2019 Nissan Pathfinder

In the 1980s, the Nissan Pathfinder was part of the original cohort of sport utility vehicles, competing for its off-road prowess with models like the Jeep Cherokee, Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Blazer. But times have changed. Truck-based utilities have almost disappeared from our roads to make way for crossovers. Nissan has therefore adapted and redesigned the Pathfinder, which is now an alternative to the minivan. While the feel is closer to a sedan, the Pathfinder has retained a certain ruggedness with excellent towing capacity.

For 2019, this evolution continues as the Pathfinder gains parking sonar sensors and USB-C ports as standard across all trim levels, while the SL and Platinum versions are now equipped with standard LED headlights.

Power still comes from a 3.5L V6 that develops 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) so dear to Nissan and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Trim levels are S, SV, SL and Platinum. The S is basically a front-wheel drive model and can be optioned with four-wheel drive, while the other versions come with all-wheel drive as standard.

With the Pathfinder, Nissan faces many quality competitors. The Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Ford Explorer, Flex and Mazda CX-9. Nissan occupies a place at the more comfortable end of the spectrum, with the Pathfinder characterized by its comfortable ride, too soft some will say, and its performance greatly diminished due to a CVT transmission that is admittedly relatively economical, but violently castrates any driving pleasure.

The Pathfinder comes quite well equipped with the Platinum version, featuring 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree exterior camera system, passive keyless entry, a hands-free power tailgate, radar cruise control, a power steering column, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats and a 13-speaker stereo system with rear-seat entertainment system. If that's not enough at the price of $49,198, choose the Infiniti QX60, which is mechanically identical, but offers more complete finishes and a few other high-end features not found in a Pathfinder.

All Pathfinders come standard with tire pressure monitoring and automatic emergency braking, but the SV adds blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a more advanced tire pressure system that displays the pressure of each tire and includes Nissan's easy-fill tire inflation system.

Fuel consumption ratings are interesting for a vehicle of this size. You'll get 11.6/8.5 L/100 km (city/highway) with front-wheel drive and 12.1/8.9 with AWD. The Platinum version estimates are slightly higher, at 12.4/9.2 L/100 km.