Times have changed, really.

I remember when we were in school my roommate Josh got a fresh Pathfinder - - it should have been a 1995, before the body design changeover.

This latest Pathfinder is relatively lavish, soft and at least fairly thrifty for being a crossover. The normal-issue 3.5 liter Nissan V6 makes its usual easy power, and the CVT acts just great in an application like this -- the VQ's torque and great sound deadening mean merely the most special journalist types will whine.

Inside is where I have a problem with the Pathfinder. It is plenty roomy, and the layout is a sound Nissan performance -- nicely arranged but somewhat thin. Given the Berber floor mats, leather and soft touch door panels, that giant sweep of dashboard plastic actually jumps out, rather than in a great way.

Another problem is the screen : This $ 40k machine gets a full color LCD with images resolution somewhere between Vectrex console and an Atari 2600. It is really awful. There is also a section of the smallish LCD between the gauges and functions between the centre stack - controlled display that takes some time to get used to. For example, "Settings" on the center stack may be utilized to customize some vehicle settings, but the others need to be changed via the steeringwheel controls and gauge mounted display. Granted, you just must figure it out once, and owners will learn their automobiles, but the division of work between the two menu systems does not make absolute sense.

Ultimately, though, I found myself enjoying the Pathfinder more than I anticipated. Much like its JX sib, there is nothing too ground-breaking going on here, but it is a really fine-driving three row crossover. A comprehensive collection of trimming/option pricing and adequate fuel economy means we should begin to-see a lot more Nissan Pathfinders on the street than we have recently. Alternative is consistently great.

The Toyota 4Runner is one-of my favourite vehicles since it is almost indestructible and offers tons of utility in a package. The previous generation Pathfinder basically mirrored the 4Runner, but Nissan recognized fullframe vehicles with trucklike rides were not cutting it with most of customers. So for the Pathfinder we have visually and unibody platform softer looks. It really is a far cry from its hardy and tough forerunner.

However, there are several obvious changes. The inside boasts lots of hard plastic for the majority of the dash, as Andy points out. In Nissan's defense, the panels have a fine finish to them and do not appear exceedingly cheap.

Compared to the long term JX, the steering feels more boosted for feedback and small weight. The suspension also appears softer with noticeable lean during turns. The upshot there is the fact that it will translate into a comfortable and well damped ride around town.

It is also a little louder in the cottage, which will be anticipated since it is not wearing a luxurious Infiniti badge. The Pathfinder is undoubtedly on level from a drive and quality perspective, when pitted against those.

As always, the VQ V6 produces loads of energy to help make its union to a CVT manageable.

The curved appears are not exciting or exceedingly dull, which is another characteristic aiding to expand the Pathfinder's reach. In addition, it is a simple vehicle to drive with a third row that's acceptable to hold a few children.

I am sure that we'll be seeing much more of the running around on the street than we did the last generation Pathfinder.

I figure in case you want nearly a JX and wish to save $16k you had get the brand new Pathfinder. It is not a complete framework, boxy upright truck. The Pathfinder name remains the same, but that is about it. Some will assert Nissan has sucked all the character away from the matter.

How does this drive? That is to say, capable and borderline glossy. The corporate V6 is sleek and I really do not mind it is mated to a CVT. It really works OKAY. The steering is obscure but the ride adequate -- the truck does not crash or bash over potholes.

There's quite a bit of room interior. It's got to become one of the most versatile interiors out there. I had claim the substances could use an upgrade in places. The dashboard is tough plastic, for instance, but overall the interior is mostly fine enough.

This will give Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Traverse a run for your cash.

2013 Nissan Pathfinder