The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder offers good space for seven in a composed, quiet environment and it manages a some decent capability for off-road duty and towing. The Nissan Pathfinder mid-size people mover gets a modest refresh for 2017 after its 2014 redesign. Changes to this seven-passenger crossover SUV include new front and rear fascias that create a more truck-like look, engine improvements, a new infotainment system, and new active safety features.
Pros Clever folding second row Spacious interior Composed, quiet ride Calm cabin Controlled handling
Cons Far from a sports car Drab interior materials Occasional lag in power delivery
The Nissan Pathfinder receives substantial updates for 2017. These include a more powerful engine, greater towing capacity, a slight front and rear redesign, a larger standard touchscreen, additional feature content, and revised steering and suspension for a sharper driving experience.
Pros V6 engine provides strong acceleration and respectable fuel economy User-friendly touchscreen interface comes standard on every trim Easily accessed third-row seat Robust towing capacity.
Cons Below-average cargo capacity and small item storage Less third-row space than some rivals Platinum trim level's ride quality might be too firm for some drivers Automatic emergency braking safety feature available on top trim only.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 16 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. Despite a significant refresh for the 2017 model year, the Nissan Pathfinder ranks near the bottom of the midsize SUV class. While it can adequately do everything it was designed to do, it fails to impress in most areas.
Pros Strong V6 engine Intuitive infotainment system Good overall cargo space
Cons Rough ride quality Lackluster interior design Dull driving dynamics Unimpressive passenger space
For 2017, a new GT trim replaces the Limited, adding a monochromatic exterior with sporty flourishes, and the base SXT can be ordered with just two rows of seats. Otherwise, there are only minor feature changes, including the new Anodized Platinum package with two-tone leather upholstery for the Citadel trim.
Pros Unusually spacious third-row seats 8.4-inch touchscreen is one of the best in the class Assertive acceleration with the V8 engine Exceptional towing capacity for a crossover Real off-road capabilities with 4WD and low-range gearing.
Cons Lackluster fuel economy (especially with the V8) Bluetooth streaming audio isn't standard on SXT.
The 2017 Dodge Durango tows like an SUV, drives like a crossover--but crash test scores are a dull spot. Somewhere in the grey zone between body-on-frame SUV and car-like crossover, sits the Dodge Durango. The 5- or 7-seater isn't exactly either: it's a unibody SUV with real towing ability, on the same blurry part of the spectrum as its stablemate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee (and the old Mercedes M- and GL-Class, too).
Pros Hemi V-8 performance and character Feels substantial and refined Confident steering feel V-6 gets engine stop-start
Cons Third-row access is difficult Ride can be busy Gas mileage is so very low
The 2017 Dodge Durango ranks 8 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Dodge Durango has an abundance of cargo room, and its third row is one of the few in the class with sufficient space for adults. It has a comfortable, agile ride, and one of the highest towing capacities in the class. However, its upper trims can be pricier than those of its rivals.
Pros Powerful optional V8 engine Good cargo capacity Intuitive infotainment system Comfortable ride
Cons Expensive upper trims Poor fuel economy with V8
