Smart Haulers: Nissan Pathfinder And Ford Expedition

Electric cars are charging, clean energy laws were passed last month, and automakers are developing innovative new models. But the world of electric cars will take time. In the US, the target is 2035, but until then, many drivers, especially those looking for giant trucks, will still have to rely on traditional fuel economy.

Fortunately, there are some smart choices, including these two big bruises.

Nissan Pathfinder $35,000 per gallon: 21 cities/27 hours 0 60 mph: 6.7 seconds

The completely redesigned Nissan Pathfinder is a huge step forward over the previous model. Although classified as a mid-size SUV, this year's new Pathfinder is now taller, wider and taller. The result: a spacious cabin with plenty of storage compartments and plenty of space for eight passengers. Another plus: It's easier to fit into the third row here than most SUVs. Gone are the previous Pathfinder's shapeless avatar, which was last updated 10 years ago (twice during most car restyles). The sharper design is also square, but in a good way, with a chunky front dash, side panels, and a narrow tail, you know, like Luke Evans.

Although the power of the V6 engine is the same as before, the fuel economy is slightly better. A revised transmission improves acceleration, while stiffer springs and other modifications improve steering and overall handling. In other words, there are no red jumps in pits and speed. Thicker glass and extra insulation make for a quieter cabin. And there's a contemporary feel to the luxury materials, including finely tufted seats, brushed aluminum, and a flat-bottom sports steering wheel. Most impressive, however, are the high-tech door bells and whistles: phone integration, wireless charging pad, voice command functionality, head-up display, 360-degree panoramic camera, ambient interior lighting, Bose 13-inch stereo speakers and security . Lots of options.

One East Coast weekend this summer, my husband, Robert, sat in one of the captain's seats in the second row and would occasionally yell, Hmm, please suggest a traffic-free alternative. It might not be like being pushed in a limousine, but we both felt it.

FORD EXPEDITION $53,000 per gallon: 17 cities/23 hours 0 60 mph: 6.7 seconds

Speaking of limousines, President Biden's ride, nicknamed "Hell," shares dimensions with another behemoth: the nearly 18-foot-tall Ford Expedition. (The extended base model, Expedition Max, is about 20 feet wide.) At 5,500 pounds, the Expedition is light compared to the Beast, which weighs four times as much. The gas mileage on the trip is adequate for a truck of this size. Acceleration is excellent, with a powerful twin-turbo V6 engine available in three configurations.

When slipping behind the wheel, I hope this big SUV will be tough to drive in city traffic. But the sophisticated handling is akin to the mid-size Nissan Pathfinder, which behaves naturally like a sporty, elegant family sedan. Front parking sensors, backup camera, surround camera, and parking assistance features help position your full-size Ford just about anywhere.

For 2022, the Expedition will have a mid-size display with a few styling cues reminiscent of a slimmer Range Rover: a bit of chrome exterior, a simple front grille, and hidden headlights. Luxury equipment includes a technology-rich instrument panel, three-zone automatic climate control, front-facing front seats, folding second and third seats, and footrests that open automatically when entering or exiting the vehicle. While a 12-inch touch screen is standard for infotainment systems, you can use the stunning 15.5-inch vertical screen found on the all-electric Mustang Mach E. Other features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, a rear-seat entertainment system, a Bang & Olufsen stereo with 22 speakers, and mute controls. Best of all are two trim levels: the rugged Timberline, which has better off-road capability, and the supersonic Stealth, which accelerates from 0 to 100 mph in just 4.9 seconds, faster than any performance car tuner.

While Expeditions aren't meant for heads of state like other beasts, these giant planes are affordable and packed with interesting features. Very useful when I go to Goodwill to donate a dustbin in the basement. But don't tell my husband, most of these anomalies are his.

Nissan Pathfinder 2022 | This solves most of the problems