First Drive: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Review

It’s been a tough few years for Nissan, the second-largest Japanese automaker struggling to reverse a series of setbacks that have forced it to make major cutbacks in production and employment around the world. For customers, of course, that’s just noise in the background, and they’re more likely to ask, “What have you done for me lately?”

The good news is that the answer is, “A lot.” We’ve gotten an all-new version of the Leaf and will soon see the return of the quirky Xterra. For those looking for a solid, handsome, and well-equipped three-row SUV, meanwhile, there’s the updated 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.

In short: The Nissan Pathfinder gets a mid-cycle update for 2026, so don’t expect any major changes. That said, the 2026 model does have plenty to offer, with handsome exterior design tweaks, a more modern and high-tech interior, and welcome improvements to the off-road–oriented Rock Creek package.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder Review

First introduced in the U.S. in 2004, Pathfinder has been a bright spot in the Nissan firmament, with buyers drawn to its mix of features and relatively affordable pricing. 

The SUV got a complete makeover in 2022, and the new model year brings a welcome mid-cycle update. The updates are relatively modest, but Nissan’s product development team focused their attention on what buyers are likely to notice most. 

Exterior design tweaks are subtle, with more attention paid to the 2026 Pathfinder’s cabin. The twin digital displays are larger, and the surround-view monitoring system adds two new camera modes.

The Rock Creek package adds some new features and gets a boost in power — though that requires the use of premium fuel.

And, while it might seem almost insignificant, Nissan has come up with what may be the best wireless smartphone charging system on the road.

Updated Design

The fifth-generation Pathfinder, introduced in 2022, brought some big changes in styling, adopting a more classic, upright look than the softly curved package it replaced. The 2026 SUV doesn’t stray far, with most of the updates focused on soft materials like the front and rear fascia. If anything, it picks up on some of the familial details already found on Nissan products, such as the Murano.

The cabin brings more notable updates, starting with the instrument panel’s larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen. But for the base SL package, all grades now feature a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well.

Particularly useful: The Nissan Latch and Glide system introduced on the second-row seats make it easier to climb into the back row, even if there’s a child safety seat in place. The back bench isn’t what you’d call particularly spacious, but it can handle two adults if need be.

Pathfinder does stand out when it comes to cargo capacity — 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row and as much as 80.5 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down.

Powertrain

For 2026, Pathfinder offers just one powertrain package — though here’s where we might add a bullet point. With all trim packages but the Rock Creek, the 3.5L V6 is rated at 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque.

That off-road-oriented package gets a modest bump to 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The trade-off: You’ll need premium fuel to get those added numbers, though Rock Creek can still operate on standard or mid-grade petrol if you don’t want to pay a premium at the pump.

In all configurations, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder’s engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. And, depending on the package, the automaker offers both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

As for fuel economy, preliminary ratings put the numbers at 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. That’s pretty much mid-pack in the three-row SUV segment.

There have been rumors that Nissan is working up a hybrid version of Pathfinder, something that would be clearly welcomed in a market where gas-electric drivetrains are quickly gaining popularity. While Nissan officials haven’t confirmed future plans, it looks like we could see the automaker’s e-Power system eventually show up, though not until the sixth-generation model debuts a few years from now.

Driving Impressions

With the 2026 model not due out until early next year, I was only able to spend a short while in a pre-production model during a visit to the Nashville suburbs, not far from Nissan’s U.S. headquarters.

That still gave me an opportunity to get a feel for the update and, on the whole, I found the Pathfinder update generally living up to expectations. Ride comfort is good, and the SUV is reasonably good at soaking up most bumps. Steering is a bit numb, however, something not helped by the all-terrain tires on the Rock Creek package I got the chance to drive.

Performance is acceptable, though not entirely inspiring. I’d appreciate a bit more power at the low end, torque not reaching peak until 4,800 rpm. The slight increase offered by the Rock Creek package looks good on paper, though I’ll have to wait for another drive opportunity to see if it really helps out while off-roading.

Rock Creek

Nissan made a handful of updates to the off-road model for 2026. That includes the addition of two new camera modes for the surround-view monitoring system, including an “Invisible Hood” mode that lets you precisely position the front wheels. The two new views are also offered on the SL and Premium grades.

Along with the all-terrain tires, the Rock Creek package gives you an off-road-tuned suspension and modest lift in ride height. Other unique features include a unique front bumper and grille, LED fog lights, a tubular roof rack, Rock Creek–specific leatherette seats, and Lava Red interior stitching. A Premium package adds a 12V power outlet in the cargo bay, a panoramic roof, and a new wireless smartphone charger.

With Rock Creek, meanwhile, Pathfinder can tow up to 6,000 pounds, up from the base SL’s 3,500-pound rating. It meanwhile offers a 15.6-degree approach angle, and a 20.9-degree and 15.6-degree breakover.

Technology

A wireless charger might not seem like something to focus much attention on, but Nissan really did it right with the 2026 Pathfinder. The charger not only gets a boost in power but adds a magnet — just like Apple MagSafe chargers — to ensure your phone is properly positioned, even on bumpy trails.

The larger touchscreens are a welcome upgrade, as well. All versions come with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 package of advanced driver assistance systems, while the SV grade and higher trim add the Nissan ProPILOT Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control technologies.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder: Pricing & Availability

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder made its official public debut at last month’s Los Angeles Auto Show. The automaker says it will reach U.S. showrooms in “early 2026.”

As for pricing:

• S 2WD 3.5L V6 $37,500
• SV 2WD 3.5L V6 $39,900
• SL 2WD 3.5L V6 $42,500
• Platinum 2WD 3.5L V6 $49,400
• S 4WD 3.5L V6 $39,500
• SV 4WD 3.5L V6 $41,900
• SL 4WD 3.5L V6 $44,500
• Platinum 4WD 3.5L V6 $51,400
• Rock Creek 4WD 3.5L V6 $45,000

Add to those figures $1,495 in delivery fees.

2026 Nissan Pathfinder: Conclusions

Nissan gives its familiar Pathfinder SUV a mid-cycle update for the 2026 model year in a bid to gain more attention in an increasingly crowded three-row segment. The 2026 Pathfinder gets some welcome exterior design tweaks, though the most notable upgrades are found in the cabin, with newer tech features, including larger twin digital displays.

Prices rise for the new model year, but Pathfinder remains one of the more affordable products in its segment.