2026 Nissan Pathfinder First Refresh Review
What’s new, what stays the same, and does it still make sense in 2026?
When Nissan introduced the fifth generation Pathfinder in the US, the goal was clear. Bring back a more masculine, truck-inspired design while keeping the smooth ride, car-like handling, and family-friendly interior that made the previous generation so popular. For 2026, Nissan has given the Pathfinder its first refresh, and instead of reinventing the SUV, the brand has focused on small but meaningful updates.
The changes are subtle, the bigger question becomes simple. Has Nissan done enough to keep buyers interested in a very competitive three-row midsize SUV segment?
Engine and Performance: V6 Stays, and That’s the Big Win
Before talking about design or tech, the most important update for many buyers is actually something Nissan did not change.
The 2026 Pathfinder continues with a naturally aspirated V6, while its luxury cousin, the Infiniti QX60, has already switched to a turbocharged four-cylinder.
Engine specifications
3.5-litre gasoline V6
Naturally aspirated, direct injection
Double overhead cam with variable valve timing
Output:
284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque (standard trims)
295 hp and 270 lb-ft on the Rock Creek Edition running on premium fuel
This engine is transversely mounted and paired with a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission. The old CVT is gone, and that alone makes a big difference to how the Pathfinder feels.
Drivetrain options
Front-wheel drive
Intelligent all-wheel drive
Fuel economy and range
AWD rating:
20 mpg city
25 mpg highway
Around 22 mpg combined
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 gallons
Real-world range: just under 400 miles on a full tank
Performance highlights
0 to 60 mph: around 6.7 seconds
Estimated top speed: around 120 mph
Towing capacity:
Base rating: 3,500 lbs
Max rating: up to 6,000 lbs, one of the highest in its class for a unibody Japanese crossover
At roughly 4,600 lbs, the Pathfinder is not light, but it is also not the heaviest in the segment. Rivals with hybrid systems often weigh more.
The V6 remains smooth, refined, and great-sounding under hard acceleration. It may not have the low-end punch of a turbo engine, but the overall driving experience feels more natural and relaxed, especially for highway cruising and long trips.
Exterior Design: Subtle Refresh, Familiar Shape
Nissan has kept the overall shape and proportions unchanged for 2026, and that is not a bad thing. The Pathfinder still blends a boxy, truck-like appearance with the practicality of a unibody crossover.
Key exterior details
Overall length: 197.7 inches
Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
Slightly shorter than many rivals and about an inch shorter than the Infiniti QX60
The Platinum trim shown here wears a new color called Baltic Teal, a turquoise greenish-blue shade that looks especially good with the available black roof.
Front design updates
Enlarged grille with new Nissan logo
Full LED headlights with LED DRLs
Incandescent turn signals
No fog lamps on this trim
Fake vent elements on the bumper, which look more cosmetic than functional
Side profile highlights
20-inch alloy wheels on Platinum trim
Tire size: 255/50 R20 all-season tires
All-independent suspension
Ground clearance:
7.0 inches on standard trims
7.7 inches on Rock Creek Edition
Black-painted roof rails on higher trims
Power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals and 360-degree camera
Rear design
LED tail lamps with incandescent turn signals
Updated rear bumper trim
Pathfinder lettering across the tailgate
Factory tow hitch
Single exhaust outlet tucked underneath
The design changes are light, but the Pathfinder still looks right-sized, rugged enough, and clean. It does not try too hard, which many families will appreciate.
Cargo Space and Practicality
Cargo space is usable but not class-leading.
Cargo capacity
16.6 cubic feet with third row up
Around 48 cubic feet with third row folded
Maximum of 80.5 cubic feet with all seats folded
There is underfloor storage, though it is not deep enough for larger bags. Some rivals, like the Toyota Grand Highlander, offer noticeably more space, especially behind the third row. Still, for most families, the Pathfinder’s cargo area will be sufficient.
Interior Updates: Tech Takes Center Stage
The biggest improvement for 2026 is inside the cabin.
Key interior update
New 12.3-inch infotainment display is now standard across all trims
Previously, buyers had to live with smaller screens on lower trims. That is no longer the case.
Infotainment and technology
12.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Google Maps integration
Updated 360-degree camera with better resolution and multiple views
The system finally feels competitive for the segment and matches what buyers expect at this price point.
Instrument cluster
12.3-inch fully digital display standard on SL trims and above
Lower trims use a mixed digital and analog setup
Head-up display available on Platinum trim
Cabin materials and layout
Soft-touch materials on the upper dash
Leather-wrapped lower dash with stitching
Wood-look trim is plastic, not real wood
Power tilt and telescoping steering wheel
Paddle shifters
Physical buttons and knobs for climate and audio
Seats and comfort
Platinum trim gets premium leather with diamond quilting
Heated and ventilated front seats
10-way power driver seat with memory
8-way power passenger seat
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated seats are limited to the Platinum trim, which may disappoint buyers looking at the SL.
Second Row and Third Row Space
Second row
Captain’s chairs standard on Platinum, optional bench for eight-passenger seating
Heated seats, but no ventilation
Retractable sunshades
Roof-mounted air vents
USB-C charging ports
Legroom is rated at around 35.5 inches, which looks small on paper, but in practice it feels acceptable for average-height adults.
Third row
Seating for three, but space is tight
Legroom: around 28.8 inches
Air vents on both sides
Limited USB charging options
Small windows make it feel slightly claustrophobic
This is one of the Pathfinder’s weakest areas. Competitors like the Palisade, Telluride, Grand Highlander, and Pilot offer more adult-friendly third rows.
Driving Experience: Comfortable, Quiet, and Easy
On the road, the Pathfinder continues to focus on comfort rather than sportiness.
Ride and handling
Smooth, compliant ride even on 20-inch wheels
Suspension absorbs bumps well
Some body roll in corners, but never sloppy
Steering is light and predictable
Engine and transmission feel
V6 sounds refined and smooth under load
Strong acceleration for the class
ZF 9-speed automatic shifts smoothly but can feel slightly hesitant when downshifting aggressively
Acceleration testing
Multiple 0 to 60 mph runs landed around 6.7 seconds
Quicker than several V6 rivals, including the Hyundai Palisade
Faster than the Infiniti QX60 despite sharing similar roots
Cabin quietness
Sound level at 55 mph: around 56.3 dB
One of the quieter options in the segment
Very little wind and road noise
Overall, the Pathfinder remains an excellent road trip vehicle and a relaxed daily driver.
What Nissan Got Right and What Still Needs Work
Strong points
Retained naturally aspirated V6
Smooth and refined power delivery
Comfortable ride quality
Much-improved standard technology
Clean, rugged design
High towing capacity
Areas that still lag behind
Tight third-row space
Average cargo capacity compared to newer rivals
No hybrid or electrified option
No digital rearview mirror even on top trim
Pricing and Availability
Official 2026 pricing was not available at the time of driving.
For reference, the outgoing model:
Starts around $36,400 for the base S trim
Tops out around $50,640 for the Platinum
All-wheel drive adds roughly $2,000
A fully loaded Pathfinder can easily reach $54,000 to $55,000. Expect the refreshed 2026 model to be around $1,000 more expensive.
Nissan says the updated Pathfinder will reach dealerships by the end of this year or early next year.
Final Verdict: Still a Smart Family SUV Choice
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a light refresh, but it builds on an already solid foundation. The decision to keep the V6 gives it a unique advantage in a segment moving rapidly toward turbo four-cylinders and hybrids. The new standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen finally brings the tech up to expectations, and the overall driving experience remains comfortable, quiet, and confidence-inspiring.
If you do not need the largest third row or a hybrid powertrain, the Pathfinder still deserves a spot at the top of your shopping list. It may not stand out in one dramatic way, but it does many things right, and for many families, that balance matters more than anything else.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder FAQs
What is new in the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder receives its first refresh for this generation. Updates are subtle on the outside, but the big change is inside, where a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in is now standard across all trims.
Does the 2026 Pathfinder still use a V6 engine?
Yes, Nissan has retained the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. It produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, giving the Pathfinder an advantage over many rivals that have moved to turbo four-cylinder engines.
What transmission does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder use?
The Pathfinder uses a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic transmission. Nissan has completely moved away from a CVT in this model, which improves driving feel and towing confidence.
Is all-wheel drive available on the 2026 Pathfinder?
Yes, buyers can choose between front-wheel drive and Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, which also unlocks additional drive modes like snow, mud, rut, and sand.
How fast is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2026 Pathfinder accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.7 seconds. This makes it quicker than several V6-powered competitors and even faster than its luxury cousin, the Infiniti QX60.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Pathfinder?
The Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. The base towing capacity is around 3,500 pounds, making it one of the strongest unibody Japanese SUVs in its class.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
With all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder is rated at 20 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway, and about 22 mpg combined. It uses an 18.5-gallon fuel tank and runs on regular gasoline.
How many trims are available for the 2026 Pathfinder?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in five trims, including the off-road-oriented Rock Creek edition and the fully loaded Platinum trim.
What are the interior technology highlights?
All trims now come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, upgraded camera quality, and a 360-degree surround view system on higher trims.
Does the 2026 Pathfinder have a digital instrument cluster?
Yes, a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster is standard on SL trims and above. Lower trims use a mix of analog gauges and a smaller digital display.
How comfortable is the interior of the 2026 Pathfinder?
The Pathfinder offers Nissan Zero Gravity seats that are supportive and comfortable for long drives. The Platinum trim adds quilted leather seats with heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel.
How spacious is the second row?
The second row offers about 35.5 inches of legroom. While not class-leading on paper, it feels comfortable in real-world use and includes features like heated seats, USB-C ports, and rear climate controls on higher trims.
Is the third row suitable for adults?
The third row is usable but on the tighter side for adults. Nissan lists around 28.8 inches of legroom, making it better suited for kids or shorter trips compared to some rivals.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Pathfinder offer?
The Pathfinder provides 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row expands it to about 48 cubic feet, and with all seats folded, total space reaches 80.5 cubic feet.
Does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder offer a hybrid option?
No, Nissan does not currently offer a hybrid or electrified version of the Pathfinder, which may be a downside for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency.
When will the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder go on sale?
Nissan expects the refreshed 2026 Pathfinder to arrive at dealerships by the end of this year or early next year.
What is the expected price of the 2026 Pathfinder?
Official pricing has not been announced yet. The current model starts around $36,400 and goes up to about $50,640 for the Platinum trim. The refreshed version is expected to be roughly $1,000 more expensive.
Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder a good family SUV?
Yes, the Pathfinder remains a strong family SUV thanks to its smooth ride, quiet cabin, strong V6 performance, usable cargo space, and upgraded technology.
