2013 Nissan Pathfinder

2013 Nissan Pathfinder

Episode 3224
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

The Nissan Pathfinder has an identity crisis. While always a capable family-sized SUV, Nissan could not decide on its core DNA. The first generation was truck based with body-on-frame, the second used a more car-like unitized chassis. The third generation went back to truck. Now, the all-new fourth gen Pathfinder switches again, and this time its front and all-wheel drive crossover DNA seems permanent. So, let’s see if the new genetics puts Pathfinder on course for higher sales. 

In Nissan’s tug-of-war between body-on-frame and unibody, it’s really no surprise the unitized chassis is the winner for the 2013 Pathfinder. Very few buyers want or need a super rugged 7-passenger family hauler anymore. And, besides, there’s still the ladder frame 5-seat Xterra SUV for more serious off-road wandering.

The vast majority of today’s mid-size, three-row utility buyers are far more interested in comfort, room, and a high driving position. So, for them, the new Pathfinder has all the right specs. Compared to last year, it’s actually bigger in every dimension except height. Although, behind the wheel it feels smaller; which is always a good thing no matter which member of household is doing the driving. And aides like available Around View back-up cam further lightens stressful situations. 

Nissan’s latest CVT automatic transmission has a wider spread of ratios than before for better efficiency. We don’t mind it as much as we thought we would, though if you’re new to CVT’s it takes a while to get used to the additional engine noise. Making that noise, along with 260-horsepower and 240 lb-ft. of torque, is Nissan’s familiar 3.5-liter V6, which replaces last year’s 4.0-liter. A V8 is no longer available. And with that, towing takes a hit, from last year’s 7,000 to a still class normal 5,000 lbs.

A smaller engine and more efficient CVT mean considerably improved Government Fuel Economy Ratings. Front drive ratings are class best, but even our all-wheel driver’s 19-City, 25-Highway, and 21-Combined are near the top. We averaged a good 22.3 miles per gallon of Regular in mixed driving. 

So, it does appear that the new Pathfinder is better in every way that matters, just don’t take it on the Rubicon, and we didn’t. But we did run it down our test track and despite a sloppy launch we were able to hit 60 in a respectable 8.4-seconds. It’s all steady engine noise and acceleration, with the quarter mile passing in 16.5-seconds at 88 miles-per-hour. Braking performance was slightly more impressive, halting the 44-hundred pound Pathfinder in a short average of 124-feet.

We were expecting the more car-like approach to show its biggest benefit in the handling department, and while it is indeed surprisingly nimble with not a lot of body roll; it is also the softest sprung Pathfinder we’ve ever driven. Combine that with traction control that is all too eager to become a safety nanny, and this Pathfinder is all about tranquil traveling. 

But, it’s inside where this new Pathfinder has changed the most. It’s gone from cramped and utilitarian to spacious and plush. The level of luxury equipment available is staggering, and not far off the Infiniti JX that’s it’s based on. 

Platinum trim models come with heated and cooled front leather seating, Bose premium audio with 13-speakers, navigation, power rear lift-gate, and remote start. You can go further by adding the Platinum Premium package which enhances rear seat enjoyment with dual 7” DVD displays in the headrests and dual panorama sunroof. Like the JX, 3rd row access is great, and all seats offer true comfort for real adults. Storage capacity goes from 16 cubic-ft. behind the 3rd row to 79.8 cubic-ft. with all seats folded. And there’s additional storage space under the floor.

Styling reviews from our crew were mixed, but the easygoing lines and swollen fenders do portray a modern version of solid presence. The front end is now in step with other Nissan crossovers, with a large chrome trimmed grille as the centerpiece. Standard wheels are 18’s; go Platinum and you’ll ride on 20’s.

But for all of its newness, pricing remains good and competitive, starting at $29,495, while the loaded up Platinum model goes for $40,395. All-wheel-drive can be added to any trim level for $1,600 more.  

Despite losing towing capacity and ruggedness, we were very impressed with the new–missioned 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. It is a vastly improved family crossover with a big jump in versatility. That’s why we selected it as our Driver’s Choice Winner as Best Large Utility of the year. The new Pathfinder has clearly taken a path that leads to happier families, and likely, bigger sales for Nissan.

 

Specifications

  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6
  • Horsepower: 260
  • Torque: 240 lb-ft.
  • 0-60 mph: 8.4 seconds
  • 1/4 mile: 16.5 seconds @ 88 mph
  • EPA: 19 mpg city/ 25 mpg highway

Long Term Updates

Mileage: 6,000

Americans like to vacation large, so it’s no wonder that the redesigned, and thoroughly modern 7-passenger Nissan Pathfinder crossover is selling so well.

Our Drivers’ Choice winner for Best Large Utility has logged over 6,000 miles after only 2 months. And that time has been pretty gratifying as the strong 3.5-liter V6 CVT combo returns 24.5 miles per gallon of Regular. Plus, topping 30 on the highway is not uncommon.

While we’re not in love with the complex operation of our premium’s NAV unit, we love the 360 degree, Around View camera system. It goes well beyond normal backup cameras and we’d like to see it on all crossovers and trucks.

Mileage: 18,000

In our mid-Atlantic region, fall is the in-between season for big utilities. Summer vacations are over, and you don’t yet need all-wheel drive for winter weather.

So, crossovers like our 2013 Nissan Pathfinder are doing more daily short hops than long distance running. Still, we are extremely impressed with the comfort and versatility of the Pathfinder. Why, it’s almost as versatile as…shall we say it…a minivan! Indeed a couple of passersby’s actually thought it was one.

Well, it does have three row, 7-passenger seating and a very versatile cargo floor. But, no side sliders so Pathfinder retains its dignity.

While Nissan is launching a gasoline-electric hybrid version of the Pathfinder, we can’t complain about the 24 miles per gallon of regular our all-wheel drive V6 is delivering after 4 months of use. And, with nearly 18,000 miles on its clock, there are no mechanical or even emotional issues.

Mileage: 20,500

The Nissan Pathfinder is our current choice among larger, three-row crossovers. Called mid-size, yet doing many of the duties of former full-size truck based SUVs, the Pathfinder seats seven in excellent comfort.

You do pay for size with fuel economy of course, but we’re happy with our V6 Pathfinder’s average of 23.5 miles per gallon of regular. At 6 months and 20,500 miles, we’ve noticed little wear either inside or mechanically.

Mileage: 24,500

Despite the need to downsize our use of fuel, there is something comforting about a larger utility like our 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, especially on long trips with the family. Our current choice among three-row crossovers, the Pathfinder seats seven in excellent comfort and can still carry quite a bit of luggage.

So, as our Platinum Pathfinder ends its stay with us, you can understand our reluctance to let it go.

Fuel economy does suffer with size, however. Still, we were generally pleased with our V6 Pathfinder’s average of 22.8 miles per gallon of regular. If you want to do better try the new Pathfinder Hybrid.

At test’s end, with 24,500 miles on the clock, we had no mechanical issues. Interior wear was minimum despite fairly severe use.

No, our Pathfinder lived up to our Drivers’ Choice selection, and we think it’s a smart choice for big family driving needs.

2024 Hyundai Sonata 1

2024 Hyundai Sonata

Updated Sonata Continues To Deliver

Episode 4412
Auto Value and Bumper to BumperTire Rack "The Way Tire Buying Should Be"

Comfort and room to roam used to be core elements for attracting buyers to midsize family sedans. But thanks to SUVs, that’s not enough these days. Now, luxury, tech integration, performance, fuel economy, and even all-wheel drive have become must have sedan ingredients. And one more, value. So, let’s see if the latest Hyundai Sonata gives us all a lesson in chemistry.

The seventh-generation Hyundai Sonata midsize sedan has been on the road since 2020, and as usually happens when vehicles approach the end of their lifecycle, this 2024 Sonata gets a makeover to keep the looks fresh and electronics current until an all-new one arrives.

Standard tech includes a crystal-clear 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Both are now combined into one wide curved housing similar to what we’ve seen from BMW and other luxury brands. This required a complete dash overhaul; a big interior change you can’t miss. Top Limited trim ups the game with navigation, leather seating, 12-speaker Bose premium sound, head-up display, and sunroof. It’s quite roomy inside, though maybe not quite as spacious or as comfy as some rivals with newer designs. On the other hand, rear seat legroom is very generous with long distance comfort.

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There are three powertrain choices. The base front-wheel-drive SEL works with a 191-horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter I4. And for 2024, you can now add all-wheel drive to it for $1,500. The sporty N Line puts a turbocharger onto that 2.5 which boosts output to 290 horsepower, but it remains front-wheel-drive only, as does this Hybrid. The Hybrid is 2.0-liter I4 based with a 39-kW electric motor that combine for an output of 192 horsepower.

The real draw with the Hybrid is fuel economy of course, and the Government Ratings are 44 City, 51 Highway, and 47 Combined. We manage just 42.7 mpg of Regular in our driving loop, but that’s still slightly better than in our recent tests of both the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid. And it earns a much better than average Energy Impact Score, using 6.3 barrels of oil yearly, with 3.1 tons of CO2 emissions.

Minimal body roll and light steering had us whipping in and out of the cones with a surprising amount of speed.

The price for that great fuel economy was paid at our test track with a slow roll to 60 of 8.0-seconds. There was no sense of urgency off the line, and while the engine sounded like it was really working hard, numbers on the speedometer were slow to climb. That meter was reading only 89 mph after 16.0 seconds as we crossed the quarter-mile. On a much more positive note, the Sonata Hybrid’s true six-speed automatic transmission provides a much more enjoyable experience than competitor’s CVTs.

And the experience in our handling course was positive too; minimal body roll and light steering had us whipping in and out of the cones with a surprising amount of speed. We didn’t experience much in the way of oversteer or understeer, and stability systems stayed out of the way. In our panic braking runs, the pedal was soft, and we could really hear the ABS working overtime, but stops were straight and fade free, averaging a fine 114 feet from 60 mph.

2024 Hyundai Sonata 4

The Sonata has always attempted to set itself apart when it comes to exterior design. That meant an awkwardly shaped “Digital Pulse Cascading” grille when this gen debuted; we much prefer the more traditional and sportier take of this update. The rear fascia also gets revised, looking both sportier and more upscale at the same time, with wide H-themed lighting to accentuate the Sonata’s width.

Pricing starts with the SEL at $28,650; adding the hybrid powertrain boosts it to $31,950, Limited comes exclusively with the hybrid engine and tops the lineup at $38,350.

Hyundai’s long-time formula for success, delivering more for less and tacking on a longer warranty than rivals, has done a great job of getting them where they are today. The 2024 Hyundai Sonata’s high value, impressive powertrain options, which now include all-wheel drive, and better than average driving dynamics, will ensure they stay a major player in the midsize sedan segment for years to come.

Specifications

As Tested

  • Engine: 2.0-liter I4
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Horsepower: 192
  • Torque: 151 lb-ft.
  • EPA: 44 City | 51 Highway | 47 Combined
  • 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
  • 1/4 Mile: 16.0 seconds at 89 mph
  • Braking, 60-0 (avg): 114 feet
  • MW Fuel Economy: 42.7 mpg (Regular)