2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4x4: The Brand’s Three-Row SUV

 

Highlight: The SUV is available in a front wheel drive or a 4WD configuration. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $56,835 (Base MSRP): $39,075

Seating Capacity: 6 to 8 depending on the trim

Standard Safety Equipment: ABS; air bags; a rear camera; a blind spot monitoring system;4WD; a lane departure warning system; a blind spot warning system; rear cross traffic alert system; rear sonar system rear automatic braking; high beam assist; front and rear sonar sensors; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (on test vehicle): 20-inch wheels; black roof rails; a panoramic moonroof; a power driver’s seat; a heads up display system; a tri-zone automatic temperature control system; a remote engine start system; quilted leather seats; heated front and second row seats; a wireless charging pad with a cooling system; a motion activated power liftgate; a second row manual sunshade; and a pro pilot assist highway driving system

Options: captain chairs; heated second-row captain chairs; second row removable; center console; an illuminated panoramic headliner; illuminated cargo scuff plates; illuminated kickplates; welcome lighting; carpet floor mats for the captain chairs; and two-tone premium paint

Other Trim Levels:          

Rock Creek

SL

Optional Audio On Test Vehicle: a Bose 13-speaker AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Towing Capacity: 6,000-lbs

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine/284-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 20-city/25-hwy (test model)

What’s New:  For the 2026 model year, the Pathfinder receives a mid-cycle update with exterior styling changes and a 12-inch infotainment screen.

Why:

The Platinum trim new quilted seats

20-inch wheels

Stylish design looks more like a SUV than crossover

Three rows of seating

A new 12-inch infotainment screen

360-degree camera with an invisible hood to simplify parking

A 6,000-lb towing capacity

V6 engine produces 284-hp

A variety of trims available

Wireless device charger adds cooling

A co-pilot assist highway driving system

A high-level of safety driving aids

Heated and ventilated front seats

But:

No fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain

Limited legroom in third row

Verdict:  

While the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder received exterior styling updates as well as an all-new infotainment system, the three-row SUV-like Pathfinder continues to be available in a front wheel drive and a 4x4 configuration. In fact, the Ford Explorer and the Nissan Pathfinder are the only vehicles in the segment offering such. Unlike the crossovers/SUVs outfitted with the AWD system, the 4x4s are designed for driving through rough terrains and deep snow.

While a number of the automakers building three-row SUVs/crossovers have shifted away from 6-cylinder powertrains, replacing them with the some what sluggish 4-cylinder turbos and hybrids. The Nissan Pathfinder continues bulking the trends with its V6 gasoline powertrain. Personally, we prefer a 6-cylinder over the 4-cylinder turbo engines in a three-row vehicle. In most instances, the powertrains seem underpowered.

Moreover, the Pathfinder leads in towing capabilities, too. One would think that the Pathfinder is based on a truck frame based on its design and the specs. However, that’s just not the case. The Pathfinder is based on a unibody fame, making the vehicle ride more like car.

In addition to the athleticism of the Pathfinder, the vehicle can also be adorned with a host of features depending upon the trim. Those features could range from quilted leather seats to a panoramic camera to pretentious features designed around lighting.

Overall, for those looking for a vehicle that embraces harsh weather climates while surrounded with heated seats and luxury-like amenities, the Pathfinder should be on the shopping list.