2024 Nissan Pathfinder: Next Adventure 8-Seater Mid-Size SUV 4×4 Robust Performance Review

2024 Nissan Pathfinder: The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-sized three-row SUV that can accommodate up to eight people. Nissan Pathfinder Nissan’s second-largest SUV after the Armada. We recommend that if you need more than five seats but don’t want a big, thirsty Armada, this is the SUV to get.

With all three rows above, the Pathfinder can accommodate a large family or many items if one or both are folded. In addition, towing requirements with its 6,000-pound towing capacity are above average for the segment.

The Pathfinder was renovated for the 2022 model year and will remain unchanged for the 2024 model year.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Review

Of course, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder easily meets the requirements in terms of practical family transportation, with a practical cabin design, a maximum towing capacity better than many of its rivals, and a quiet interior when driving.

The Pathfinder excels as comfortable family transportation, but there are better options to venture off-road. This is thanks to a smooth V-6 engine providing adequate power, well-tuned suspension, and a spacious and quiet cabin. The towing capacity is also generous, with a maximum of 6000 pounds.

Undoubtedly, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is an SUV that easily meets practical family transportation needs. Its smooth V-6 Engine produces sufficient power. In addition, its suspension is designed for comfort, and the cabin is spacious and quiet.

Towing capacity is similarly generous, with a maximum of 6,000 pounds, more than competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Highlander. Overall, midsize SUVs provide slightly superior value midsize options that can satisfy driving enthusiasts with better handling or provide true off-road capabilities.

• The towing capacity is among the highest in the class
• Ride that is both comfortable and quiet
• Comfortable seats
• The Pathfinder will remain unaltered in 2024
• Up to 21 City/27 Highway MPG
• Towing capacity ranges from 3,500 to 6,000 pounds
• 80.5 ft3 cargo volume with seat area

What’s New

The Pathfinder was redesigned for 2022 with a more rugged exterior, available second-row captain’s chairs, additional passenger space, and improved AWD performance. Nissan introduces a Rock Creek level off-road model for 2023. Trim and equipment from previous years carry over to the 2024 model.

Nissan’s midsize SUV remains unchanged from last year, though the Rock Creek Ethrough debuted the previous year and will be available in 2024.

What We Believe

The current generation Pathfinder, FWD, and AWD provide a pleasant sensation. This is a great deal of power, with previous power supply issues having been resolved, and it could just stop. Body control is adequate, but the steering feels heavy, and overly aggressive stability control often reduces performance.

It’s OK that the Pathfinder is more of a family cruiser. We like the wide-swinging rear doors and second-row EZ Flex seating that allows more straightforward third-row access (though the tallest passengers will want to avoid climbing back in there).

ProPilot Assist is one of the best driver assistance suites available. If Nissan wants to make the Pathfinder more competitive, it must develop a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, as Toyota did with the Highlander. Even so, the brand links its electrification future more to electric batteries than any other type of propulsion.

The Pathfinder is roughly on par with most of the competition regarding price and overall value. Build quality has improved significantly compared to previous models.

The cabin looks and feels comfortable, with soft materials on the dashboard and a simple overall design. We wouldn’t call it premium, but it is worth the money.

However, competitors like Kia and Hyundai provide more for less. This also applies to warranties. Nissan offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty that’s on par with the class but falls short of the Kia and Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties.

Additionally, although Nissan provides three years of support, it does not include planned service visits.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Specs

• What’s that?
  SUV 8 course
• How strong is it?
  284hp @ 6400rpm
• How efficient is it?
  10,6L/100km
• EPA MPG
  21–23 Combinations
• Seating
  7–8 Seats
• Machine
  Gas
• Drive chain
  Front Wheel Drive, Four Wheel Drive
• Limited warranty
  3 Years/36,000 Miles

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

This Overlanding model in the series is ready for trial use. In addition to increased powertrain output and standard AWD, the 2024 Rock Creek Pathfinder features standard gearbox liquid cooling for improved operation, multiple terrain settings, and hill descent control.

It’s the only model in the lineup with off-road suspension and all-terrain tires. It’s also the only 2024 Pathfinder with standard second-row cap lineup chairs and a removable rear center console.

LED fog lights, a roof rack with a 230-pound capacity, and a Class III tow hitch with trailer harness, cables, and connectors are also standard equipment. The exterior features a distinct bumper, grille, and 18-inch black alloy wheels, while the interior features faux leather and cloth upholstery.

The Pathfinder is offered in five trim levels, ranging from S to Platinum. Rock Creek flows through the center. Midsize SUVs have trail-inspired variants with a midsize-size rugged look and added off-road performance, and the Rock Creek is one of them.

The car is differentiated from the rest of the Pathfinder lineup by its refined grille, bumpers, wheels, and roof rack. Rock Creelineupandard’s all-wheel-drive system, all-terrain tires, and off-road suspension with a 0.6-inch lift let you go further than the beaten path. With premium fuel, it gets 11 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder TI

In addition, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Ti model competes to win Australian families’ hearts with its performance as Nissan’s most affordable large SUV.

The Ti AWD is an eight-seater car with a 2+3+3 configuration. The top-spec Ti-L AWD replaces the second row of seats with two individual captain’s chairs, making it a seven-seater.

The Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter petrol engine is carried over from the previous generation. Nissan says that this engine has improved acceleration, refinement, and economy. This is partly thanks to a new nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the old model’s continuously variable transmission.

• Space for adults in all rows
• Easy to ride despite its physical size
• Style packs provide more visual prominence

When the fifth-generation Pathfinder arrives in Australia in December 2022, Nissan will launch a four-tier lineup, starting with the ST at $54,190 plus on-road costs, followed by the lineupT-L and Ti, and ending with the Ti-L at $77,890 (plus ORC costs). The ST and Ti are both offered with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, effectively making it a six-tier Pathfinder range.

In February 2023, Nissan will remove the four more affordable variants and raise the prices for the remaining Ti AWD and Ti-L AWD to $70,030 and $80,277 plus on-road costs. Prices have risen again, currently at $71,490 and $81,490, respectively.

Parking it in your driveway will cost you $77,344 (Ti) and $89,169 (Ti-L). Both prices include all on-road costs applicable to buyers in Melbourne, so exact prices may vary slightly in other states.

Nissan said the Pathfinder range’s radical reorganization immediately after launch was necessary because of supply issues for the cheaper variant from its plant in Tennessee, US, and because Australian buyers were shopping at the higher end of the range.

Interior: 2024 Nissan Pathfinder TI

The Pathfinder Ti is equipped with three-zone climate control, leather interior trim for the first and second rows, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and second-row outboard seats, rear sunshade, 13-speaker Bose sound system, touchscreen infotainment with wireless smartphone mirroring and satellite navigation, as well as a color head-up display that projects vehicle speed and other important information onto the windshield in front of the driver.

The Ti’s middle row is a three-seat bench, which means — thanks to the Pathfinder’s vast body — you can have two child seats and fit a third child or small adult between them.

The third row can also be accessed with child seats in the two outermost spots of the second row, as the Pathfinder has a clever one-touch seat shift function. This function can tilt the seats forward and up, keeping the backrests in place and providing a decent porthole for a shift backward.

The windows have open and closed curtains, which help block sunlight from hitting Junior’s face when he takes a nap.

Two USB ports (USB-A and C) and a third-zone climate control are on the back of the front console. The room is spacious even when I slide the seat forward behind the driving position. Air vents on the roof maintain airflow.

The third row has enough headroom and legroom to accommodate two adults but is not wide enough for three. The seat base-to-floor ratio is shorter, which means your feet won’t be resting on the seat base, which can be sure to cause a sore butt or weak legs if you’re stuck there for too long.

There are no armrests in the back row, but there are two more places to put glasses and bottles, bringing the total to 12 in this eight-passenger car. There are also air vents in the third row and a USB charger for jockeying for space.

When all three rows of seats are used, the electric tailgate can be lifted to reveal ample boot space (205 L). It can fit three or four overnight bags, and an underfloor storage area is large enough to carry several pairs of muddy boots.

Infotainment: Nissan Pathfinder TI 2024

The Nissan Pathfinder Ti has wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, which can be accessed via the 9.0-inch central infotainment screen.

The screen was a bit small by today’s standards and more rectangular than some competitors, favoring landscape orientation rather than the growing portrait trend embraced by the Ford Everest.

The interface is sharp and fast, and the layout is intuitive and easy to use. This system allows owners to customize the home screen with frequently used apps, which is good.

The system includes satellite navigation and digital radio, while air conditioning controls are housed on separate switches. That way, setup is easy and fast without taking your eyes off the road.

In addition to the infotainment screen in the center, the Pathfinder Ti has a 7.0-inch digital driver display flanked by conventional speedometer and tachometer buttons, as well as a 10.8-inch head-up display projected on the windshield. Everything works fine, but I would expect a fully digital driver instrument display at this price.

The Pathfinder Ti has an excellent 13-speaker Bose sound system—not the best we’ve heard in this category—and a wireless charging mat at the bottom of the center stack.

In some overseas markets, Nissan offers the Nissan Connect app to interact remotely with your Nissan. This app is not currently available in Australia and, therefore, not in Pathfinder.

Tech: Nissan Pathfinder TI 2024

The Pathfinder Ti and Ti-L get a full suite of active safety that Nissan calls ‘Intelligent Mobility.’ These include predictable forward collision warning with intersection assist and emergency braking (for pedestrians and cyclists), driver attention warning, blind spot warning and intervention, lane departure warning and prevention, rear cross-traffic warning, reverse collision prevention, intelligent cruise control with adjustable speed limiter, and traffic sign recognition.

A tire pressure monitor is also installed on all model types.

Both variants include a semi-autonomous function (which Nissan calls ProPilot) that links the intelligent cruise control system with steering assist to center the Pathfinder in its lane and maintain vehicle-to-vehicle distance and speed.

Engine: Nissan Pathfinder TI 2024

This 3.5-liter engine is the newest member of a family that’s been around since the 1990s, so it’s easy to assume it’s less sophisticated and less responsive. However, the reality is far from that.

The V6 engine is rated at 202 kW and 340 Nm of torque, which isn’t much power, but the Pathfinder never feels tired or out of breath. The engine and nine-speed automatic transmission are a strong partnership, making the Pathfinder relaxed most of the time and able to accelerate with gusto when needed.

The Pathfinder’s suspension is also well-tuned for the application, adding to the composure of everyday driving on most road surfaces. The Ti’s smaller 18-inch wheels had better bump absorption than the 20-inch Ti-L tires I’ve previously tested. The display isn’t as good as on the smaller wheels, but it would be my choice for comfort.

There’s not much to complain about dynamically – as long as you keep the vehicle’s purpose in mind. The steering is light at parking speeds but provides a weighty firmness as speed increases, and the brakes pull the big bus nimbly when underfoot.

In short, the Pathfinder drives smaller than it looks, if that makes sense. And that’s no easy feat because the vehicle is so big.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Interior

The interior of the Pathfinder is modern and reminiscent of a truck, featuring well-placed controls and comfortable front seating. Although the standard second-row seats accommodate up to eight riders, buyers can substitute them with captain’s chairs, a desirable feature in a family crossover. This reduces the capacity to seven. The seating capacity is three rows. Nissan has incorporated stowage bins into the cabin, including a substantial bin beneath the center console that the driver or front-seat passenger can access. The upper specification levels include lux like a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and semi-aniline leather upholstery.

The Pathfinder’s interior is modern and truck-like, with comfortable front seats and well-placed controls. Three rows of seating can accommodate up to eight passengers. However, customers can replace the conventional second-row bench seat with captain’s chairs, which reduces the capacity to seven.

Nissan offers internal storage space throughout the cabin, including a large bin under the center console that the driver or front-seat passenger can access. Upper trim levels include semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

All three rows provide ample passenger space, although the rear seats are difficult to get in and out of. Second-row captain’s chairs were on our test Pathfinder. There’s a center console between the two that’s pretty easy to remove.

Outward visibility is excellent. Large rearview mirrors and vertical windows help reduce blind spots and make parking easier. The driving position is also beneficial. Many customization options are available, and all the controls are easy to access and simple. Nissan’s infotainment system is adequate but less elegant than other competitors.

Dimensions

Behind the third row of seats, you’ll find 470L of cargo space, but if you fold those seats, that increases to 1,274L. If you need extra space, the Pathfinder has a maximum of 2,421L behind the front seats. The front two rows are spacious enough, and the third row isn’t too bad either, but it’s more than worth the occasional use.

Comfort

The Pathfinder isn’t the most comfortable car in its class, but it’s not an awful place to spend time. The ride is pleasant without being excessively soft or bouncy. Bumps are felt, but they do not send shockwaves through the seats. The front seats are flat and stiff so that comfort may suffer during a day behind the wheel.

The climate control system works nicely, blowing cool air without the fans sounding like a jet engine before takeoff. We also enjoy the system’s simple buttons and knobs. Wind and road noise are relatively minimal.

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Connectivity and infotainment

An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with the newest version of the NissanConnect software interface is standard, with a more significant 9.0-inch display standard on the SL and Platinum variants. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with the former being wirelessly connected on higher levels.

Optional options include a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, an onboard Wi-Fi hot spot, a wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio, a head-up display, and an in-dash navigation system. A six-speaker stereo is standard, but a 13-speaker Bose system is available.

Technology

An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and operates on the most recent iteration of the NissanConnect software interface. The SL and Platinum models come equipped with a larger 9.0-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, and the former can be wirelessly synchronized on higher-end configurations.

An in-dash navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charging station, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are all optional features. A six-speaker stereo is the default configuration; however, a 13-speaker Bose system is available.

Storage

SUVs must be capable of hauling cargo and people, and the Pathfinder excels at both. The cargo space behind the third seat is a measly 16.6 cubic feet. It’s cramped, but there’s enough room for groceries or small bags.

It expands to 45 cubic feet when only the third row is folded or 80.5 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded. That’s less than the class leaders, but the room is large and open, so it’s no worse functionally. Small items such as sunglasses, water bottles, hand sanitizer, and other necessities can be stored in numerous bins and compartments throughout the cabin.

The Pathfinder has one of the highest towing capacities in its class. Standard models can tow 3,500 pounds, but with the towing option, it increases to 6,000 pounds, which is more than any other midsize SUV.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Engine

Although midsize maintains the 3.5-liter V-6 engine from the previous generation model, it abandons the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in favor of a new nine-speed automatic. In most models, the V-6 generates 284 horsepower; however, the Rock Creek upgrade increases this output to 295.

Front-wheel drive is the default configuration; however, all trims can accommodate all-wheel drive. The upgrade to the all-wheel-drive system includes seven driving modes, including off-road-focused Sand and Mud/Rut modes. Our front-wheel-drive Pathfinder SL test vehicle reached 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while models with all-wheel drive could do so in 6.6 seconds.

According to these findings, the all-wheel-drive Pathfinder outpaces the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander. The Pathfinder’s ride is smooth, and Nissan’s attention to sound-deadening elements ensures that the cabin is extra quiet during cruising, even though handling is entirely unimpressive and not entertaining.

Transmission

While the 3.5-liter V-6 from the previous version is retained, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is replaced by a new nine-speed automatic. The V-6 produces 284 horsepower in most versions but 295 in the Rock Creek trim.

Although front-wheel drive is standard, all grades are available with all-wheel drive. Upgrading to all-wheel drive provides seven more drive modes, including the off-road-focused Sand and Mud/Rut mode.

Our front-wheel-drive Pathfinder SL test vehicle reached 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive model did it in 6.6 seconds. These data indicate that the all-wheel-drive Pathfinder outperforms the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander.

The Pathfinder’s handling is entirely forgettable and uninteresting, but the ride is comfortable, and Nissan’s attention to sound-deadening features makes the cabin particularly quiet when cruising.

Fuel Efficiency

The EPA estimates that the Pathfinder achieves 23 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 21-23 mpg with all-wheel drive, depending on trim. Those are some of the highest ratings in the class. On our real-world evaluation route, we got 22.2 mpg.

This is less than expected, implying that the Pathfinder may be slightly thirstier than its estimated fuel efficiency.

Performance

All versions of the Nissan Pathfinder are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and all-wheel drive. The motor produces 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Rock Creek model has slightly more power, namely 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, although Nissan insists those figures are achieved when using premium fuel.

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2024 Nissan Pathfinder MPG

The Pathfinder with optional all-wheel drive is the most efficient, as it achieves ratings of 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, according to the EPA. However, front-wheel-drive models achieve the same ratings in the city and combined but only 26 mpg on the interstate. Our all-wheel-drive test vehicle achieved 28 mpg, surpassing the EPA’s ratings.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Efficiency

The Nissan Pathfinder is estimated to produce 10.5 L/100 km in combined operating scenarios, slightly lower than the Toyota Highlander but higher than the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent. Nevertheless, the fuel economy will be reduced somewhat to 11.1 L/100 km if you choose the more potent Rock Creek model for off-roading.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Models

The Nissan Pathfinder 2024 is a three-row SUV with five trim levels: S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. A 3.5-liter V6 engine (284 horsepower, 259 lb-ft of torque) mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission powers all models. Except for the Rock Creek, which comes standard with AWD, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. The Pathfinder’s feature highlights include:

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Safety

The IIHS awarded the Nissan Pathfinder a Top Safety Pick Plus rating, indicating the crossover’s strong crash resistance and implementation of safety technology. Even the entry-level S model has Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, a suite of advanced driver technology that includes steering assist and adaptive cruise control.

Ratings and Features of Safety

We anticipate the 2024 Pathfinder will perform similarly to the 2023 model in IIHS testing. The model from the prior year is a 2023 Top Safety Pick+, the institute’s top rating. Only the 2024 AWD version has been evaluated by the NHTSA, and it receives a five-star overall safety rating, the administration’s highest score.

Front automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition and rear automatic braking are standard features, as are lane keeping, automatic headlamps, monitors for vehicle blind areas, and rear cross-traffic. The SV trim includes adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving, while the SL trim includes traffic sign recognition. Rain-sensing wipers are included in the Platinum model.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Trim

This year, the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in five trim levels: S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum. The Rock Creek model appears to be a lot of fun, with its go-anywhere gear and attitude, in addition to providing many of the criticalities that many families want.

The base model of the 2024 Pathfinder S FWD starts at just over $37,000. The Platinum AWD is the most costly variant, costing over $52,000. The Rock Creek begins at just under $45,000, several thousand dollars cheaper than the top model.

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2024 Nissan Pathfinder Price

Although Nissan equips the S and SV Pathfinders with desirable driver-assistance systems, we prefer the more expensive SL model if your money allows. The more extensive 9.0-inch infotainment system, a 360-degree video system, and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity are all available as upgrades from the SV.

With 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose stereo system, heated back seats, and wireless smartphone charging, the Pathfinder becomes downright sumptuous at $2990. This kit includes everything needed to activate the Pathfinder’s 6000-pound towing capacity.

• S $37,175
• SV $39,995
• SL $43,595
• Rock Creek Edition $44,995
• Platinum $50,145

Verdict

The Nissan Pathfinder is a reasonably roomy and enjoyable vehicle to drive. Nissan has lavished it with in-car technology and driver assistance. Overall, the Pathfinder can transport people and freight in moderate comfort.

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