We're torn between the EX and the EX-L. The latter has desirable luxury features such as leather upholstery, a programmable power liftgate and a premium audio system. We liked it enough to buy one for our long-term test fleet.
PROS Turbocharged engine delivers a rare combination of thrift and zest Roomy interior with cavernous cargo capacity for this class Rides comfortably yet handles corners athletically Plentiful and thoughtful storage areas
CONS Optional navigation system isn't as reliable as expected Base LX's engine is weaker and thirstier than the turbo Touchscreen can be finicky to use and lacks a separate tuning knob
The 2018 Honda CR-V ranked #1 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Honda CR-V has a score of 8.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 30 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Cavernous cargo area High-quality cabin Supple ride Good crash test scores
Cons Few standard features
The 2018 Honda CR-V may be light on personality, but this compact crossover checks off every other box. It’s a very smart choice.
Pros Does nearly everything right Exceptionally roomy interior Good value Lots of safety gear Upscale feel
Cons Odd styling LX lacks important features Hardly fun to drive No high-performance version, if that matters
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
