Verified vehicle record
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Car and Driver says Nissan has given its three-row crossover a styling refresh for 2026, redesigning the grille, front and rear bumpers, exterior lighting, and wheels; the interior gets a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a more powerful wireless smartphone charging pad, and more upscale materials on the top Platinum trim. MSRP runs $39,045-$53,365. MotorTrend says the Pathfinder's naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 (284 hp/259 lb-ft, or 295 hp on some trims) works best only near redline and lacks low-end torque -- a shortcoming a turbocharged engine like the related Infiniti QX60's would fix -- and calls the Pathfinder name misplaced given the SUV's difficulty on even light off-road trails, though the Rock Creek edition's raised suspension and all-terrain tires help modestly; MotorTrend says others in the segment drive with more verve, offer sleeker designs, and deliver better utility, making the Nissan worth considering but not necessarily choosing, and lists top-ranked competitors as the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
Powertrain3.5L V6
Output284 / 295 hp
DrivetrainFWD / AWD
Seating7 or 8
Maximum towing6,000 lb
Decision answers26Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Nissan has given its three-row crossover a styling refresh for 2026 by redesigning the grille, the front and rear bumpers, the exterior lighting elements, and the wheels. The Pathfinder's interior also gets several upgrades, including a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a more powerful wireless smartphone charging pad, and more upscale materials on the top Platinum trim.
Pricing and powertrain for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $39,045-$53,365.
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 makes 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, or 295 hp on some trims, but works best only near redline; in everyday driving it lacks low-end torque, a shortcoming that a turbocharged engine like the closely related Infiniti QX60's would fix.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the Pathfinder name is misplaced given the SUV's difficulty tackling even light off-road trails, though the Rock Creek edition's raised suspension and all-terrain tires offer modest improvement; ride quality is generally composed, but slow steering and a broad turning circle make it cumbersome. MotorTrend says others in the segment drive with more verve, offer sleeker designs, and deliver better utility, making the Nissan worth considering but not necessarily choosing, and lists top-ranked competitors as the Hyundai Palisade, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says a styling refresh with a redesigned grille and bumpers, plus a new 12.3-inch touchscreen inside.
How much does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $39,045 to $53,365.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
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.
Model-year note
Rock Creek's higher-output engine tune should not be assumed on the rest of the lineup, which stays at 284 hp.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| S | Entry trim | 3.5L V6 standard, 284 hp, FWD standard, AWD optional, 9-speed automatic transmission standard, Entry-level standard equipment |
| SV | Trim 2 of 5 | Additional comfort and technology equipment over S, 3.5L V6 and drivetrain options carry over from S, Upgraded infotainment over S |
| SL | Trim 3 of 5 | Surround-view camera and front/rear parking sensors standard (shared with Rock Creek), Premium materials and technology over SV, AWD optional |
| Rock Creek | Trim 4 of 5 | 3.5L V6 tuned to 295 hp, standard AWD, Off-road-oriented suspension and styling, Enhanced capability equipment over S/SV |
| Platinum | Top trim | Highest-appointed trim with premium materials and amenities, 3.5L V6 at 284 hp, AWD optional, SL-level camera and sensor equipment carries over |
01
Entry trim
S
- 3.5L V6 standard, 284 hp, FWD standard, AWD optional
- 9-speed automatic transmission standard
- Entry-level standard equipment
02
Trim 2 of 5
SV
- Additional comfort and technology equipment over S
- 3.5L V6 and drivetrain options carry over from S
- Upgraded infotainment over S
03
Trim 3 of 5
SL
- Surround-view camera and front/rear parking sensors standard (shared with Rock Creek)
- Premium materials and technology over SV
- AWD optional
04
Trim 4 of 5
Rock Creek
- 3.5L V6 tuned to 295 hp, standard AWD
- Off-road-oriented suspension and styling
- Enhanced capability equipment over S/SV
05
Top trim
Platinum
- Highest-appointed trim with premium materials and amenities
- 3.5L V6 at 284 hp, AWD optional
- SL-level camera and sensor equipment carries over
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 9-Spd | 4WD | 284 | 259 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SV | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 9-Spd | 4WD | 284 | 259 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| SL | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 9-Spd | 4WD | 284 | 259 | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Rock Creek | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 9-Spd | 4WD | 295 | 270 | 20 / 23 / 21 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Platinum | 3.5-liter V6 | Automatic, 9-Spd | 4WD | 284 | 259 | 20 / 25 / 22 mpg | 8 | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Towing | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 4,482 lb | 197.7 in | 70.9 in | 114.2 in | 7.1 in | 37.4 ft | 18.5 gal | 42.3 in | 44.3 in | 3,500 lb | P255/60R18 |
| SV | 4,495 lb | 197.7 in | 70.9 in | 114.2 in | 7.1 in | 37.4 ft | 18.5 gal | 42.3 in | 44.3 in | 6,000 lb | P255/60R18 |
| SL | 4,506 lb | 197.7 in | 70.9 in | 114.2 in | 7.1 in | 37.4 ft | 18.5 gal | 42.3 in | 44.3 in | 6,000 lb | P255/60R18 |
| Rock Creek | 4,579 lb | 198.8 in | 73.7 in | 114.2 in | 7.7 in | 37.4 ft | 18.5 gal | 42.3 in | 44.3 in | 6,000 lb | P265/60R18 |
| Platinum | 4,641 lb | 197.7 in | 70.9 in | 114.2 in | 7.1 in | 37.4 ft | 18.5 gal | 41.1 in | 44.3 in | 6,000 lb | P255/50R20 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Nissan Pathfinder trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | S | SV | SL | Rock Creek | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert with automatic braking | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-descent control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection with automatic braking | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Slip control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Text-message reader | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod connector | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| IPod interface | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Premium audio system | – | – | Opt | – | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Ventilated front seats | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Heated front seats | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | – | – | Opt | – | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | – | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | – | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Third-row seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | – | – | – | Std | – |
| Privacy glass | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power-folding mirrors | – | – | – | – | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | – | – | – | – | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | – | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | – | – | – | – | Std |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50146Pathfinder 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Regular | 21 | 27 | 23 | N/A |
| 50173Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Regular | 21 | 26 | 23 | N/A |
| 50174Pathfinder 4WD Platinum | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Regular | 20 | 25 | 22 | N/A |
| 50175Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S9) | Premium | 20 | 23 | 21 | N/A |
Direct answers
26 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
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.
Source: Nissan
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.
Source: Nissan
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.
Source: Nissan specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Pathfinder?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is offered with FWD / AWD.
Source: Nissan specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 Pathfinder?
Rock Creek's higher-output engine tune should not be assumed on the rest of the lineup, which stays at 284 hp.
Source: Nissan model-year information
Q06Which driver-assistance features are standard on a 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is documented with Surround-view camera and front/rear parking sensors standard (shared with Rock Creek).
Source: Manufacturer equipment table and owner’s manual
Q07How did the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 4 stars for rollover resistance, a 15.5% to 16.9% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q08What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder use?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder owner's manual names R-1234yf air-conditioning refrigerant. Source: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q09How much cargo space does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder have (behind 3rd row)?
Cargo volume is 16.6 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder in Nissan dealer research pages (Nissan of Lewisville, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q10How much cargo space does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder have (behind 2nd row, 3rd row folded)?
Cargo volume is 45.0 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder in Nissan dealer research pages (Nissan of Lewisville, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q11What is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder's maximum cargo volume?
Maximum cargo volume is 80.5 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder in Nissan dealer research pages (Nissan of Lewisville, read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q12What does the 3.5L V6 (S/SV/SL/Platinum) engine in the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder deliver?
Horsepower: 284 hp. Torque: 259 lb-ft. These figures belong to the 3.5L V6 (S/SV/SL/Platinum) configuration of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q13What does the 3.5L V6 (Rock Creek) engine in the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder deliver?
Horsepower: 295 hp. Torque: 270 lb-ft. These figures belong to the 3.5L V6 (Rock Creek) configuration of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, not to a trim name: one engine can appear on several trims and one trim can be offered with more than one engine, so match the engine on the window sticker before applying them. Documented 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q14How much does a 2026 Nissan Pathfinder cost?
Kelley Blue Book's national base prices run from $39,045 for the S to $50,945 for the Platinum, across the 5 trims it prices (read 2026-09-10). Those are Kelley Blue Book's figures rather than the maker's starting MSRPs, and they include the destination charge.
Source: kbb.com (opens in a new tab)
Q15What are the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder trim levels?
The lineup is S, SV, SL, Rock Creek and Platinum.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q16Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
FWD is standard and 4WD is a $2,000 option on S, SV, SL and Platinum; Rock Creek comes with 4WD standard.
Source: Dealer research pages
Q17How quickly does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD recorded 6.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
Q18What is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder's top speed?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD recorded a top speed of 119 mph (governor-limited).
Q19How far does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder take to stop from 70 mph?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD recorded a 70-to-0 mph stopping distance of 167 feet.
Q20What suspension does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder use?
MotorTrend and Car and Driver both describe the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design.
Q21Did the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award?
IIHS lists the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder as a Top Safety Pick+. IIHS states the rating applies to 2022-26, 2024-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder S 4-door 4wd.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q22How did the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder do in IIHS crash tests?
IIHS rated the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder: Good in the small overlap front test, Good in the updated moderate overlap front test, Good in the updated side test. IIHS states the rating applies to 2022-26, 2024-26 and 2026 models, based on a test of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder S 4-door 4wd. Grades run Good, Acceptable, Marginal, Poor.
Source: iihs.org (opens in a new tab)
Q23What size wheels does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder have?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the S, SV, SL and Rock Creek and 20 inches on the Platinum. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q24What is the GVWR of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,063 pounds for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q25What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 1,729 pounds for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q26How do the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder trims differ from one another?
The SV has blind-spot alert with automatic braking, heated front seats, heated mirrors and 4 more as standard equipment over the S. The SL has a heated steering wheel, an integrated garage-door opener and a surround-view camera as standard equipment over the SV. The Rock Creek has 295 hp against 284 and fog lights as standard equipment over the SL. The Platinum has 284 hp against 295 and ventilated front seats, power front seats for driver and passenger, heated rear seats and 9 more as standard equipment over the Rock Creek.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Nissan Pathfinder across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Nissan Pathfinder official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.