1 / 1Illustrative AI renders — not manufacturer photographs.
Nissan Pathfinder
Three rows, real muscle, family-ready confidence
Nissan Pathfinder review
The current Nissan Pathfinder ditches the soft crossover feel of its predecessor and returns to a more upright, family-hauler shape. Under the hood sits a proven 3.5-liter V6 paired with a conventional nine-speed automatic, replacing the old CVT. It seats up to eight, tows a useful 6,000 pounds when properly equipped, and offers available all-wheel drive. The result is a midsize three-row SUV that prioritizes practicality, towing capability, and a rugged look over outright efficiency or flashy tech gimmicks.
Nissan rebuilt the Pathfinder around a clear idea: families want space, a smooth drivetrain, and the option to tow. The 3.5-liter V6 delivers 284 horsepower and a confident, linear pull, and swapping the old CVT for a nine-speed automatic transforms how the SUV feels in everyday driving. Throttle response is crisp, highway passing is drama-free, and the transmission generally picks sensible gears. Properly equipped, towing capacity reaches 6,000 pounds, which is genuinely useful for boats or small trailers.
Inside, the cabin is roomy and sensibly laid out. The second row offers a clever sliding seat that tilts forward even with a child seat installed, easing third-row access. Material quality climbs steadily as you move up the trim ladder, with the top Platinum trim feeling close to near-luxury. The available 10.8-inch head-up display and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are welcome, though base trims make do with smaller screens and more hard plastic.
Dynamically, the Pathfinder is composed rather than sporty. The ride is settled over rough pavement, steering is light but predictable, and body roll is well controlled for a vehicle this tall. Where it stumbles is efficiency: EPA figures of roughly 21 city and 27 highway trail four-cylinder turbo rivals, and there is no hybrid option, which increasingly looks like a gap in this class.
Value depends on trim. The mid-range SV and SL trims hit the sweet spot, bundling all-wheel drive, the larger touchscreen, and key safety tech without pushing into the pricier Platinum territory. Buyers cross-shopping the segment will find the Pathfinder competitive on space and towing, slightly behind on fuel economy and infotainment polish.
Pros & cons
What we like
- Smooth, responsive V6 with real torque
- Up to 6,000-pound towing capacity
- Clever second-row seat slides past child seats
- Composed, comfortable highway ride
- Genuine eight-passenger versatility
What could be better
- Below-average fuel economy for the class
- No hybrid or electrified option
- Base trims feel plain inside
- Third row tight for adults
Nissan Pathfinder price & variants
| Variant | Fuel / Transmission | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| S 2WD Best value | GasolineAutomatic | $36,000 |
| SV AWD | GasolineAutomatic | $39,500 |
| SL AWD | GasolineAutomatic | $43,500 |
| Rock Creek AWD | GasolineAutomatic | $45,500 |
| Platinum AWD | GasolineAutomatic | $50,500 |
Key specifications
Model Overview
Engine & Transmission
Dimensions & Capacity
Fuel & Performance
Comfort & Convenience
Safety
Nissan Pathfinder colours
Glacier WhiteExpert rating breakdown
Owner reviews
Tows my boat without breaking a sweat
I bought the SL with AWD specifically for towing, and the V6 has plenty of grunt for my 4,000-pound boat. The nine-speed shifts much better than the CVT in my old one. Only real gripe is the gas mileage drops fast when loaded.
Great family hauler, average at the pump
The sliding second row is a lifesaver with two car seats, and my older kids actually fit in the third row for short trips. It rides smooth and quiet on the highway. I just wish it got better fuel economy for daily commuting.
Solid but the base trim feels cheap
My S trim does everything I need and the engine is strong, but the interior plastics and small screen feel dated next to a Telluride. If I did it again I would spend the extra for the SV. No regrets on reliability so far though.
Alternatives to the Nissan Pathfinder
Hyundai Palisade
4.4$37,000 – $54,000Starting MSRP
Rivian R2
4.3$45,000 – $68,000Starting MSRP
Audi Q5
4.2$45,000 – $58,000Starting MSRP
BMW X3
4.4$50,000 – $65,000Starting MSRP
Nissan Pathfinder — frequently asked questions
How many people can the Nissan Pathfinder seat?
Most trims seat eight using a second-row bench, while trims fitted with second-row captain's chairs seat seven. The third row is best for children or shorter adults on short trips.
How much can the Pathfinder tow?
When equipped with the available tow package, the Pathfinder is rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds, enough for a small boat, camper, or utility trailer.
Does the Pathfinder come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims, and all-wheel drive is available across the lineup and standard on the Rock Creek trim. It includes selectable drive modes for different conditions.
What kind of fuel economy does it get?
Expect roughly 21 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, around 23 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive models are slightly lower. There is no hybrid version currently offered.
Is the Pathfinder a reliable SUV?
The current generation uses a proven 3.5-liter V6 and a conventional nine-speed automatic instead of a CVT, which buyers generally view as a more durable, predictable drivetrain combination.
Which trim offers the best value?
The mid-range SV and SL trims hit the sweet spot, adding all-wheel drive, a larger touchscreen, and key driver-assist features without the premium price of the top Platinum trim.
Image is an AI-generated illustration. Specifications and prices are indicative and may vary by variant and city — please confirm with an authorized dealer. Last updated 2026-06-25.