
The Nissan Pathfinder competes against other popular three-row crossovers for families that can’t bear to buy a minivan.
Among our favorites is the Honda Pilot, which was our Best Car to Buy 2016.
The Pilot is more spacious, with smarter style, but real-world fuel economy may suffer for some.
The Dodge Durango is a much more masculine crossover, on an aging structure, with muscle-car style—or briefly, it’s a “man van.” The Ford Explorer doesn’t have the interior space of the Pathfinder but it has more panache.
The new Chevy Traverse manages nearly the same fuel economy as the Pathfinder, but we haven’t yet driven it.
The Mazda CX-9 punches into premium territory with its interior, but the overall execution doesn’t seem as refined as first impressions would indicate.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder should be on the list for shoppers looking for a large crossover. The Pathfinder is highly functional, but not entirely interesting. |
A new powertrain and crisp (but conservative) styling mean the Traverse is once again a contender in the three-row crossover race. |
The 2018 Dodge Durango prioritizes fun over practicality, but we’re fine with that. |
The 2018 Ford Explorer has pulled off a graceful transition from clumsy off-roader to genteel family wagon. |
The 2018 Honda Pilot ranks among the very best three-row crossover SUVs; it’s all about the packaging. |
The 2018 Mazda CX-9 meets or exceeds expectations for what a mainstream three-row crossover can be. Have you seen it? |
MSRP From | |||||
$31,040 | $29,930 | $29,995 | $32,140 | $30,900 | $32,130 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded V-6 | Gas V6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Small SUV 2WD | Sport Utility Vehicles | N/A | Standard SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
FWD S | FWD 4-Door L w/1L0 | SXT RWD | Base FWD | LX 2WD | Sport FWD |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
7 | 8 | 5 | 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 | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
CVT w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2018 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2018 Chevrolet Traverse | 2018 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2018 Dodge Durango | 2018 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2018 Ford Explorer | 2018 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2018 Honda Pilot | 2018 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2018 Mazda CX-9 |