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Nissan Pathfinder
Car and Driver says once a stout, body-on-frame all-terrain vehicle, the mid-size Nissan Pathfinder now finds itself more suited to hauling families and groceries in the suburban jungle, with a V-6 engine that provides good pep and decent fuel economy and a quiet three-row interior at highway speeds, though even its most rugged trim, the Rock Creek, lacks true off-road capability, and the name is a bit of a misnomer for family hauling duty over trail-blazing. MotorTrend says despite Nissan's efforts, the 2026 Pathfinder remains stuck near the bottom of the three-row SUV segment, since this year's changes don't fix the core issue: its naturally aspirated V-6 works best only near redline and lacks low-end torque in everyday driving, a shortcoming that a turbocharged engine like the closely related Infiniti QX60's would fix, while ride quality is generally composed but slow steering and a broad turning circle make it cumbersome, rivaling the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride.
A family hauler, not a path finder
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says once a stout, body-on-frame all-terrain vehicle, the mid-size Nissan Pathfinder now finds itself more suited to hauling families and groceries in the suburban jungle, with a V-6 engine that provides good pep and decent fuel economy and a quiet three-row interior at highway speeds, though even its most rugged trim, the Rock Creek, lacks true off-road capability.
Stuck near the bottom of its segment
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says despite Nissan's efforts, the 2026 Pathfinder remains stuck near the bottom of the three-row SUV segment, rivaling the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride, since this year's changes don't fix the core issue: its naturally aspirated V-6 works best only near redline and lacks low-end torque in everyday driving.
A turbo engine could fix its biggest flaw
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Pathfinder's low-end torque shortcoming is one a turbocharged engine like the closely related Infiniti QX60's would fix, while ride quality is generally composed but slow steering and a broad turning circle make it cumbersome.
Questions buyers ask
Is the Nissan Pathfinder good off-road?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says no, even the rugged Rock Creek trim lacks true off-road capability.
What competes with the Nissan Pathfinder?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) names the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, and Kia Telluride.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is built around 3.5L V6, rated at 284 / 295 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2026 U.S. lineup has 5 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe most the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is published to tow is 6,000 lb.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2026 Pathfinder.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
S, SV, SL and Platinum share a 284-horsepower V6 with optional AWD, while Rock Creek gets a distinct 295-horsepower tune of the same engine with standard AWD.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
2 indexed Nissan Pathfinder model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Pathfinder | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 2025 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Nissan Pathfinder.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1985. Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan's compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier. The Pathfinder was marketed as the Nissan Terrano outside North America.
- Awards
- In 2022, MotorWeek named the Pathfinder the Best Midsize Utility in its Drivers’ Choice Awards, and Parents.com included the Pathfinder among its Best Family Cars the same year. Cars.com listed the Pathfinder among its Best Cars for Car Seats in 2024, and it was listed again in 2025, when it also ranked 20th on the American-Made Index published by Cars.com.
Source: Nissan Pathfinder (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Nissan Pathfinder at a glance
- Production
- 1985–present
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1985–2014), Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2012–present), Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1985–present)
- Chassis
- Body-on-frame (1985–1995, 2005–2014), Unibody (1995–2004, 2012–present)
- Predecessor
- Datsun Truck#Bushmaster, Nissan Bushmaster, Nissan Terrano II (Europe)
- Successor
- Nissan Xterra#First generation (WD22; 1999), Nissan Xterra (for WD21 model, as a compact SUV), Nissan Terra (for R51 model, as a body-on-frame SUV)
- Also called
- Nissan Terrano (1985–2004)
Nissan Pathfinder generations
The Nissan Pathfinder has been redesigned in 1995, 2004, gaps of 10, 9 years, an average of 9.5 years between generations. The current generation (third generation, R51) began in 2004.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | YD21/WD21 | 1985–1995 | The first generation Pathfinder was unveiled in May 1985 and was later introduced in July 1986 as a two-door body-on-frame SUV, for the 1987 model year in the United States. |
| Second generation | R50 | 1995–2004 | The second generation Pathfinder was introduced in late 1995 with revised styling. |
| Third generation | R51 | 2004–present | In August 2003, Nissan unveiled Dunehawk Concept and showcased it at the IAA 2003 in Frankfurt (R51 design patents filed 8 September 2003), previewing the next Pathfinder's design. |
NHTSA rated the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Recent recalls (3 campaigns across the latest model years)
- March 2025, Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Murano, Pathfinder, and INFINITI QX60 vehicles. One or both front brake caliper assemblies may have reduced strength and could break. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor… Consequence: A broken front brake caliper can cause a loss of front brake function, increasing the risk of a crash.
- March 2024, Seat Belts:Pretensioner. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The lap belt pretensioner in the left-side front seat belt assembly may be improperly secured, due to a missing rivet. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with… Consequence: An unsecured lap belt pretensioner will not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- February 2024, Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag… Consequence: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, most often about unknown or other (15), service brakes (9), power train (7).
Year by year
The Nissan Pathfinder across 11 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records | NHTSA recalls | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA overall rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,800–$3,800 | 4 | 5 stars | ||
| 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,700–$3,700 | 4 | 1 | 49 | 5 stars |
| 2024 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,700–$3,700 | 4 | 2 | 75 | 5 stars |
| 2023 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,700–$3,700 | 4 | 1 | 103 | 5 stars |
| 2022 Nissan Pathfinder | 22–23 | $2,700–$2,850 | 3 | 5 | 135 | 5 stars |
| 2020 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 3 | 52 | 5 stars | |
| 2019 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 3 | 2 | 75 | 5 stars |
| 2018 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 3 | 3 | 77 | 5 stars |
| 2017 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 3 | 2 | 185 | 5 stars |
| 2016 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–23 | $2,700–$2,950 | 3 | 2 | 107 | 5 stars |
| 2015 Nissan Pathfinder | 21–26 | $2,400–$2,950 | 5 | 5 | 320 | 5 stars |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Nissan Pathfinder, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 to 2026 | Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Size classes: Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | ||
| 2023 to 2024 | Labels: Pathfinder 4WD Platinum; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Labels: Pathfinder 4WD SL/Platinum | ||
| 2022 to 2023 | 3 to 4 | 22.5 to 22.0 | Labels: Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek, Pathfinder 4WD SL/Platinum; Fuels: Premium | Labels: Pathfinder 4WD Platinum; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| 2020 to 2022 | 22.0 to 22.5 | Transmissions: Automatic (S9); Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios) | |
| 2016 to 2017 | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI | Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl | ||
| 2015 to 2016 | 5 to 3 | 23.5 to 22.0 | Labels: Pathfinder Hybrid 2WD, Pathfinder Hybrid 4WD; Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
Buying used
What the Nissan Pathfinder recalls and complaints are about.
| Model year | Campaigns | Systems recalled | Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components) | None |
| 2024 | 2 | air bags (frontal); seat belts (pretensioner) | None |
| 2023 | 1 | seats (critical fasteners) | None |
| 2022 | 5 | latches/locks/linkages (hood); seats (mid/rear assembly); seats (critical fasteners); 1 more | 1 fixable over the air |
| 2019 | 2 | back over prevention (sensing system); service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip) | 1 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2018 | 3 | service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip); back over prevention (sensing system) | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2017 | 2 | service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip) | 2 stop-driving or park-outside |
| 2016 | 2 | air bags (sensor); latches/locks/linkages (hood) | None |
| 2015 | 5 | service brakes; air bags (frontal); air bags (sensor); 2 more | None |
Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside
- 2017, campaign 18V-601 (Sep 2018): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- 2017, campaign 19V-807 (Nov 2019): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- 2018, campaign 18V-601 (Sep 2018): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- 2018, campaign 19V-807 (Nov 2019): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- 2019, campaign 19V-807 (Nov 2019): service brakes, hydraulic (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
| System | Complaints | Share of all complaints | Worst model year |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 285 | 24% | 2017 (83) |
| unknown or other | 269 | 23% | 2015 (79) |
| power train | 192 | 16% | 2015 (76) |
| service brakes | 178 | 15% | 2022 (34) |
| electrical system | 161 | 14% | 2017 (27) |
| air bags | 81 | 7% | 2015 (55) |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Nissan Pathfinder trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 259 | 4,482 | 3,500 | 23 | $39,045 |
| SV | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 259 | 4,495 | 6,000 | 23 | $41,445 |
| SL | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 259 | 4,506 | 6,000 | 23 | $44,045 |
| Rock Creek | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 | 295 | 270 | 4,579 | 6,000 | 21 | $46,545 |
| Platinum | 4WD | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 259 | 4,641 | 6,000 | 22 | $50,945 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Nissan Pathfinder model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284–295 | 4,482–4,641 | 3,500–6,000 | 18.5 |
| 2025 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284–295 | 4,480–4,642 | 3,500–6,000 | 18.5 |
| 2024 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284–295 | 4,317–4,625 | 3,500–6,000 | 18.5 |
| 2023 | 5 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284–295 | 4,317–4,625 | 3,500–6,000 | 18.5 |
| 2022 | 4 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 4,317–4,625 | 3,500–6,000 | 18.5 |
| 2020 | 4 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 4,287–4,659 | 6,000 | 19.5 |
| 2019 | 4 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 4,292–4,662 | 6,000 | 19.5 |
| 2018 | 4 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 4,292–4,660 | 6,000 | 19.5 |
| 2017 | 4 | 3.5-liter V6 | 284 | 4,292–4,660 | 6,000 | 19.5 |
| 2016 | 4 | 3.5-liter V6 | 260 | 4,263–4,643 | 5,000 | 19.5 |
| 2015 | 4 | 3.5-liter V6 | 260 | 4,260–4,642 | 5,000 | 19.5 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Nissan Pathfinder.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | – | – | R-1234yf | – |
| 2025 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | R-1234yf | – |
| 2024 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2023 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2022 | – | – | 83 lb-ft | – | – |
| 2020 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2019 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2017 | – | – | – | R-134a | – |
| 2016 | 0W-20 | – | – | R-134a | – |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Model-year recall record
Nissan Pathfinder: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.
More recalls than this model’s own average
- 2022 Nissan Pathfinder : 5 recalls on file, most commonly affecting seats and door latches.
- 2015 Nissan Pathfinder : 5 recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags and brakes.
| Model year | Federal recalls on file | Complaints on file | Recalls most commonly affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | not available | ||
| 2025 | 1 | 49 | brakes |
| 2024 | 2 | 75 | airbags, seat belts |
| 2023 | 1 | 103 | seats |
| 2022 | 5 | 135 | seats, door latches, backup camera |
| 2021 | 0 | ||
| 2020 | 52 | ||
| 2019 | 2 | 75 | backup camera, brakes |
| 2018 | 3 | 77 | brakes, backup camera |
| 2017 | 2 | 185 | brakes |
| 2016 | 2 | 107 | airbags, door latches |
| 2015 | 5 | 320 | airbags, brakes, exterior lighting, door latches |
Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.
Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.
Q01Is there a best year to buy a Nissan Pathfinder?
Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2022, 2015 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.
Q02Which Nissan Pathfinder model years should I watch for recalls?
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder has 5 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting seats, door latches, backup camera; The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder has 5 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting airbags, brakes, exterior lighting. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.
Q03What are common recall-related problems on the Nissan Pathfinder by model year?
2025: brakes. 2024: airbags, seat belts. 2023: seats. 2022: seats, door latches, backup camera. 2019: backup camera, brakes. 2018: brakes, backup camera.
Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Buying, records and recalls, Brakes, tires and steering, Climate and electrical.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Climate and electrical.
2015 Nissan Pathfinder owners specifically: see Buying, records and recalls and Brakes, tires and steering and Climate and electrical.
Compared with
Models this Nissan Pathfinder is most often compared with.
Nearest Nissan models
Other Nissan models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Pathfinder come in?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder (three-row SUV) comes in 5 trims: S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, Platinum.
Q02What are the 2026 Pathfinder trims?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder trims are S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, Platinum, listed from the entry S up to the top Platinum.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Pathfinder use?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is built around 3.5L V6, rated at 284 / 295 horsepower across its three-row SUV body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2026 Pathfinder have?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is rated at 284 / 295 horsepower (3.5L V6).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Pathfinder?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is offered with FWD / AWD.