2012 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Price Estimate: $3,501 - $5,103





+160
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6 and V8 engines
- strong towing ability.
Cons
- Poor fuel economy
- cramped second- and third-row seats
- less cargo space than large crossovers
- drives like a truck.
What’s new
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder lineup receives just a couple of tweaks including the addition of the navigation system as standard equipment on the top-of-the-line LE trim level.
Edmunds says
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder's size and weight make it better suited to serious utility than daily passenger transport. This is a real sport-utility, so those seeking a passenger vehicle will be better served by any number of large crossover SUVs.
For sale nearby
79 listings
- 151,217 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 15 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Mark Allen Buick GMC (296 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Collinsville, OK
Mark Allen Buick GMC is excited to offer this good-looking 2012 Nissan Pathfinder in Brilliant Silver Metallic This vehicle has passed our comprehensi...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5N1AR1NN6CC633914
Stock: SB026531B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-28-2024- 133,248 miles
- 2 accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 15 City / 22 Hwy MPG
- Bullocks Auto Sales (311 mi away)
- Third-row seating
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Pryor, OK
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
17 Combined MPG (15 City/22 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5N1AR1NN1CC636140
Stock: 6632
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-25-2025
Vehicle overview
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has long been known for being a rugged SUV with decent off-road capabilities. This third-generation version that dates back to 2005 is no different. It can still hold its own after the pavement ends, thanks to a robust platform based on the full-size Nissan Titan pickup truck. With a choice of V6 or V8 power and rear- or four-wheel drive, the Pathfinder can also tow up to 7,000 pounds, a number that bests most car-based crossovers.
While the Pathfinder's truck-based brawn can come in handy when you're traveling the rutted road to your favorite fishing hole or pulling the family camping trailer, it comes at a price. Specifically, you'll be giving up many of the qualities that are important in everyday driving, including a smooth ride, confident handling, decent fuel economy and an interior with plenty of room for both people and cargo.
As such, we'd recommend most buyers check out some of the better car-based crossovers on the market, including the Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer And if you're one of the few who need serious off-road and/or trailer-towing capability, we suggest you also have a look at the V6-powered Jeep Grand Cherokee or Toyota 4Runner, both of which offer better fuel economy.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is offered with a choice of two engines. The 4.0-liter V6 makes 266 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque, while the LE V8 model gets a 5.6-liter V8 that produces 310 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is the only transmission offered.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, while a part-time four-wheel-drive system featuring a shift-on-the-fly transfer case is an option on S, SV and Silver models. LE models can be had with an available full-time four-wheel-drive setup.
In Edmunds performance testing, a V6-powered four-wheel-drive Pathfinder went from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. EPA fuel economy estimates are 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 14/20/16 with 4WD. Properly equipped, this powertrain can tow 6,000 pounds.
The LE V8 model made a quick 7.0-second sprint from zero to 60 mph in our testing. But that slight performance gain comes with dismal fuel economy numbers of 13/18/14 mpg. Properly equipped, the V8 model can tow 7,000 pounds.
Safety
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front seat active head restraints, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Pathfinder LE V8 came to a stop from 60 mph in 134 feet, which is about the norm for truck-based SUVs.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Pathfinder its highest possible rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side crash tests but a second-lowest score of "Marginal" for the roof-strength test.
Driving
No matter which engine you choose, you'll find that the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder performs admirably, with both the V6 and V8 producing strong acceleration. The five-speed automatic transmission helps make the most of this power with smooth, well-timed gearshifts.
In fact, the driving experience feels almost sporty thanks to precise, responsive steering. The Pathfinder can't escape its truck-based roots, though, and there's the usual body roll during cornering, while a suspension calibrated for hauling and towing delivers a stiff-legged ride on bad pavement.
Interior
Inside the cabin, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder's front seats are comfortable enough, but second-row passengers will find foot and shoulder room in short supply. The standard third-row seat is really only suitable for kids, and they'll have a hard time getting back there because of the elevated placement of the Pathfinder's rear door handles and its high step-in height. The Pathfinder's interior design is also showing its age, with a ho-hum look and a lot of small buttons on the center stack.
When it comes time to transport cargo, the interior's 40/20/40-split second-row and 50/50-split third-row seats fold down to create a flat load floor and 79 cubic feet of cargo room. This is less than most large crossovers.
2012 Nissan Pathfinder models
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize seven-passenger SUV offered in five trim levels: S, SV, Silver, LE V6 and LE V8.
Standard equipment on the entry-level S model includes 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, roof rack rails, air-conditioning, an eight-way manually adjustable driver seat, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player.
The SV adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, running boards, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning, upgraded cloth upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 7-inch color multi-information display, a rearview camera, a six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack.
Step up to the Silver trim level and you get heated mirrors, body-color/chrome side moldings, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, a four-way power passenger seat, heated front seats and Bluetooth.
The LE V6 model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rack crossbars, driver seat memory functions, a heated steering wheel, wood-grain trim and a navigation system with digital music storage. The top-of-the-line LE V8 loses the standard sunroof but gains the 5.6-liter V8 engine and four-wheel drive.
The options list is short and includes a sunroof and the rear-seat video entertainment system.

The Nissan Armada Nismo Turns Performance Up a (Small) Notch

2026 Nissan Leaf vs. Tesla Model Y vs. Chevy Equinox EV: Affordable EVs Compared

The 2026 Nissan Leaf Finally Catches Up to the Competition

What's the Best SUV Under $30,000? We Test 9 of Them
Compare 2012 Nissan Pathfinder trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$245/mo for Pathfinder S
Pathfinder S
vs
$159/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#18 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$517/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
1.18x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
14%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal
Nissan Pathfinder Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great vehicle
5 out of 5 starsMoises Santiago, 04/03/2016
2012 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
I have had Pathfinders since 2007, I had a 2008, 2009 and now have 2012 since that year. I cant complain, it is an amazing vehicle, I have drove this vehicle from NC to NY to TX to AL, anyways this vehicle is just great for whatever you need it, great spacing, I have a family of five and we are super comfortable. NAV system is great, the radio sound is great (BOSE), only bad part is that … doesn't have USB ports and cant connect your Ipod with Bluetooth, cell phone works great with Bluetooth. It came with a DVD system and two wireless headsets, that's great for the kids. Like I said I have had mine since 2012 and it runs perfectly, no issues, paint is still awesome, so I can trust that I will have this great vehicle for many many more years. I recommend to anyone.
An Educated Review
5 out of 5 starsMartin Prieto, 09/26/2021
2012 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
First things first, you have to remember that this 2012 Pathfinder was designed and engineered in the early 2000s. It’s got a Spartan interior compared to other 2012 models, but that’s okay. This is still an old school body on frame truck, and I love it.
From 2005-2010, the Pathfinder was plagued with a transmission coolant line that would rupture and get coolant into the transmission … fluid. This would break these transmissions and I wouldn’t recommend getting a pathfinder from those years. 2011-2012 saw those problems get fixed, so those are the great years of this model.
The VQ40 engine is a loud and raspy one, but it’s strong and reliable. God, it likes to sip fuel, though. Mine’s at 125k miles and I’ve owned it for about two years. It hasn’t had a single hiccup during that time, but it is averaging closer to 15mpg with a lot of city driving. If you want to get better gas mileage, you really have to stick to the speed limits. Interstate limit here is 70. I tend to go 5-10 over, which, coupled with the aerodynamics of a brick, leads to me getting less than the 20mpg hwy rating. My wife does better than I in that regard.
The 4wd unit on this is a good one from a mechanical perspective, and from real life driving. The rear differential is a limited slip differential. That’s a really nice added bonus when you’re in a spotty situation. The Pathfinder feels secure in the snow, and it sure isn’t out of place in the dirt. The LSD in the rear let’s me do fun little donuts on the dirt that the kids enjoy. Again, added bonus.
The interior is spartan, but it’s comfortable. I feel like the driving position that I’ve chosen is a really upright position, and though that works for me, it may not work for others. It has pedal adjustments so you can sit further back, but it doesn’t have a telescoping steering wheel. The second row is wide enough to fit three child seats comfortably, although it doesn’t have the most leg room. The third row is tight. I wouldn’t say it’s comfortable for anyone other than small kids. The trunk space with the third row down is actually great. Couple that with the rear glass having it’s own latch that can come off, and this thing is actually plenty capable of hauling long things.
The ride isn’t great. You get a lot of bump steer. Bumps kn the road that are mid turn can upset it pretty bad, but that seems to be the case in most trucks. Truck suspensions don’t like bumps mid corner. This has an independent four wheel suspension, so I’m sure it’s nicer than other trucks and truck based SUVs that have a live rear axle. Still not great, but I’d rather have the comforts from the independent suspension than the off-road capability from the live rear axle. Personal preference. A family hauler doesn’t need all the wheel articulation in my opinion.
I’ve only towed once in the Pathfinder, and it was about a 3,000 pound car. It didn’t struggle at all, which is good considering that 3,000 pounds is only half of its towing capacity. It did great.
Bottom line, this is an old design that just does what it’s supposed to do. It’s good reliable transportation in all senses. It just doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of newer cars. It’s a handsome design, too. I really think it still looks great in this newer era. You just have to find a clean one. I would definitely recommend any 2011-2012 Nissan Pathfinder.
Survived a collision and totaled it
4 out of 5 starsJoe S, 06/19/2018
2012 Nissan Pathfinder Silver Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Yes, she saved me and my family from some major collision. Lady decided to pull out in front of me while I was travelling down the highway. I swerved doing 45 mph into the oncoming lane but my front passenger side contacted her front driver side and pushed her all the way to the curb, turning her car about 180 degrees. The airbags deployed and saved us from what could have been some … life threatening injuries. I couldn't open my door as the front of the car shifted in and jammed the door. Thank goodness this Pathfinder was built sturdy enough to take such an awful blow. We all escaped unscathed and am thankful that I had a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, any other car I don't think we would be as lucky.
2 Year Recap
4.88 out of 5 starsmrcarp, 07/29/2014
2012 Nissan Pathfinder Silver Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 years old with a little under 13,000 miles.
Continued happiness with the PF.
Seems to be holding up and is still as solid as new.
No issues as of yet (knock on wood).
Replaced the headlight bulbs with super whites.
Drastic improvement over stock.
Let's hope it lasts, with any luck our 4 year old will be driving it, 12
years from now, of course.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, so we've included reviews for other years of the Pathfinder since its last redesign.
2012 Pathfinder Highlights
S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $29,290 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 17 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $245/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.5 cu.ft. |
rear wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Pathfinder include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover23.7%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestMarginal
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
People who viewed this also viewed
3.9 average Rating out of 36 reviews. |
Starting at $40,200 |
4.3 average Rating out of 13 reviews. |
Starting at $36,390 |
3.6 average Rating out of 9 reviews. |
Starting at $28,590 |
Related Used 2012 Nissan Pathfinder info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Kia Stinger 2020 Review
- Hyundai Nexo 2021 Review
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2020 Review
- Audi A4 2020 Review
- Chevrolet Express Cargo 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Used Jeep Grand-cherokee 2025
- Used Honda Pilot 2025
- Used Chevrolet Blazer 2025
- Used Hyundai Palisade 2025
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2010
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2011
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2012 For Sale
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2013 For Sale
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2014
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2015
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2016
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2017
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2018
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- New Chevrolet Equinox EV
- 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV News
- 2024 Dodge Ram Pickup 3500
- New BMW i4
- BMW M4 2026
- Ford Maverick 2025
- New Genesis GV60
- New Porsche Boxster
- 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
- 2025 BMW 8 Series
Research other models of Nissan
- New Nissan Pathfinder
- 2025 Nissan LEAF
- New Nissan Versa
- New Nissan Altima
- 2024 Truck
- Nissan Murano 2025
- Nissan Armada 2024
- Nissan Murano 2024
- Nissan Sentra 2024
- 2024 GT-R
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used Kia Soul-Ev in Douglasville, GA 2021
- Used Buick Lacrosse in Anderson, IN 2019
- Used Aston-Martin DBX707 in Corvallis, OR 2024
- Used Ram 1500 in Oklahoma City, OK 2025
- Used Ford Shelby-Gt350 in Cocoa Beach, FL 2020
- New Genesis G70 for Sale in South Elgin, IL
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500Hd in Bellingham, MA 2006
- Used Subaru Impreza in Everett, WA 2025
- Used Volkswagen E-Golf in Nashua, NH 2019
- New Mercedes-Benz Eqs for Sale in Caldwell, NJ