The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder jumps right into what's now the heart of the family market—high-function crossover utility vehicles that trade off some of the old expected ruggedness and truck brawn in favor of improved comfort, versatility, safety, and efficiency.
The Pathfinder weighs hundreds of pounds less than the Dodge Durango or the Chevrolet Traverse (or the Traverse's siblings, the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave), and it's a difference you can feel from the driver's seat.
On the other hand, both the Dodge and those large GM crossovers offer more comfortable seating all around—especially in the second row, compared to the Pathfinder.
The Pathfinder's toughest competition may come from the Ford Explorer, which is very refined, handles quite well, and offers more safety-tech features than the Pathfinder.
Otherwise, the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are two models that are both quite a bit shorter than the Pathfinder.
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 2013 Nissan PathfinderBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Chevrolet TraverseBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Dodge DurangoBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Ford ExplorerBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Honda PilotBrowse Used Listings |  2013 Toyota HighlanderBrowse Used Listings |
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The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is in a new place that's just right for families who want a big, comfortable, sensible wagon, but it's given up some of its path-finding heritage to get there. |
The 2013 Chevrolet Traverse hits a sweet spot for SUV replacers, with none of the flamboyance of a real SUV and more practical gas mileage and interior space. |
A composed family hauler most of the time, the 2013 Dodge Durango isn't afraid of getting its hands dirty when it needs to. |
The Ford Explorer trades some trail-riding and towing for on-road driving lessons, and comes out fluent. |
The 2013 Honda Pilot looks tough and truck-like from the outside, yet inside it's one of the better family haulers. |
No matter which facet or dimension you measure--except excitement--the 2013 Toyota Highlander offers competent performance, great space, and good value. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $28,650 | $30,510 | $29,795 | $29,100 | $29,520 | $29,020 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas/Ethanol V6 | Gas V6 | Gas V6 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| 2WD Sport Utility | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 2WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Style Name | |||||
| 2WD 4-Door S | FWD 4-Door LS | 2WD 4-Door SXT | FWD 4-Door Base | 2WD 4-Door LX | FWD 4-Door I4 (GS) |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Transmission | |||||
| Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Automatic w/Manual Shift |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2013 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2013 Chevrolet Traverse | 2013 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2013 Dodge Durango | 2013 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2013 Ford Explorer | 2013 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2013 Honda Pilot | 2013 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
