan Pathfinder hit the pavement more than 25 years ago, boasting rugged styling and impressive off-road capabilities. But just as families' needs have changed, so has the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, which has evolved from a trucky family-hauler to a sleeker, more luxurious SUV to better coddle urban and suburban families. The one thing that hasn't changed, Nissan claims, is its off-road prowess.

Depending on configuration, the redesigned 2013 Pathfinder is up to 500 pounds lighter than its predecessor despite being a bit larger. The wheelbase is 2 inches longer, overall length is up nearly 5 inches, and width is up more than 4 inches. As a result, interior volume grows by 8.4 cubic feet. Second-row seats feature 5.5 inches of travel for increased legroom or cargo capacity, and an EZ Flex seating with Latch and Glide, which allows the second-row seat to be moved forward with a child seat still attached, reflects its more family-friendly orientation. Meanwhile, both the second and third rows fold flat to handle large items. Other family-friendly technologies on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder include the automaker's Easy Fill Tire Alert and the Around View Monitor to make parking easier.

Built on the Infiniti JX's unibody underpinnings, the seven-seat Pathfinder uses the same 260-hp, 248-lb-ft, 3.5L V-6 that powers its more luxurious counterpart. That's the only engine available, as the 5.6-liter V-8 optional on the 2012 Pathfinder is gone. Also gone is the five-speed automatic, which has been replaced by a CVT for efficiency. The two-wheel-drive Pathfinder earns an EPA rating of 20/26 mpg city/highway, and the four-wheel-drive model gets 19/25 mpg. It's a massive 5/4mpg improvement over the outgoing Pathfinder, but it also beats competitors: The front-drive Chevrolet Traverse gets 17/24 mpg, the Toyota Highlander gets 18/24 mpg, and the Honda Pilot achieves 18/25 mpg.