Nissan Pathfinder

Overview: Is the Nissan Pathfinder a Good Midsize SUV?

The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV sold in the U.S. since the 1987 model year. The Pathfinder offers a spacious interior, a range of trim levels, and capable performance. It competes with midsize SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Hyundai Palisade. This overview focuses on the more recent generations, including the third (2005-2012), fourth (2013-2020), and fifth (2022-current) generations. There was no 2021 model year. The fourth-generation Pathfinder marks a transition from a truck-based platform to an MPG-friendly crossover architecture.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Nissan Pathfinder cars for sale.

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Related: Here Are The Nissan Pathfinder Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Nissan Pathfinder offers:

• Midsize SUV body style
• Three row SUV with seven- to eight-passenger seating
• V6 engine or V8 engine (third generation)
• Rear-wheel drive (third generation), front-wheel drive (fourth and fifth generations), or four-wheel drive (4WD)/all-wheel drive (AWD)

Trims

Trims for the Nissan Pathfinder vary by generation but typically include the base S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The fifth generation includes the off-road-oriented Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Nissan Pathfinder interior is designed for comfort and practicality, with ample space for passengers and cargo. Higher trims offer features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof. Later generations feature advanced technology, including a large touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan Safety Shield, a suite of advanced driver-assist features. Platinum editions come with the highest level of standard equipment. The Pathfinder's cargo capacity is competitive for its class, with up to 80.5 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down in the fifth-generation model.

How It Drives

The Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine across all generations, providing robust performance and towing capacity. A V8 was available for select years of the third generation, adding more power. The fourth-generation features a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the fifth-generation Pathfinder returns to a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission. The Pathfinder's ride is comfortable and composed, with responsive handling for its size.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the fourth- and fifth-generation Pathfinders a top five-star overall safety rating. The third generation has a four- or five-star ranking for specific frontal and side-impact crash tests.

Reviews

Nissan Pathfinder reviews on Kelley Blue Book range from 3.9 to 4.2 out of 5, with the newest generation ranking the lowest. The Pathfinder gets praise for reliability, comfort, and styling.

Learn More: Nissan Pathfinder Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

FAQs

Is the Nissan Pathfinder Japanese?

Yes, the Nissan Pathfinder is a Japanese vehicle. Nissan is a Japanese automaker, and the Pathfinder is designed and engineered in Japan, although it is manufactured in several locations worldwide, including the United States.

Is the Nissan Pathfinder a 7 or 8-seater?

The Nissan Pathfinder can seat up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. Some trims offer second-row captain's chairs, which reduce the seating capacity to seven.

Which is bigger, the Nissan Pathfinder or the Toyota Highlander?

The Pathfinder Nissan and Toyota Highlander are similar in size, with the Pathfinder being slightly larger in some dimensions. The fifth-generation Pathfinder has a length of 197.7 inches, while the Highlander measures 194.9 inches. However, the Highlander offers slightly more cargo space behind the third row.

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