2026 Nissan Pathfinder Review

2026 Nissan Pathfinder – Overview

Once a rugged, body-on-frame off-roader, the mid-size Nissan Pathfinder has evolved in its fifth generation into a family-friendly SUV, better suited for suburban life than backcountry trails. Its V-6 engine delivers lively performance while maintaining respectable fuel efficiency, and the three-row cabin remains quiet and comfortable on long highway drives. Even the most adventure-oriented Rock Creek trim, however, can’t match the off-road prowess of rivals like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, or Toyota Land Cruiser.

For families who prioritize comfort over rugged exploration, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a solid choice for road trips, daily errands, and stress-free commuting. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 6,000 pounds—offering utility that smaller SUVs can’t match—and its cargo capacity is competitive for the class, adding to its overall practicality.

Expert Tip: If the top Platinum trim doesn’t quite satisfy your taste for luxury, consider the mechanically similar Infiniti QX60, which offers a more premium experience under Nissan’s luxury brand.

When Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Coming Out?

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to hit dealerships in late 2025, giving buyers a fresh look at Nissan’s latest SUV design and tech upgrades. Early announcements suggest that demand will be high, so pre-ordering or visiting dealerships early may be advisable for those interested in the newest trims.

What’s New for 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?

For 2026, Nissan has refreshed the Pathfinder with updated exterior styling, including a redesigned grille, new front and rear bumpers, revised lighting elements, and refreshed wheel designs. Inside, the three-row SUV gains several enhancements, such as a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a more powerful wireless smartphone charging pad, and upgraded materials on the top-of-the-line Platinum trim, giving the cabin a more premium feel.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to start at approximately $38,000, with fully loaded models reaching around $51,000, depending on trim and options.

While the base S and mid-level SV trims come well-equipped with desirable driver-assistance features, the SL trim offers the best balance of features and value if your budget allows. For an extra touch of comfort and convenience, consider the SL Premium package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, a towing hitch, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and second-row captain’s chairs.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 284–295 hp

• Transmission: 9-speed automatic

• Drivetrains: Front-wheel drive (FWD) standard, all-wheel drive (AWD) optional

All 2026 Nissan Pathfinder are powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Most trims deliver 284 horsepower, while the Rock Creek trim bumps output to 295 hp. Front-wheel drive comes standard on all models except the Rock Creek, and all trims can be equipped with an all-wheel-drive system. Opting for AWD also unlocks seven drive modes, including off-road-oriented Sand and Mud/Rut settings.

Acceleration is lively, and the V-6 runs smoothly and quietly. Handling, however, is unremarkable, and the ride isn’t as cushioned as some competitors. That said, Nissan has focused on sound insulation, keeping the cabin impressively quiet during highway cruising.

0–60-MPH Times

• SL FWD: 6.7 seconds

• Rock Creek AWD: 6.7 seconds

• Platinum AWD: 6.6 seconds

In our testing, the front-wheel-drive SL reached 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive Platinum shaved a tenth off, hitting 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. These times make the Pathfinder quicker than rivals like the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Highlander, offering respectable acceleration for a family-focused three-row SUV.

Towing and Payload Capacity

• Maximum Towing: 6,000 pounds

The base S, SV, and SL trims are rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Upgrading to the Rock Creek or Platinum trims increases towing capacity to 6,000 pounds. Additionally, the SV and SL trims can reach the 6,000-pound maximum when equipped with the available Premium package, making the Pathfinder a versatile choice for hauling trailers, boats, or campers.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

• C/D 75-mph Highway Test: 28 mpg (Platinum AWD), 25 mpg (Rock Creek AWD)

• EPA City Ratings: 20–21 mpg

• EPA Highway Ratings: 23–27 mpg

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder delivers competitive fuel efficiency for a three-row SUV. In our highway tests, the Platinum AWD exceeded its EPA estimate with 28 mpg, while the Rock Creek AWD achieved 25 mpg, slightly above its EPA highway rating. visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder features a modern, slightly truck-inspired cabin with comfortable front seats and intuitively placed controls. All trims above the base S include heated front seats, with power-adjustable driver controls. Higher trims add upscale touches such as semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof for a more premium feel.

Second Row: The three-row layout can seat up to eight passengers, though buyers can opt for second-row captain’s chairs, which reduce seating to seven but provide added comfort and easier access to the third row—a popular feature for families.

Third Row: Nissan designed the second-row seats to fold and slide easily, facilitating access to the third row. Legroom and knee room back there are limited, making it best suited for children, as adults taller than five feet may feel cramped.

Cargo Capacity: Storage is thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, including a large bin beneath the center console accessible to both front passengers. Behind the third row, the Pathfinder accommodates six carry-on suitcases. Folding the third row expands capacity to 17 carry-ons, and lowering both the second and third rows increases it to 35, providing ample room for family trips and larger loads.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Audio System: 6-speaker stereo (standard), 13-speaker Bose stereo (optional)

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring the latest NissanConnect interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and built-in navigation. Optional upgrades include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, a head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Audio options start with a six-speaker stereo, while a premium 13-speaker Bose system is available on the SL trim and comes standard on the Platinum model.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

All 2026 Nissan Pathfinder models come equipped with a suite of standard driver-assistance technologies, including automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

• Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring

• Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, 360-degree camera system

For detailed crash-test ratings, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder warranty is fairly standard and doesn’t match the lengthy coverage offered by competitors like Hyundai and Kia. On the plus side, every new Pathfinder includes a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan, covering up to three oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles.

• Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles

• Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles

• Complimentary Maintenance: two years or 24,000 miles

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a versatile midsize SUV that blends comfort, technology, and family-friendly practicality. With its updated design, advanced safety features, and reliable performance, it remains a compelling choice for those needing space and capability without sacrificing daily usability.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Video