CarGirl.com beta

It sounds like you're pretty happy with your current Pathfinder Kim. So my first recommendation to you would be to talk to your dealer about your buyout options. Here are a couple things to keep in mind though:

• The end of the lease often coincides with the end of the warranty period--so be prepared to actually pay for things that were previously covered, if they break
• Check Kelly Blue Book www.kbb.com for the current value of your '04 Pathfinder in your zip code, and make sure that the payout for your vehicle is either at, or below, this value (otherwise you're 'upside down' in your lease, and unless you're really in love with this truck, it might not be worth buying out this vehicle...)
• Realize that unless you're paying cash for the buyout of the lease, you will STILL continue to make payments on this truck--despite its either short-lived or non-existent warranty--and that between your payments and possible repair costs, you could probably have a nice, new vehicle for the same amount a month

Fortunately for you, if you do decide to give back your Pathfinder and go shopping, you've got quite a few options in the market to take a look at. The SUV market has splintered into several different categories since you last shopped--the most interesting of which, is the CUV, or the Crossover Utility Vehicle.

So, Plan A for your shopping list, I would recommend checking out a couple of crossovers, as well as traditional SUV's. Crossovers will give you the height on the road you most likely like in your Pathfinder, but a smoother ride, and probably a bit more floor space for your feet, and width for your cargo. And, if you happen to take these trucks in the snow, or barely off-road (I wouldn't take them on any trails...), most of them come with a 4x4 option.

• Nissan Murano: Very interesting design, priced a bit higher than its direct non-luxury competitors, but feels quite high-end with the ‘artsy' interior, luxury spread of materials, and smattering of up-to-date features. Plenty of power and most interestingly, comes with a CVT transmission-which is a fancy way of saying the transmission doesn't work on specific gears, but instead delivers the power in one long, smooth line, all the way up to your desired speed. And, if you want to pretend you have gears (or punch it to get around the slow guy in front of you), just slide the shifter over to the electronic manual transmission mode, and ‘down-shift'.
• Mazda CX-7: An interesting new offering from Mazda worth taking a look at. Pretty good power, competitive MPG, interesting interior-not bad for a Mazda. And touted as the best combination of sedan comfort with SUV capabilities at a price-point that's quite enticing...
• Toyota FJ-Cruiser: I have a really hard time recommending this vehicle because if it's plasticky, over-designed interior, but if you're looking for something truly ‘truck-y', and that's new to the market, this is your truck. Interesting exterior design, certainly stands out on the road, and quite capable as well. Not overly powerful, and watch the MPG-this truck doesn't necessarily comply with the rest of Toyota's ‘I want my MPG' mentality. But for a truck, the city/highway isn't bad.
• Toyota 4Runner: And while you're there, take a look at the classic Toyota 4Runner. It has stayed true to the truck feel, but to be honest, doesn't have the respectable interior quality (yes, quality) you'd expect from Toyota or an exciting design-a bit too clunky, in my opinion, for such a recognizable SUV. It's in dire need a full refresh.
• Hybrid options: The most comparable hybrid to your current Pathfinder is the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. If you want to keep your truck size the same, but gas mileage is a concern, try this truck out. Other hybrid SUV's include the Ford Escape Hybrid (but this one may be a bit too small for you), or the Lexus RX400h (good if you're looking for a bit more luxury and are willing to pay a slightly higher price-this one also comes with the smooth, CVT transmission).
• The domestics: There's also a smattering of domestic SUV offerings like the Ford Edge, the grand-daddy of all SUV's the Ford Explorer, the Chevy Equinox or Trailblazer, Dodge Nitro or Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I can't, in good consciousness, recommend any of these vehicles-just on pure poor interior quality and appeal alone. They simply don't stand up to the offerings coming from foreign manufacturers...yet.

And if you're willing to spend a bit more money...then add these vehicles to your shopping list.

• Land Rover LR2: Definitely stays true to the truck look and feel, but keeps the size manageable, has plenty of vertical rear cargo space, and definitely rides like truck. Watch for plummeting MPG's though.
• Infiniti FX35: Not as true to the traditional ‘SUV' as the Land Rover, but a ton of fun to drive, beautiful on the road, and its bigger engine derivative, the FX45 gives the Porsche Cayenne a run for its money.
• Acura MDX (or its new little brother, the RDX): Tons of offered amenities, an interesting, clean look inside and out, but the bright, shiny wood trim may set you off a bit... Competitive MPG, comfortable seating, and if you're looking for something similar, but smaller, take a look at the MDX's little brother, the RDX.
• VW Toureg: Clean, ‘intelligent' look and feel to the interior and exterior (well-balanced shapes, clean lines), nice amount of spaciousness in seating and cargo area, and plenty of amenities. Those amenities may not be accessible in the most ergonomic way, but it's what you expect from an Audi, and nothing more-which is what's so appealing about this steady-handed, capable, high-quality option.
• BMW X3: I'd put this one at the bottom of your list, maybe as a ‘if I have time...' option. It's a bit smaller than the other vehicles, is in need of a refresh, and isn't necessarily the most comfortable car to sit in or operate, but it's a BMW, so it has to make this list, right?

For Plan B I might ask that you put down your guard a bit, and give these cars a chance. You might find that, once you're in them, and drive them, you might actually love them. I know, I know, no one in your age bracket ever thought they'd own anything even close to a, dare I say it, station wagon, but this new segment hitting the market takes all of the good of a station wagon, combines it with the flexibility of the (gulp!) minivan, and then throws in the height on the road that everyone loves about their SUV's. But mind you, this segment of cars (right now), isn't cheap. So be prepared to pay for this ultimate combination platter.

• Audi Q7: Horrific central control system (they call it MMI) for your radio and air-conditioning-simply not intuitive. But, may be worth overlooking for the flexibility of space, beautiful exterior and interior design, and high-quality craftsmanship.
• Mercedes R-class: Excellent interior flexibility, three rows of seating but not a huge car, plus you get permanent automatic AWD, and a 7-speed automatic transmission (which is going to deliver a near-CVT smooth feel), and tons of upgrade options. You just have to be a little open to its ‘almost a minivan' appearance...