The Nissan Pathfinder is reasonably spacious and pleasant to drive. Nissan has given it a lot of in-car tech and driver aids too. Overall, the Pathfinder does a good job of hauling people and cargo in relative comfort.
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.
Pros
Towing capacity is near the top of the class
Comfortable and quiet ride
Spacious seating
Cons
The front seats feel a bit stiff
Engine can feel sluggish when you need quick power
Less cargo space than some rivals
What's new
The Pathfinder carries over unchanged for 2024
Part of the fourth Pathfinder generation introduced for 2022
Overview
The Pathfinder is Nissan's midsize three-row SUV that seats up to eight passengers. It's the second-largest SUV in Nissan's lineup, after the Armada. It's the SUV to get if you need seating for more than five but don't want the enormous and thirsty Armada. The versatile Pathfinder can accommodate a large family with all three rows up, or lots of cargo if you fold one or both rows down. If you need to tow, its 6,000-pound max capacity is high for the segment. The Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year and carries over unchanged for 2024.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
The Pathfinder is available in five trim levels, from the base S to the top Platinum model. In the middle lies the Rock Creek. Most midsize SUVs offer a trail-inspired model that boasts a distinct rugged look and offers added off-road capability, and that's exactly what the Rock Creek is. It stands out from the rest of the Pathfinder lineup thanks to its unique grille, bumpers, wheels and upgraded roof rack. You can also travel a little farther off the beaten path thanks to the Rock Creek's standard all-wheel-drive system, all-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension with a 0.6-inch lift. It also gets an additional 11 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel.
Competitors to consider
The Pathfinder competes in a segment filled with talented rivals including the highly rated Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Mazda CX-90 and Volkswagen Atlas. There are also popular choices like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. The Pathfinder's rating puts it toward the bottom of the list, so we recommend looking into its many competitors. For an in-depth review of the Pathfinder's comfort, tech, utility and more, check out the Edmunds Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Nissan Pathfinder is reasonably spacious and pleasant to drive. Nissan has given it a lot of in-car tech and driver aids too. Overall, the Pathfinder does a good job of hauling people and cargo in relative comfort.
How does the Pathfinder drive? The Pathfinder feels right on par for the class. Performance from the V6 is about even with the class leaders. The transmission can be reluctant to downshift when you're going uphill, but most of the time it shifts smoothly and unobtrusively. Braking performance is average as well.
On turns, the Pathfinder feels composed and stable. The steering feels a bit heavier than the steering in some rivals, but it's direct and makes the sizable Pathfinder easy to turn and park.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Pathfinder? We didn't find the Pathfinder to be the most comfortable vehicle in its class, but it's not a bad place to spend your time. The ride is comfortable without feeling overly soft or bouncy. You feel bumps, but they don't send shocks through the seats. The front seats are a bit flat and firm, so comfort can wane after a long day behind the wheel.
The climate control system works well, blowing very cold without the fans imitating a jet engine at takeoff. We like the system's easy-to-use buttons and knobs too. Wind and road noise levels are pretty low.
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How’s the interior? All three rows offer plenty of space for adults, although the rear seat can be a bit of a pain to crawl in and out of. Our test Pathfinder had the second-row captain's chairs. There's a center console between them that's pretty easy to remove.
Outward visibility is good. The big mirrors and upright windows help reduce blind spots and aid with parking. The driving position helps too. There's plenty of adjustment, and all the controls are easy to reach. The controls themselves are also straightforward. Nissan's infotainment system is fine, but it lacks the polish of some rival systems.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Pathfinder is loaded with tech, but none of it stands out in this class. Our test vehicle was fitted with Nissan's ProPilot Assist driver aid suite. It includes adaptive cruise control and a lane-centering system. The adaptive cruise is tied to the navigation, so it can slow down before a curve in the road. It sounds nice, but we found it to be more of an annoyance than anything. The lane centering works well most of the time, but in our testing we noticed a few occasions when it tried to steer the vehicle over double yellow lines.
The navigation system itself works well, with clear turn-by-turn directions and an easy-to-use (if somewhat dated-looking) interface. Voice commands are limited in scope and must be spoken in a specific way to work. Our test vehicle was equipped with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, though we had some issues with the latter. A wireless charging pad is great, but the Pathfinder needs a few more USB charge ports to avoid having to split charging time between passenger devices.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? SUVs need to be able to haul cargo as well as people, and the Pathfinder does a pretty good job at both. Cargo space is a middling 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row. It's tight, but there's enough space for a load of groceries or a few small bags. It opens up to 45 cubic feet with just the third row folded or 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows down. That's less than the class leaders, but the space is wide and open, so functionally it's no worse than its rivals. There's plenty of storage for small items like sunglasses, water bottles, hand sanitizer and more in various bins and pockets throughout the cabin.
The Pathfinder has one of the best tow ratings in its class. Standard models can tow 3,500 pounds, but if you opt for the towing package, that goes up to 6,000 pounds, more than just about every other midsize SUV.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Pathfinder gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 21-23 mpg with all-wheel drive, depending on trim. Those ratings are among the best in the class. We saw 22.2 mpg on our real-world evaluation route. That's lower than we expected, indicating the Pathfinder might be a bit thirstier than its estimated fuel economy.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Pathfinder a good value? The Pathfinder lines up about evenly with most rivals when it comes to cost and overall value. Build quality is a major step up over the outgoing model. The interior looks and feels pretty nice, with some soft materials on the dash and a clean overall design. We wouldn't call it premium, but it feels worth the price.
That said, rivals from Kia and Hyundai offer more for less. That goes for the warranty too. Nissan includes a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, right on average for the class but well off the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranties Kia and Hyundai offer. And while Nissan includes three years of roadside assistance, it doesn't include any scheduled service visits.
Wildcard
7.5/10
Nissan has done a decent job of injecting some life into the Pathfinder. It's comfortable and composed on the road, but we wouldn't call it fun. Other three-row SUVs offer a little more pep or driver engagement. We do like the design. The old Pathfinder had odd proportions, but this new model is more similar to the larger Armada than the smaller Rogue. The rear end has some clear Land Rover vibes, a good thing in our mind.
Which Pathfinder does Edmunds recommend?
The SV trim is the way to go because it comes well equipped and keeps the price in check. Besides the features from the base S trim, the SV adds adaptive cruise control, heated front seats and lane keeping assistance. The SV also gives you the option of adding the SV Premium package, which includes a panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, second-row captain's chairs and a towing package. If you want more tech features, opt for the SL trim.
Nissan Pathfinder models
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row SUV available in five trim levels: S, SV, SL, Rock Creek and Platinum. All trims are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine (284 horsepower, 259 lb-ft of torque) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional on everything except the Rock Creek, which gets AWD as standard. Feature highlights for the Pathfinder include:
S
Starts you off with:
18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Proximity keyless entry with push-button start
Three-zone automatic climate control
Seating for eight passengers (second-row bench seat)
8-inch touchscreen display
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system
Every Pathfinder also comes with:
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Rear parking sensors
SV
Building on the S trim, the SV adds:
Remote start
Heated exterior mirrors
Heated front seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Pathfinder and the car in front)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the Pathfinder back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
The optional SV Premium package includes:
Panoramic sunroof
Power liftgate
Tow-prep kit with 6,000-pound capacity
Second-row captain's chairs with removable center console
Rock Creek
The Rock Creek trim is based on the SV and adds:
Off-road-tuned suspension with 0.6-inch lift
18-inch wheels mounted with all-terrain tires
LED foglights
Increased horsepower with premium fuel (adds 11 hp and 11 lb-ft of torque)
Standard all-wheel drive
Tubular roof rack with up to 220-pound load capacity
Tow-prep kit with 6,000-pound capacity
Unique grille and bumpers
Second-row captain's chairs with removable center console
Heated rear seats
Synthetic leather seating with cloth inserts
Orange interior contrast stitching
Front and rear parking sensors
Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the Pathfinder and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
SL
The SL builds off the SV trim and includes the Rock Creek's surround-view camera and front and rear parking sensors. The SL adds:
Power liftgate
Leather upholstery
Heated steering wheel
Second-row manual sunshades
9-inch touchscreen display
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
Integrated navigation
Additional USB and 12-volt ports
Traffic sign recognition (detects certain road signs and displays them on the instrument panel)
There's an optional SL Premium package available on this trim. It includes:
Panoramic sunroof
20-inch wheels
Tow-prep kit with 6,000-pound capacity
Second-row captain's chairs with removable center console
Heated rear seats
13-speaker Bose audio system
Platinum
Tops the Pathfinder lineup with:
SL Premium package features (except the rear captain's chairs)
Upgraded leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Power-folding exterior mirrors
Power-adjustable steering wheel
Hands-free power liftgate
Digital instrument cluster
Household-style power outlet
Additional USB ports
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
An optional Captain's Chair package is available on the Platinum to add second-row captain's chairs and a removable center console.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
After running up 2,700 miles on my 2023 Pathfinder Platinum, I think I am in a position to offer some user feedback. Gas mileage - overall 21-22mpg. Recorded a very good, manually calculated 27 mpg on a 400 mile trip. Noise suppression - better than average. Ergonomics - the electronic shifter is not intuitive. Thanks to Nissan for buttons instead of touch screen controls. Bose sound … system - mediocre at best. Handling - good, but feels truck heavy. Engine - very smooth, Miles beyond the Turbo 4's in the Explorer, Highlander and Ascent. Transmission - very smooth and a big plus over the outgoing CVT in the model years prior to 2022. Reliability - no issues to date, but way too soon to pass judgment.
Update 3/27/23 - vehicle started making noise on low speed left turns. Dealer diagnosed as left front strut plate failure. Good news - no cost to me to repair. Bad news - this is a part that simply should never fail at 3,700 miles. I now doubt the reliability and build quality of the redesigned Pathfinder. Strongly suspect that the strut assembly was designed for the standard Pathfinder with 18" wheels. My vehicle came equipped with 20" wheels. No doubt a heavier wheel for the strut suspension.
Update 4/30/23 - in the last 3 weeks, the following electrical issues occurred: 1. Started car in the morning and drove off. Quickly found out that the AC would not work and the fan would not work either. Pulled off the road, restarted the vehicle and fortunately the AC and fan worked; 2. infotainment system rebooted all by itself while driving; and 3. the rear backup camera came on while I was sitting at a traffic light. It tuned off after about 1 minute. If I take it to the dealer, I can predict exactly what will happen - nothing because they will not be able to reproduce the issues. Leaves me wondering what is going to happen next. However, I can predict what will happen in the future - 1 more electrical issue and the car will be sold, and I will never own another Nissan product for life. Owned a 2004 Pathfinder. It was a great car.
Update 6/5/23 - Pro Pilot failure. Activated Pro Pilot and here's what happened - 1. Collision waning indicator came on while driving in light traffic on highway, 2. Lane departure and lane correction failed to work, 3. received warning message : vehicle cabin temperature too high, and 4. could not turn off Pro Pilot. Exited highway, stopped in a safe location and restarted vehicle. Pro Pilot was then turned off. Vehicle is almost exactly 6 months old to the day. A new vehicle should operate correctly for at least 6 months without electrical issues.
07/06/23 - sold vehicle after 7 months. More electrical issues. Strongly dislike electronic slap shifter; don't risk taking it through a car wash. Rough, truck-like ride. A waste of money.
Comfortable and full of options...but...
3 out of 5 stars
DMBCT1998, 02/22/2023
2023 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
We went with the SV and the Tech package, or whatever the upgrade was. We could have gone without the moon roof, but wanted tech, upgraded stereo and rims. The tech interface takes a little to get used to. the seats are pretty comfortable ... contrary to some reviews. the power is what it is. its the best priced and easiest brand SUV to negotiate the price lower, so that was the … decision point. its not fuel efficient whatsover. i will say that the absolute worst premium feature is the Bose stereo. the prior 2016 bose system was 10x's more powerful and more clear sound. they either didnt put good speakers in, missed an amplifier, or just pulled a fast one for the upcharge. That alone is extremely disappointing. The vehicle feels extremely heavy. either too small and engine or just all around sluggish.
Want to love it
3 out of 5 stars
Jared, 01/10/2023
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
The Good: I love the driving dynamics, and the 9 speed transmission has been smooth and the final overdrive gear returns excellent fuel economy at +80mph. I like the looks, especially from the Rock Creek Trim. Front seats are very roomy for taller drivers- I am 6’9” and wide.
The Bad: I have had re occurring HVAC issues which appeared the day after I purchased my 2023 Rock Creek … Pathfinder. It will only blow HOT air until the temperature is set to low temperature- then it only blows COLD air. Some sort of blender door issue they are thinking. Either way this is not confidence inspiring for a brand new vehicle since this is the second dealer visit for the same issue in the third week of ownership.
The Verdict: Undecided if I will sell now, or keep it (assuming HVAC issue eventually gets fixed) knowing I have 17 months left to peruse lemon law claim. I just don’t like the fact my car dashboard has been taken apart twice (so far) and it’s not even a month old. Leaning towards just selling and trying with a different brand.
Power Surge Issues
3 out of 5 stars
Mike Pearson , 01/05/2023
2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A)
Overall I am happy with the vehicle. The ride is very quiet and smooth, good acceleration, very roomy and comfortable. The only issue is that there is a noticeable power surge when the alternator kicks in (per the service technician). When the interior lights are turned on they brighten and dim randomly as the alternator works and the fan motor increases and decreases speed randomly as … well. Nissan service said it is a power surge when the alternator engages and they do not have a fix for it.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, so we've included reviews for other years of the Pathfinder since its last redesign.
Nissan Pathfinder vs. Kia Telluride | Midsize 3-Row SUV Comparison | Price, Interior, Towing & More
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, but since the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
When the Kia Telluride debuted in 2019 to critical and commercial success, it was a sign that Ford and Honda no longer ruled the three-row midsize SUV market. Over the past couple of years, the Telluride has been recognized as one of the best three-row SUVs. We named it the Edmunds… Top Rated SUV for 2020 and 2021.
It's hard to top the Telluride. The three-row SUV has been our top-rated midsize three-row SUV for a few years. It's very comfortable and has an upscale interior, plenty of room in all three rows, and lots of standard features. Except for its slight advantage in fuel economy and towing capacity, the Pathfinder falls short of the Telluride in most ways. Both SUVs have similar starting prices and offer seating for up to eight passengers.
The CX-90 is a new model for 2024. It's essentially a new generation of the outgoing CX-9 SUV. It has a high starting price and top trims are expensive, but it boasts a lineup of potent and efficient engines (including a plug-in hybrid), provides agile handling and sports a refined interior that rivals luxury brands. On the downside, the CX-90's cargo space behind the third row is lacking, as is second- and third-row space. However, it has more second-row legroom than the Pathfinder. Both SUVs offer ample, though not class-leading, tech.
The Pilot was redesigned for 2023 and is a compelling alternative to the Pathfinder. It provides more cargo space and larger second and third rows. Both vehicles pack a V6 engine with similar power and fuel efficiency, but the Pathfinder's max towing capacity is higher. When it comes to tech, neither one stands out, and both have relatively small infotainment screens. As far as starting price, the Pilot and Pathfinder are similar, and both also offer rugged-looking models with added off-road capability.
The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is a capable midsize three-row SUV. It sits in between the slightly smaller Nissan Murano and the larger Nissan Armada. The Pathfinder competes with popular three-row SUVs such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot and Volkswagen Atlas. This current-generation Pathfinder was introduced for the 2022 model year. Our editors give high marks for its improved styling, comfortable ride and one of the highest towing capacities in its class.
In 2023, the Pathfinder received a couple minor changes. An off-road-ready Rock Creek trim was introduced and the midlevel SL trim received wireless smartphone charging as a standard feature. Since the Pathfinder so recently had a redesign, we don't expect any significant changes for the 2024 model year.
Despite the upgrades that this new-generation Pathfinder has brought, it still trails the pack. Other midsize three-row SUVs such as the Telluride, Hyundai Palisade and Pilot have all scored higher in our instrumented testing.
Edmunds says
The Pathfinder is a competent choice for a midsize three-row SUV, though several of its rivals upstage it in areas. If you're interested in a new Pathfinder, feel free to test-drive the 2023 version at your nearest dealership since we're not expecting any major changes to the 2024 model.
FAQ
Is the Nissan Pathfinder a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Pathfinder both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Pathfinder gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 42 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Pathfinder has 16.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan Pathfinder. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder:
The Pathfinder carries over unchanged for 2024
Part of the fourth Pathfinder generation introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Nissan Pathfinder is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Pathfinder. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Pathfinder's 3-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Pathfinder and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Pathfinder gets an average rating of 3 stars out of 5 (based on 42 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Pathfinder is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Nissan Pathfinder?
The least-expensive 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $36,080.
Other versions include:
S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $36,080
S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $37,980
SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $38,900
SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $40,800
SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $42,500
Rock Creek 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $43,900
SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $44,400
Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $49,050
Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $50,950
What are the different models of Nissan Pathfinder?
If you're interested in the Nissan Pathfinder, the next question is, which Pathfinder model is right for you? Pathfinder variants include S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A), S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A), SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 9A), and SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl 9A). For a full list of Pathfinder models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more