We have an '06 Pathfinder (4wd, v6) that we pull a boat with all summer. The boat/trailer on a truck scale comes in just above 4,000lbs. Pathfinder pulls it great, I did add some airbags to the rear to help the sag (about $75 and 30 min to install). Plenty of power. I get about 21mpg highway non-towing and 12-14 towing.

Thanks for info AMR. I still haven't pulled the trigger. Figure the higher fuel goes the lower tow vehicals will go. $3.95 in my area. Still considering all three mentioned, but the Pathfinder seems to be at the top of the list lately. Have talked to a couple of mechanics and they all like the Path.

Pathfinder owners: Any problems with them? Especially the 2006? Comfortable for a 6 hour ride?

Thanks

I'm on my second PF, this one's an '04. I bought it because I liked my first one so much. 99k very trouble-free on #1. I'm at 50k on this one - not so much as a rattle - aka perfect.

Nissan's V6 is strong. Mine's a 3.5. I forget, but it might have been '06 they went to a 4.0. I drove a 4.0, and the difference is noticeable, it's real strong. You can also get a V8, which would rock, but I don't know what year that started. My 3.5 is rated to 5000#, and I believe the 4.0 is rated to 6000#, which I do not consider a stretch.

My boat is 3300# dry, plus a tandem trailer probably puts me at >4300# ?? My 3.5 pulls and handles it quite well. I rarely encounter serious hills, so can't speak to that.

Comfortable for 6 hrs? Yes. In fact the PF has a car-like ride. The ONLY complaint, is the rear end is soft when loaded. AMR40509 fixed with bags, and I concur with that fix. In fact, 3 large adults in the back seat would otherwise cause some slump.

Bottom line? I have really liked both my PF's. They have been extremely trouble-free, and I have been totally satisfied with them. It's not a particularly large vehicle, and I have no experience with a 3rd row. If you NEED a 3rd row, I dunno how roomy it would be back there.

Good luck!

Edit: There are a number of PF (and Nissan) owners on this board, and I do not recall a bad word said about them. (The Nissans that is, dunno about the owners)