2013 Nissan Pathfinder

he new Nissan Pathfinder trades off-road brawn for on-road comfort. This big change is complemented by a stylish, welcoming cabin and top fuel economy ratings, making the revised Pathfinder a solid choice for a midsize or large crossover SUV.

The pros are roomy and upscale interior; good fuel economy; compliant ride quality.

2013 Pathfinder is built on a unibody structure shared with the equally new Infiniti JX crossover. It adopts a 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 matched to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The vehicle is 500 pounds lighter than the one it replaces, one factor in fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 22 combined, which make the Pathfinder one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in a class that includes the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot.