NEW TOW VEHICLE ?

Will this be a daily driver too? If yes, I wouldn't recommend the Durango for that. I'd consider it if it'll be a dedicated TV, but only the V8. The V6 can do it, but not well. It seems like it can never find a good gear when it's loaded heavy.

The Pathfinder is NOT a good TV for 5,000 pounds. It's low on torque, and has a CVT. CVT's are prone to early failure when low-speed torque is needed, because of the heat generated by the belt. And when the belt breaks, you have to just replace the transmission. The plates that makes up the "push" design" of the belt scatter all over, and trash everything else in there.

The Explorer is nice, and great for towing with the EcoBoost. My sister has a 2016. Bought with 15k and has 75k now. It's been back to the dealer a few times, but only for improper repairs from a rollover accident that didn't show on it's history. No issues other than those (broken roof-rack trim-clips, leaky windshield, butt-connectors on the rear-seatbelt-airbag system.

The one common issue to watch out is cooked PTU fluid. Changing it should be part of your new-vehicle inspection, and then change it regularly after towing. It gets too hot because of it's proximity to the exhaust, and you can't run synthetic because that would reduce the ability for the clutches to hold.

Coming from a car guy, the Explorer would be my first choice. Of course, it's a double-edged sword. Since the Durango and Pathfinder are far less desirable and less in demand than the Explorer, they naturally depreciate faster, and can provide a better 'deal' for the pre-owned buyer.

In my opinion and experience, I would opt for a 4 door "crew cab" truck over the SUV's you mention. For example, the V6 versions of Ford have plenty of power for the lite unit you have, are much lower in price than V8 or ecoboost, and 6 seat arrangements can be found. Ford, Chevy, Dodge -- all would be fine. That is, unless a 3rd row seat in an SUV is a must.

Again, that is my opinion. If I had to pick from your 3 choices, I'd go the Durango. Why? Explorer has had issues. Nissan as a company is having issues. Lastly, in my opinion, i'd forgo the extended warranty -- just profit for the dealer.

But don't take my input except for this: go to NHSTA website (national highway and safety transportation admin) and look up each of your picks -- look at not just recalls, but customer complaints. No recall on a model but dozens and dozens of complaints about a transmission? I'd want to know. Go to Edmunds and look up family reviews (not pro reviews) of each model. Come to a conclusion based on NHSTA, Edmunds or other actual buyer reviews, and in-person drive/look.

I wish you good luck.

Forgot to mention this will be our daily driver as well.