Overview & Reviews

Once upon a time, somebody looked at a small, off-roading vehicle like the Nissan Pathfinder and said to himself: "You know, I think I could use that to replace the family station wagon. It's a lot cooler looking than dad's Country Squire. And I wouldn't be caught dead in a minivan." Since then, the Pathfinder and other SUVs have become increasingly larger and luxurious to meet the demand of millions of like-minded buyers.

You can see this evolution in the Pathfinder's timeline of four generations. The carlike current model excels as a three-row family hauler, and it's even available as a hybrid. Earlier Pathfinders -- and the third generation in particular -- were more rugged and capable for towing, but not as comfortable or fuel efficient.

Current Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row crossover SUV that's offered in S, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels. The base S trim is indeed pretty basic for this segment, so we think most people will be better served by the SV, which includes items like a power driver seat, Bluetooth, a rearview camera and an iPod interface. The two upper trims can be had with nearly all of the luxuries found on the mechanically related Infiniti JX35. Note that the Hybrid is not offered in S trim.

Powering the standard Pathfinder is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that sends 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The Pathfinder Hybrid pairs a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 15-kilowatt electric motor, yielding a combined 250 hp and 243 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is optional with either powertrain. Hybrid fuel economy is estimated to exceed 25 mpg in mixed driving, while the regular Pathfinder stays in the low 20s.

In daily driving, the Pathfinder's ride is laudably comfortable and composed. If you're looking for agile handling, this Nissan may disappoint, but otherwise it's about as pleasant to drive as a big crossover can be. Performance is smooth and more than adequate with the V6, and the Hybrid promises meaningful efficiency gains without giving up too much acceleration.

Inside, the Pathfinder's cabin is put together well and boasts quality materials. Despite the abundance of features (especially in higher trims), the various controls are easy to reach and intuitive. The second-row seat slides and reclines to optimize comfort for passengers or cargo space behind as needs dictate. Access to the third row is eased by the second row's tilt and slide feature, which can be used even when a child seat is in place. The third row offers enough headroom for 6-foot passengers, but clearance gets a little tight beyond that, and legroom is limited.

If maximum space is a priority, some larger crossover SUVs such as the Chevrolet Traverse might be a better choice. But overall we're fond of the Pathfinder and think it fits very well with the typical family's needs and desires.

Used Nissan Pathfinder Models
The current, fourth-generation Nissan Pathfinder was completely redesigned for 2013 and represents a dramatic shift from its predecessor. The Pathfinder is now a car-based crossover SUV, boasting a more space-efficient cabin, better fuel economy, front- or all-wheel drive, V6 or hybrid power and a CVT. As a result, it is better to drive, cheaper to fill up and generally nicer to live with.

The most notable change for the current Pathfinder has been the introduction of the Hybrid model for 2014.

The previous, third-generation Nissan Pathfinder was produced from 2005-'12. Unlike its unibody predecessor and successor, this Pathfinder featured truck-based body-on-frame construction that lent it a commendably strong 7,000-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. However, it also made it heavier, less space-efficient inside and ponderous to drive.

Originally, the standard engine was a 4.0-liter V6 that produced 266 hp and 288 lb-ft of torque. For 2008, a 5.6-liter V8 became an option, making 310 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque that was more up to the task of lugging this heavy Pathfinder around. Both engines came standard with a five-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, while a four-wheel-drive system was an option. As expected, fuel economy was not a strong suit for either engine.

The interior was roomy enough for four adults in the first two rows, but only little kids could fit in the third row. On the upside, most of Nissan's comfort and convenience features were offered, and its maximum cargo capacity of 79 cubic feet should still be enough for most folks.

Pathfinder buyers of this generation typically had a choice of four trim levels: base S, midgrade SV, the more luxurious Silver and the upscale LE. For those interested in using a Pathfinder for some off-roading, Nissan offered an SE Off Road 4x4 trim from 2005-'10 that featured such all-terrain items as special tires, Bilstein shocks, skid plates, hill descent control and hill start assist.

If you're looking at this generation Pathfinder, know that its strengths relate mostly to its power and towing capacity. For more typical family use, competing crossovers or SUVs of similar vintage will likely be better choices, including the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-9 or Toyota Highlander or 4Runner.

The second-generation (1996-2004) Pathfinder debuted right when the SUV craze hit a fever pitch. A switch to carlike unibody construction (compared to the original truck-based model) afforded it significant gains in size, interior space and on-road agility, while shedding 200 pounds. The softer Pathfinder's unremarkable styling and wimpy engine (its V6 made just 166 hp) rendered it merely average within its crowded segment, though. A small backseat also made it less suitable for hauling children than some competitors.

Nissan followed a cosmetic update in 2000 with a much-needed engine upgrade in the form of its powerful VQ-series 3.5-liter V6. In the Pathfinder, it was good for an impressive 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The improvements added enough flavor to earn the Nissan Pathfinder two consecutive Edmunds.com Most Wanted awards, in 2001 and 2002.

Launched in 1986 for the 1987 model year, the original Nissan Pathfinder has roots that run deeper than most midsize SUVs. Initially, the Pathfinder was intended to appeal to the same youthful, active, mostly male buyers that Toyota appealed to with its 4Runner. Based on Nissan's compact pickup platform, the original Pathfinder looked macho and performed well off road, even though it was not terribly well equipped or spacious by today's standards. It wasn't very powerful either, even with the optional 3.0-liter V6. It was offered initially only in a two-door body style, later adding a four-door variant that ultimately became its only configuration in subsequent generations. Pathfinders were available with four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as rear- and four-wheel drive.

User Reviews:

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  Reliable transportation. - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By screamingsloth - February 18 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 with 47.000 mile on the clock. Aside from normal preventative maintenance, I have replaced both camshaft position sensors and the crankshaft position sensors. That is all. I monitor all fluids closely and now with 132.000 on the clock it still performs as new. The only other glitch is the CD player failed.

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  Excellent SUV - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By robhockey - February 16 - 7:24 am

  Purchased the Platinum about a month ago to replace my aging 2004 Volvo XC90. We just returned from a 1,000 mile round-trip to Canada and the ride was comfortable and quiet. First thing I noticed is that there is definetly more room in all 3 rows than the Volvo. Navigation was great, along with techno-goodies, like bluetooth audio, Sirius/XM and the tire pressure monitor. MPG improved from 22.5 to 24.5 for the return trip home. After a couple of months of research, what you are basically getting with the Platinum is an Infiniti JX35 minus the softer leather and lane departure warning. Here in Northern NJ, the difference was $9,000 so the my decsion was easy. You will not be dissapointed

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  Excellent SUV with a few wrinkles - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DocNY - February 14 - 12:23 am

  Having gone from a Ford Explorer LXT to a Mercedes ML280, ML350, and Land Rover LR3, I had my doubts about the Nissan. I can honestly say, the Nissan is built as well if not better than my German and English rides, and has held up admirably to a variety of highway, winter, dirt roads, and trails. Only trouble has been limited to dead battery when the headlight "auto-off" feature stopped on occasion leaving technicians scratching their heads, and a faulty doorlock on passenger door made it impossible to exit vehicle from the back seat. Mild valve noise has appeared at 36K miles but too early to tell if this is meaningful.

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  Happy so far - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Eric & Amanda - February 13 - 6:33 pm

  We bought our Pathfinder after researching numerous other SUVs when the transmission in our 02 Explorer went. I loved the appearance of the PF and after a couple test drives and reading a number of reviews here, felt it best fit our needs. I get about 17.5 MPG on a mix of road and highway and just took a 300 mile road trip to upstate Vermont on 3/4 of a tank using mid-grade. Lots of power and you definitely feel it when you hit the gas. My wife likes to drive it so much more than the Explorer and she says that she feels our 1 year old is that much safer in it. Third row seating is really tough to get in and out of, but we use it so rarely, its not an issue for us.

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  Nice to drive but MANY engine problems - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DaveT - February 13 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this after taking a small Toyota to more than 150K miles with no troubles. Like the size, power, interior features and just about everything about the car. But Ive had TERRIBLE engine troubles -- all relating to overheating. Ive had the radiator replace 3 times, valves, hoses, you name it replaced at multiple dealerships in multiple states (not fun when a car breaks down on a vacation) and no one can seem to fix the problem. As I type this, its in the shop for at least the 6th time for overheating. Rental car guy in the service area says he sees 01 Pathfinders come through ALL the time. Wish it had the reliability of my old Toyota.

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  Best you can buy for the money - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chicago - February 8 - 3:16 pm

  Forget for a moment that this SUV just looks cool, forget that you can get a completely loaded LE for about 5k less than a 4Runner w/o DVD and NAV. And just focus on the fact that this machine is fun to drive. I traded in my G35 for something that would handle better and the snow. I thought I would be giving up comfort and performance but that was not the case. This SUV has incredible pick up for a standard engine, very comfortable seats and loads of features (STANDARD!!!) With so much to chose from I was becoming overloaded with info, but when it came down to it - Price, Quality, Performance and Design all came in one package - the Pathfinder. Im thrilled with this purchase.

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  Luxury "Minivan" in SUV configuration - 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
  By John Dylewicz - February 8 - 12:50 pm

  test drove used 2016 base QX60 with low miles side by side at same dealership for comparison, fit and finish on Infiniti noticeably better and comfort subtly better. the used Infiniti at ~$3K less than a new loaded Platinum PF with most (maybe all?) of the safety features of brand new QX60 = PF won. the fit, finish and ride were nice but not differentiated enough to be an offsetting factor for this consumer. comparing the Platinum PF to a brand new QX60 (which we did not test drive) with similar options, the ~$10K difference was not enough to justify. advise to use online tools to get best price (bought for WAY under MSRP after all rebates included), essentially exactly the Edmunds price quoted by dealrship for the new car and using an unbiased condition assessment of our trade-in based on Edmunds value as well.

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  G R E A T Car! - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By aak - February 4 - 2:50 am

  This is my fourth Pathfinder. Purchased in 2004, with aprx 85K miles on it. Currently has aprx 150K, and going strong. No major problems, just normal/routine maintenance. Love the car, but selling to get a newer one. Gas mileage is OK for an older SUV. Nice looking car, love the 4x4, cargo room, roomy front seats, how it handles in snow. This is one exceptionally reliable and rugged work horse! With 150K it still runs like a top and expect it could easily go another 150K+.

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  Cant stop it! - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brian - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My Pathfinder had over 220ks on it when I bought it and it had 280k on it when I got rid of it and it doesnt owe me a penny. I had it for 3 years and it never let me down. I only had one problem and it was tricky to solve as my mechanic raised his arms and said he couldnt figure it out. (after charging me $135.00). It would start sporadically every 10 to 15 cranks. My genius brother-in law told me to raise the hood and try tuning the key. Voila! it started no problem. Turns out it was a faulty relay switch; cost me $35.00 to fix. Overall I loved having a 4x4 in the harsh Canadian winter. (Drove a dirt road to work with lots of snow-drifts.) Not a luxury ride but competent.

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  Best suv of the year - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By WAGMAN - January 26 - 6:13 pm

  Its one of the most fun rides, its so qute insde with the new noise reduction sealing arround the doors and windows. Its so close to the infiniti designed suvs. And its rated one of the best full size suv economy in gas consumbtion of its size. With the high octean gas i get 20 city miles and 24 hwy miles. Takes 7 passengers including 2 kids in the 3rd row seats. The best feature is the vdc option which i recomended cause it makes curves like normal road.