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.
Pros Comfortable seating all the way around Comparable fuel economy to rivals Common-sense standard safety features Adequate power
Cons Relatively anodyne interior style Coarse V-6 Base models are spartan Low-slung second row seats
After last year's significant updates, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder offers a few minor changes, although one is notable: Automatic emergency braking now comes standard on all trim levels. Other enhancements include a rear-seat reminder system, additional USB charging ports, and expanded availability of the Pathfinder's Midnight Edition appearance package and adaptive cruise control system.
PROS V6 engine delivers strong acceleration with decent fuel economy Third-row seat is easy to access Offers robust towing capacity Automatic emergency braking is standard on every trim level
CONS Top trim's ride quality may be too firm for some drivers Third-row space is less roomy than in some rivals Cargo capacity and small-item storage is below average
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder ranked #17 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Nissan Pathfinder has a score of 7.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 49 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Strong V6 engine Intuitive infotainment features
Cons Rough ride quality Drab interior design
The 2018 Cadillac XT5 ranked #19 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Cadillac XT5 has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros High-class cabin styling and materials Composed highway cruiser Extensive list of advanced safety features available
Cons No meaty engines available Dull handling
Cadillac has changed next to nothing for 2018, introducing only a new optional exterior color: Harbor Blue Metallic (all of the XT5’s available paint colors, save for Radiant Silver Metallic, cost an additional $625 to $1225). The EPA has reduced highway fuel-efficiency ratings for both front- and all-wheel-drive variants, but there have been no actual mechanical updates. On the warranty front, last year’s four-year or 50,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan has been reduced to three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.
Pros Quiet interior, distinctive exterior styling, spacious cargo bay.
Cons Somewhat gruff V-6 powertrain, muddled driving dynamics, busy interior design.
The 2018 Cadillac XT5 is a solid luxury crossover, but so are its rivals. Shop carefully.
Pros Luxurious ride Strong V-6 engine Quality feel inside and out Good value at low end
Cons Gets expensive fast Forgettable personality Front-wheel-drive dynamics occasionally show through Some frustrating controls
