The Most Versatile, Do-Everything Car of 2013: Nissan Pathfinder

November 13, 2012 6:30 AM

Base Price: $28,270

Crossovers today have a tough job. Drivers expect them to haul passengers like a minivan, tow like an SUV, and deliver the fuel economy of a smaller passenger car. It's a tall order, but the all-new Nissan Pathfinder hits those marks, and with a dollop of innovation too. The Pathfinder leads the pack of seven-seat crossovers by delivering 26 mpg highway, thanks in large part to moving from body-on-frame to unibody construction, which saves 500 pounds. The new design also makes the Pathfinder a smooth rider that's easier to maneuver because the center of gravity has dropped 3 inches from the previous generation. There's now more room inside, and with the EZ Flex seats, parents can slide the rear seats forward (with a child's seat in place) to access the third row. And the 3.5-liter V-6 is downsized slightly from the old Pathfinder, but still makes a solid 260 hp. That's enough grunt to haul a 5000-pound trailer. No, the new Pathfinder isn't the kind of vehicle meant for slogs up the Rubicon trail. But families these days will be more concerned with how many groceries will fit in the Pathfinder's 79.8-cubic-foot cargo hold.

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Source: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/industry/the-most-versatile-do-everything-car-of-2013-nissan-pathfinder-14723407?src=rss

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