Because they're height adjustable, the Pathfinder's rear seat belts fit kids and adults alike. This means I could safely let my 7-year-old ride in the second row using only the seat belt.

The lower Latch anchors are a breeze to use. They're easily accessible, making child-safety-seat installation refreshingly simple. However, there are only two sets of Latch anchors in the second row and none in the third. There's room in the second row for even the bulkiest of infant-safety seats, but there's not room for three car seats in the second row. I wouldn't attempt to install a car seat in the third row. It's just too cramped back there.

The Pathfinder has standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, side-impact airbags for the front row and side curtain airbags for all three rows.

Four-wheel drive is optional, so is a backup camera, which is part of a $3,050 options package.