2026 Nissan Pathfinder Review

Updated styling and interior improvements highlight the roomy and capable 2026 Pathfinder.

Perry Stern | 

Dec 22, 2025 | 9 min read

Perry Stern

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder gets revised front styling, giving the midsize three-row SUV a cleaner, bolder appearance. New 20-inch wheels add to the fresh look on the top-level Platinum. All versions come standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the Platinum also features new quilted leather seats and wood-tone trim. Nissan adds new camera views, as well, including a nifty Invisible Hood View.

While the 2026 Pathfinder has a fresh look, under the skin, it remains unchanged with the same powertrain — not that that's a bad thing, as it helps this Nissan boast one of the highest towing capacities in its class. I like the new display screen, which is an appreciable improvement over the previous version, and there's still a physical volume control knob. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is standard, which is helpful because there is no native navigation or voice interface — these features are only available via the phone integration.

Perry Stern

About the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Review Vehicle

Nissan offers the 2026 Pathfinder in five trim levels: S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the Pathfinder Rock Creek and optional on the rest of the lineup. Base prices range from around $39,000 to approximately $53,000, including the destination charge to ship the SUV from the Smyrna, Tennessee, assembly plant to your local dealership.

For this review, Nissan invited me to Franklin, Tennessee, and provided me with a 2026 Pathfinder Platinum to evaluate. In addition to its standard AWD system, my test vehicle featured the premium Baltic Teal paint with a black roof, as well as second-row captain's chairs with a removable center console. The added options brought the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $54,445, including the $1,495 destination charge.

Nissan paid for my airfare, lodging, and meals during the evaluation period.

Perry Stern

Revised Styling Helps Freshen the 2026 Pathfinder

Changes to the Pathfinder's exterior design are minor, but the larger, updated grille sits flush with the slim LED headlights for a cleaner look. The revised front fascia and simulated air intakes ahead of the wheels create a wider-looking stance.

Inside, a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a highlight of the 2026 Pathfinder. Easy to use and equipped with a clear, bright display, it pairs well with the available 12.3-inch digital driver display on the SL and Platinum trim levels. The volume knob resides in the center of the dashboard, along with media controls and a shortcut to the camera menu.

The brushed-metal trim piece embossed with PATHFINDER, below the infotainment screen and air vents, is an upscale touch. Nissan locates the climate controls farther down on a separate panel. The traditional buttons and dials are simple and clearly marked for quick, intuitive use.

The Pathfinder also gets a new wireless phone charger that delivers 15 watts of power for faster replenishment. Nissan locates it conveniently on the center console, and an integrated cooling fan helps keep phones from overheating. Unlike most other vehicles, the Pathfinder's wireless charger uses a MagSafe magnetic connector that holds the phone in place. This setup works great if you have an iPhone, but you'll need to get a special case for your Android phone. Otherwise, (as I discovered) it won't charge.

Perry Stern

In 2012, Nissan introduced the Zero Gravity seat, designed to reduce fatigue on long drives. While it sounds gimmicky, this design makes the 2026 Pathfinder remarkably comfortable and supportive, even after several hours behind the wheel.

The Pathfinder offers ample storage space around the front seats. In addition to the good-size bin below the center armrest, an open area below the center console easily handles a larger bag or purse. A small shelf in front of the passenger is a convenient spot for a phone or other compact items.

While the Pathfinder comes standard with seating for eight, my test vehicle had the optional second-row captain's chairs. With the same quilted-leather style as the front seats, the second row offers plenty of leg and headroom, and the panoramic sunroof makes it feel even more spacious. A center console provides a handy storage space and is easily removable when floor space is needed.

A push of a button quickly moves the second-row seats forward to provide access to the third row, but it can still be challenging for an adult to climb back there. If the second-row passengers are kind, they will slide forward to provide reasonable legroom for the third-row passengers. However, with three people back there, it would be cramped.

The Pathfinder can easily handle a few roll-aboard suitcases with all three rows of seats in use, providing 16.6 cubic-feet of storage. Folding the split third row expands the space to a generous 45 cu-ft. Maximum cargo room is 80.5 cu-ft with the second and third rows folded down. There's also additional storage below the cargo floor, and that area features dividers to better secure items and organize the space. Made of a durable plastic, this is a great place for dirty, muddy gear after a day of adventuring.

Perry Stern

Big, New Display — but Don't Forget Your Phone

One of the most significant updates to the 2026 Pathfinder is the new 12.3-inch infotainment display, which replaces the previous 8.0- and 9.0-inch screens. Large tiles are easy to read and navigate, and there are static shortcuts on the left for the home screen, audio, and communications.

But unless you pair a phone to use the standard wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity, the system doesn't offer much. I quickly connected my Samsung Galaxy S23+ to Android Auto, and it launched automatically every time I restarted the Pathfinder.

Perry Stern

All 2026 Nissan Pathfinders include Nissan Safety Shield 360, the automaker's suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Safety Shield 360 comes with the typical ADAS features, including Nissan's clever Intelligent Forward Collision Warning system, which can alert the driver if it detects sudden deceleration two cars ahead.

ProPilot Assist is standard on all trim levels except the base-level S, providing semi-autonomous driving support through adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and blind-spot intervention.

While testing ProPilot Assist on Interstate 840 near Franklin, the system performed well, with the Pathfinder remaining centered in the lane and maintaining that position around curves. Braking was smooth when I came upon a slower vehicle, as was acceleration back to the set speed once the lane was clear. It's important to note that this version of ProPilot Assist is not hands-free, and the system provides an alert after a few seconds without steering input.

Perry Stern

The New Pathfinder Is Smooth and Powerful

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder continues to use the proven 3.5-liter V6 engine that has powered it since the 2013 model year. Teamed with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the V6 delivers 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in most versions of the SUV. In the Pathfinder Rock Creek, it produces 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The relatively stout powertrain helps the Pathfinder achieve an impressive towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.

At time of publication, the EPA site has not yet been updated with information on the 2026 Pathfinder. According to the EPA estimates cited in Nissan's press material, the 2026 Pathfinder gets an estimated 23 mpg in combined city and highway driving with front-wheel drive or AWD, while the Platinum comes in at 22 mpg combined with its standard AWD. The rugged AWD-only Rock Creek returns a combined 21 mpg. During my test-drive of the Platinum AWD, the trip computer showed 23.5 mpg, surpassing the EPA estimate.

Perry Stern

Historically, I've found the Pathfinder to be pleasant to drive, and the 2026 version is no exception. The powerful engine and smooth-shifting transmission deliver urgent acceleration, whether from a stop or to pass a slower vehicle on a two-lane road. At the same time, cruising at 70 mph on the freeway is effortless, resulting in a quiet, stable ride.

I wouldn't call the Pathfinder's handling sporty, but with responsive steering and predictable braking, the SUV delivered a confident ride on winding back roads. Additionally, I found the Pathfinder easy to maneuver around town, and the new Invisible Hood and Front Wide camera views make parking in tight spots a breeze.

While most Pathfinders will likely stay on the pavement, the SUV is also quite capable when venturing off the beaten path. Previously, I’ve experienced the current-generation Pathfinder on loose gravel, rugged terrain, and in snow, and the SUV performs with confidence, even when riding on all-season tires.

For added capability, you can opt for the Rock Creek edition, which offers raised ground clearance and all-terrain tires that will certainly handle more challenging terrain. However, most customers will likely find a standard Pathfinder equipped with AWD is more than sufficient for a typical off-road adventure.

Perry Stern

Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder a Good SUV?

If you're in the market for a three-row midsize SUV with good performance, a stylish and roomy cabin, and a healthy dose of safety tech, the 2026 Pathfinder is worth consideration. Sure, this Nissan faces tough competition in this market segment, including the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Hyundai Palisade. But the Pathfinder can tow up to 1,000 pounds more than all of them.

While some customers may dislike the need to use their phone for basic functions such as navigation and voice interface, I think the Pathfinder's large infotainment display, comfortable seats, and commendable driving dynamics make it a worthy contender.

Perry Stern

As a small child, Perry was constantly playing with toy cars and trucks, and that enthusiasm for anything motorized with wheels never faded. After college, he moved to Seattle and began his long automotive career working in an automotive consulting firm, helping customers choose the right vehicle for their needs. In the late 1990s, Perry joined Microsoft to work on CarPoint, part of the new Microsoft Network (MSN). He went on to become editor of the site, remaining on staff for 20 years before venturing out on his own. Today, in addition to his work on Capital One Auto Navigator, he still contributes to MSN, as well as J.D. Power, TrueCar.com, and U.S. News & World Report. Perry lives in the small town of Dexter, Michigan, with his wife and dog, and he still smiles when he sees his 2006 Mazda Miata in the garage.