New 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 8-Seater Mid-Size SUV Reviews

2026 Nissan Pathfinder: The Nissan Pathfinder is a compelling choice over other midsize three-row SUVs, despite the fact that it is no simple task to compete with heavyweights like the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride. Its distinctive, sharp-edged design distinguishes it from the rest of the pack, and the interior is spacious enough to accommodate adults in the third row.

It is also enjoyable to operate and has the capability to tow up to 6,000 pounds, which is approximately 1,000 pounds more than the majority of its competitors.

The Pathfinder, which was last redesigned in 2022, is in need of a visual revamp. It is conceivable that the 2026 model will feature an updated interior that incorporates Nissan’s most recent infotainment technology, which was recently introduced in the smaller Rogue. Additionally, the front and rear styling may be refreshed.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Review

There are numerous trim options available for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder; however, the Rock Creek trim is particularly noteworthy. This model is designed for off-road use and features an enhanced grille, bumpers, off-road tires, and roof rack to accommodate additional equipment. 0.6 inches of elevation are added by an off-road-tuned suspension, and all-wheel drive is included as standard.

Additionally, it generates 11 additional horsepower and torque in comparison to the standard Pathfinder. In its entirety, this Pathfinder is capable of navigating in a manner that is significantly superior to that of the standard SUV and numerous of its competitors. Most importantly, it occupies the midpoint of the lineup, which implies that it is not even the most costly iteration.

Despite the fact that Nissan’s three-row Pathfinder has never achieved the same level of success as class leaders such as the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, or Honda Pilot, the most recent models are still regarded as among the finest.

The Pathfinder acquires more character as the crossover’s gentle curves give way to a more muscular truck look, as evidenced by its sharper, squarer styling, sleeker headlights, and larger badging, which were last redesigned for 2022. And the musculature in question is not merely cosmetic.

We approximate that the 2026 Pathfinder has the capacity to tow a maximum of 6,000 pounds, which is approximately 1,000 pounds more than the majority of its competitors. Additionally, it provides a spacious, adult-friendly third row, which is not a feature that all of its competitors can boast.

What to Expect

It is probable that a styling revision will occur in 2026.
The update may include updated technology offerings.
A component of the fourth iteration Pathfinder that was introduced in 2022

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Interior

The interior of the Pathfinder is modern and reminiscent of a truck, featuring well-placed controls and comfortable front seating.

The standard second-row bench seat can be exchanged for captain’s chairs, a feature that is highly sought after in family crossovers, reducing the capacity to seven. However, the three rows of seating can accommodate up to eight commuters.

The Nissan authorities have incorporated storage boxes throughout the compartment, including a substantial storage area beneath the centre console that can be accessed by the driver or front seat passenger. Luxuries such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and semi-aniline leather upholstery are included in the upper specification levels.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is included as 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 both standard features, and the former can be wirelessly synchronised on higher trim levels. In-dash navigation systems, SiriusXM satellite radio, a wireless smartphone charging station, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot are all available as options. A six-speaker stereo is the default configuration; however, a 13-speaker Bose system is available as an option.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Engine

The Pathfinder maintains the 3.5-liter V-6 engine from the previous generation model; however, it replaces the continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT) with a new nine-speed automatic. In the majority of models, the V-6 generates 284 horsepower; however, the Rock Creek upgrade increases this output to 295 horsepower.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with front-wheel drive as standard on all trims except the Rock Creek, and all trims can be fitted with all-wheel drive. A set of seven drive modes, including off-road-focused Sand and Mud/Rut modes, is also included when upgrading to all-wheel drive. The Pathfinder’s ride is smooth, and Nissan’s attention to sound deadening elements ensures that the cabin is extra silent at speed, despite the fact that the handling is neither impressive nor entertaining.

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Payload

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S, SV, and SL are capable of towing a maximum of 3,500 pounds. The Rock Creek and Platinum, as well as the SV and SL when equipped with the available Premium equipment, are capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds. The roof rack of the Rock Creek is capable of accommodating a maximum weight of 260 pounds.

Performance

During our 2026 Nissan Pathfinder performance test at the test track, a front-wheel-drive Pathfinder SL test vehicle achieved a speed of 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, while an all-wheel-drive model achieved the same speed in 6.6 seconds. This implies that the Pathfinder, which is equipped with all-wheel drive, is more efficient than both the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder MPG

The Pathfinder with optional all-wheel drive is the most efficient, as it is rated at 21 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the interstate, and 23 mpg combined by the EPA. Front-wheel-drive models are rated at the same highway and combined efficiency, but only 20 mpg in the city.

The Rock Creek Edition is the least efficient of the group, achieving 20 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the interstate, and 21 mpg on the combined cycle. In our 75-mph highway fuel economy test, our all-wheel-drive test vehicle exceeded its EPA rating and yielded 28 mpg. See for additional information regarding the fuel efficiency of the Pathfinder.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Models

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row SUV that is offered in five specification levels: S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. The 3.5-liter V6 engine (284 horsepower, 259 lb-ft of torque) is mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox in all trims.

All-wheel drive is optional on all variants, with the exception of the Rock Creek, which is equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. Front-wheel drive is the default. Highlights of the Pathfinder’s features include:

S

Commencing with:

LED headlights 18-inch rims
Proximity keyless entry with push-button start
Automatic climate control with three zones
Eight passengers can be accommodated in the second section using the bench seat.
8-inch touchscreen
The system audio enam speaker is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphones.

Additionally, each Pathfinder is equipped with:

Blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert (notifies you of any vehicles in your blind spot when changing lanes or reversing)
Forward collision mitigation (in certain circumstances, applies the brakes and alerts the driver of an imminent collision)
Rear automatic braking (the vehicle will stop if the sensor detects an impending collision with an object behind it)
Lane departure warning (notifies the driver if the vehicle begins to deviate from the designated lane)
Rear parking sensor English

SV

In accordance with the S variant, the SV contributes:

Remote commencement
Exterior reflectors that are heated
Front chairs that are heated
Steering handle with a leather
Power-adjustable driver’s bench
Trunk shutter with power
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts the pace to maintain a consistent distance between the Pathfinder and the vehicle in front)
Lane keeping assist (redirects the Pathfinder back into its lane if it begins to stray beyond the lane markers)
Blind spot intervention (automatically repositions the vehicle into its designated lane if an object is detected in the vehicle’s blind spot).

The SV Premium bundle is an optional addition. It comprises the following:

Roof with a panoramic view
Crane preparation apparatus with a capacity of 6,000 pounds
Captain’s chairs in the second row with a detachable centre console

Rock Creek

The Rock Creek trim is derived from the SV and includes the following:

Off-road suspension with a 0.6-inch lift
All-terrain tires are mounted on 18-inch rims.
LED fog lighting
Increased horsepower by using premium fuel (added 11 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque)
All-wheel drive that is conventional
Roof rack with a cargo capacity of up to 220 pounds that is tubular in design
Crane preparation apparatus with a capacity of 6,000 pounds
Grille and fender that are distinctive
Captain’s chairs in the second row with a detachable centre console
Rear chairs that are heated
A seat made of synthetic leather with fabric reinforcements
Contrast embroidery on the interior in orange
Front and rear parking sensors
Surround view camera (provides a top-down perspective of the
Pathfinder and its environs in tight parking situations)

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SL

The SL trim is an extension of the SV trim, featuring Rock Creek’s surround-view camera and front and rear parking sensors. The SL includes the following:

Upholstery made of leather
Steering handle that is heated
Manual coverings in the second row
A nine-inch touch screen
Smartphone charging device that operates wirelessly
The wireless integration of Apple CarPlay with smartphones
Integrated navigation
USB interface and an additional 12 volts
Traffic sign recognition (identifies specific road markers and displays them on the instrument panel)

This trim offers the SL Premium suite as an optional option. This bundle comprises the following:

Roof with a panoramic view
20-inch rims
Crane preparatory equipment with a 6,000-pound capacity Second-row captain’s chairs with a detachable centre console
Rear chairs that are heated
Audio system Platinum Bose 13 speaker

Platinum

Lead the Pathfinder lineup with:

Features of the SL Premium suite (excluding the rear captain’s chairs)
Improved leather upholstery
Front chairs that are ventilated
Exterior rearview mirrors that can be folded with the push of a button
Steering handle with power adjustment
Electric luggage entrance that operates without the need for a hand
Cluster of digital instruments
Electrical outlet of the household design
Added USB connection
Head-up display (displays critical information on the windscreen in your line of sight)

Security

All 2026 Nissan Pathfinders are equipped with a variety of driver assistance features, such as automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

Standard on the SV, SL, and Platinum variants is Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving mode. For additional details regarding the Pathfinder’s collision test results, please consult the websites of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Key safety features consist of:

Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Lane departure warning and standard blind spot monitoring
Adaptive cruise control is accessible in a semi-autonomous driving mode.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Price

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to be priced at $37,790 with a maximum of $50,030, contingent upon the trim and options.

Although Nissan provides the Pathfinder S and SV with desirable driver-assist features, we suggest selecting the more expensive SL trim if it is within your budget. A 9.0-inch infotainment system, a 360-degree camera system, and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity are included as upgrades from the SV.

The Pathfinder is rendered genuinely luxurious by the $2,990 SL Premium package, which includes 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose stereo system, heated rear seats, and wireless smartphone charging.

The bundle also includes all the necessary components to enable the Pathfinder’s towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. All-wheel drive is included in the base price of Rock Creek, but it is an additional $2,000 on all other trims.

Table

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Release Date

Nissan has yet to provide an official confirmation that the most recent 2026 Nissan Pathfinder model will be available next year.

Release Date: Fall 2025

Competitors

It is evident that the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, and Kia Telluride are the Pathfinder’s primary competitors. Nevertheless, there are numerous other competitors. The Ford Explorer is also available in a rugged version, and the Chevrolet Traverse, which was recently redesigned, is also a viable option.

Verdict

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a vehicle that is both comfortable and simple to operate, while also being visually appealing. Additionally, Nissan provides an abundance of technological capabilities. In conclusion, we believe that the Pathfinder is an excellent choice for those in search of a practical three-row SUV that is capable of transporting both individuals and cargo.

New 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 8-Seater Mid-Size SUV Reviews

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Review

What to Expect