Take A Ride With Engineers Testing The New 2013 Nissan Pathfinder: Video
Nissan Releases More Details On 2013 Pathfinder: Video
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Live Photos: 2012 Detroit Auto Show
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Drops In At 2012 Detroit Auto Show
The Pathfinder's design is already several years old, but it feels thoroughly modern next to the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, which mates dated styling with a cramped interior and subpar performance.
The Ford Explorer has a nicely updated, comfortable interior with more standard safety features across the line, but it doesn't possess the sturdy off-road ability of the 2008 Nissan Pathfinder.
The Toyota 4Runner is another possibility, with plenty of off-road ability, though it has a noisier interior and a harder ride and can get quite expensive at the top of the line.
An alternative might be the Dodge Durango, which offers a slightly larger package overall, though the Durango doesn't handle the road especially well.
Each of these vehicles has poor fuel economy and a less-than-ideal ride, and most shoppers--if they don't need to tow frequently--would be better suited with a modern crossover design from these automakers, such as the GMC Acadia, Dodge Journey, Ford Edge, or Toyota Highlander.