Initially released in the summer of 2021, the latest Nissan Pathfinder platform continues to serve up a high level of luxurious appointments for its class, particularly in the top-end Platinum grade, and now offers a standard second-row bench across the lineup for accommodation of up to eight passengers.
The mid-size SUV boasts both an elegant and utilitarian appearance due to sleek, windswept body panels, but a boxy, truck-like, wide stance and short nose showcasing a three-slot grille paying homage to the first-gen model. Details like the V-motion elements, U-shaped LED headlights, and satin chrome PATHFINDER badge spelled out across the liftgate give it a modern feel.
Buyers can spec the vehicle with one of 11 paint combinations, such as the Beautiful British Columbia-appropriate two-tone Obsidian Green Pearl/Super Black Metallic (+$950) found on DARPAN’s test unit. The black roof rails, chrome door sills, and shiny 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 255/50R20 rubber finish off the package.
Family-friendly is the name of the cabin, thanks to larger dimensions than the previous iteration, providing three rows of seating. At launch, the Platinum originally bundled captain’s chairs and a removable rear center console; however, as mentioned earlier, a three-person bench is installed in its place, and the former is offered via a trim aptly named Platinum Captain’s Chairs.
With 470 liters of cargo capacity behind the rear bench, the crossover proved a great choice as a staycation-mobile for four adults and three kids. This space was enough to fit several bags stacked up, and there’s also a nifty under-floor plastic storage compartment to stash dirty gear, or in our case, an extra duffel. Legroom was spacious for every occupant.
Other interior highlights include semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated/cooled front and heated rear seats, 13-speaker Bose stereo, nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, and excessive amounts of sound deadening, yielding a quiet ride.
Happy to report that the naturally-aspirated six-cylinder crossover is still alive and well. All Pathfinders utilize a smooth 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, sending 259 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. Sitting on a front strut/rear independent multi-link suspension setup, the 4,642-pound vehicle and a full complement of passengers handled twisty coastal roads better than it should. If the available tow package is installed, a maximum 6,000-pound trailer is haulable.
Speaking of the transmission, I wasn’t a huge fan of the electronic fly-by-wire shifter. The knob is clunky to operate and not intuitive—for example, to put the gear into neutral requires pressing the button on the side and ever-so-gently nudging up or down, depending on whether drive or reverse is currently selected.
ProPILOT Assist is equipped on all trims. Leveraging the built-in cameras and sensors, and navigation data, the hands-on driver-assistance technology can steer, accelerate, and brake in both open and heavy highway traffic, taking cruise control to the next level. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite is standard as well, encompassing collision warning, automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and a multitude of other systems to keep those on board safe.
Stay tuned for a significantly facelifted version of the SUV for the 2026 model year that is slated to go on sale this spring, featuring new front and rear fascias, a restyled dash with a larger touchscreen, and more.
Highlights:
MSRP: $62,202 (base)
Motor: 3.5-liter V6
Horsepower: 284 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb-ft): 259 @ 4,800 rpm
Gearbox: nine-speed automatic
Layout: front engine/all-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 12.8 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)