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 Renault Kadjar is a stylish crossover that's based on the same platform as the Nissan Qashqai. But, while the Qashqai took undisputed class honours when it arrived in early 2014, the game has moved on, and the Renault equivalent betters it in almost every area. However, the Renault just falls short of the all round appeal of the SEAT Ateca. There's a single body style for the Kadjar, and it slots into the Renault range above the Captur. Both of these models will be joined by the larger Koleos SUV later in 2017. There are four trim levels to choose from: the entry-level, air con-equipped Expression+, the mid-spec Dynamique and Dynamique S, while at the top of the range is Signature trim. Cars in top-spec trim are expensive, but they do boast a generous amount of kit, including a Bose stereo, 19-inch alloy wheels, and touchscreen nav is included on Dynamique models and above. The Kadjar earned a five-star rating when it was tested by Euro NCAP, just like the Nissan Qashqai. All but the entry-level model has lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition as standard. Autonomous emergency braking, which will automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent, is an option on all trim levels.
The Renault Kadjar is a family crossover that not only rivals the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen Tiguan, but is also a worthy alternative to best-selling hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The Kadjar shares many parts with the Nissan Qashqai, but its body is a bit bigger. This means you get slightly more passenger space and a larger boot. The Renault’s interior also packs a high-tech infotainment system and an eye-pleasing dashboard.
Pros Competitive price Practical cabin Excellent fuel economy
Cons Just one petrol engine High-end models are expensive Sunroof reduces rear headroom
As a small SUV, the Kadjar is also a rival to the Kia Sportage, Seat Ateca and Skoda Yeti, but it's the aforementioned Nissan that it has most in common with, because it uses the same platform and engines. This means Kadjar buyers can choose from turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5- and 1.6-litre diesels, although the 1.6 is the only option if you want four-wheel drive. In terms of interior space, the Kadjar and Qashqai are closely matched, and both offer a high-riding driving postion that gives you a good view down the road. However, the Kadjar's styling is closer to that of its smaller SUV sibling, the Renault Captur.
