2018 Nissan Pathfinder
What’s new
- Automatic emergency braking now comes standard on all trim levels
- A rear-seat reminder system
- Additional USB charging ports
- Midnight Edition appearance package
- Adaptive cruise control system
Pros
- V6 engine delivers strong acceleration with decent fuel economy
- Third-row seat is easy to access
- Offers robust towing capacity
- Automatic emergency braking is standard on every trim level
Cons
- Cargo capacity and small-item storage is below average
- Third-row space is less roomy than in some rivals
- Top trim's ride quality may be too firm for some drivers
2018 Nissan Pathfinder pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Which Pathfinder does Edmunds recommend?
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
Versatile, roomy and even somewhat rugged, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder checks several boxes for shoppers looking for a three-row crossover SUV. It's got a classy, upscale interior and a V6 engine with plenty of power for towing. The Pathfinder strikes an excellent balance of quality and utility.
After some substantial upgrades in 2017 — among them, new engine technology for more power, fortified suspension and steering, and increased towing capacity — the Pathfinder carries into 2018 with only a few changes. One of them is noteworthy, however: The automatic emergency braking safety feature, previously available only on upper trims, joins the base model's standard equipment.
There's also a new Rear Door Alert, intended to remind the driver of people, pets or objects that might still be present when the driver exits the car. It works by registering whether the door was opened before a trip but not reopened at the end of that trip or ignition cycle. It's a nifty feature that proves its worth with just one use, and it comes standard on all Pathfinders.
The Pathfinder also offers one of the sharpest infotainment interfaces around. The 8-inch touchscreen looks great and is supplemented by an intuitive dial-and-button controller (although its vertical location on the center stack makes less sense than down on the center console near the shifter as with many rival systems). On the downside, the Pathfinder offers relatively compact cargo capacity and utility compared to others.
None of this detracts from the Pathfinder overall, though. It elevates the humble family SUV to something slightly less than luxury, but more upscale than utilitarian. It's a happy middle ground, backed up by some real capability, that makes it worth a look for anyone considering a three-row crossover.
Trim levels & features
The seven-passenger 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in four main trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum.
The base S comes with a range of essential features and nice surprises, starting with a 3.5-liter V6 engine (284 horsepower, 259 pound-feet of torque) paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but a four-wheel-drive system is optional and includes hill descent control and a special four-wheel-drive locking function for extra traction.
Highlights of the S trim's standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, a 60/40-split folding second-row seat (which also slides and reclines), Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, and a six-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio, a CD player, dual USB media inputs and two additional charge-only USB ports for rear passengers. Automatic emergency braking also comes standard.
The SV adds helpful features including automatic headlights, foglights, rear parking sensors, a power-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. An optional All Weather package offers heated front seats, along with heated side mirrors and steering wheel. A navigation system, driver safety aids (including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control), Nissan telematics services and a trailer hitch receiver are available with the optional Tech package.
Moving up to the SL, our recommended trim, adds the features from the SV's All Weather and Tech packages, as well as leather upholstery, a power liftgate, a top-down 360-degree parking camera system, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated second-row seats and upgraded interior trim.
The optional SL Premium package adds 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a 13-speaker Bose audio system and a trailer hitch receiver. You can also order the SL with the Midnight Edition package, which adds blacked-out 20-inch wheels, side mirrors, roof rails and other cosmetic elements.
Finally, the Platinum bundles all the previously mentioned options with 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel and wood interior trim. A rear seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch headrest displays is optional for the Platinum only.
Driving
Comfort
Seat comfort
Ride comfort
Noise & vibration
Interior
Ease of use
Getting in/getting out
Roominess
Visibility
Quality
Utility
Technology
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Features & Specs
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Pathfinder safety features:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front radar monitors proximity to the vehicle ahead. In an imminent collision, the Pathfinder can apply brakes to avoid/mitigate impact.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Helps compensate for reduced side and rear visibility caused by the Pathfinder's stylish exterior. Standard on SL and Platinum.
- Around-View Monitor
- Four cameras display a 360-degree image of the car. Selectable curbside view works great for parking. Standard on SL and Platinum.
Nissan Pathfinder vs. the competition
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
2018 Toyota Highlander
Nissan Pathfinder vs. Toyota Highlander
When comparably equipped, the Nissan Pathfinder is a better value than the Toyota Highlander. The base Highlander comes standard with a less expensive, but also less powerful, four-cylinder engine that we don't recommend. Once you equip the Highlander with a V6 to make an apples-to-apples comparison, its price advantage goes away. Although our editors still preferred the Highlander, those looking to get more car for the money should keep the Pathfinder in mind.
Nissan Pathfinder vs. Honda Pilot
The Nissan Pathfinder faces tough competition when compared to the Honda Pilot. The Pathfinder gets slightly better fuel economy, and while the MSRP is higher than the Pilot's, you're likely to see greater discounts on average. On the other hand, the Pilot starts out less expensive, can seat an extra person (bringing the passenger capacity to eight), has better infotainment technology and is a little more engaging to drive.
Nissan Pathfinder vs. Ford Explorer
The Pathfinder comes equipped with more standard features than the Explorer, including keyless ignition and tri-zone climate control. It also keeps the shopping simple, with a single, powerful engine. But if you prefer a more traditional boxy SUV look, the Ford Explorer has got that covered. It has a choice of three engines, but the best one, a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, is only available on more expensive higher trims.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder for Sale
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See your car's valueFAQs
Is the Nissan Pathfinder a good car?
Are you looking for an SUV with a classy, upscale interior and a V6 engine with plenty of power for towing? If so, the Pathfinder strikes an excellent balance of quality and utility and should be on your list of vehicles to consider. It also offers one of the sharpest infotainment interfaces around. The 8-inch touchscreen ranks high among rivals, backed by crisp graphics, fast response times and an intuitive dial-and-button controller. On the other hand, the Pathfinder's third row is less roomy than those of its competitors, and the cargo capacity is below average.
How can I get a Nissan Pathfinder deal?
Edmunds can help you find a great local price on a Nissan Pathfinder. See 2018 Nissan Pathfinder deals and incentives in your area.
Does the Nissan Pathfinder have good MPG?
A front-wheel-drive Pathfinder gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway). Opting for all-wheel drive lowers these estimates by 1 or 2 mpg. The combined mpg number is slightly above average for vehicles in this class, and while the difference may only be a mile or so per gallon, it can make a big difference in an SUV. If you want better fuel economy, you could consider the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, though it costs nearly $6,000 more.
Does the Nissan Pathfinder have good resale value?
If you're ready to buy, you're probably wondering about the Nissan Pathfinder's resale value. How much will a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder be worth in two or five years — or whenever you decide to sell? Check out the Edmunds True Cost to Own (TCO) calculator. It includes projected annual depreciation over the first five years of ownership based on Edmunds' robust market transaction data.
At first glance, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder looks like just about every other crossover out there. It's about the same size and has about the same specifications as its competitors. The Pathfinder plays in a big, competitive pool where every fish is a shark.
But that doesn't mean it lacks certain advantages compared to its rivals. Among them are a robust V6 engine, a classy interior, high-performing infotainment tech and robust towing capability.
The current fourth-generation Pathfinder debuted as a 2013 model and received some significant updates with the 2017 model year. Those included tweaks to the 3.5-liter V6 that powers it, the most substantial involving the use of direct gasoline injection. The miracle of direct injection facilitates, among other things, a higher compression ratio and superior combustion. In short, engine output moves from last year's 260 horsepower to 284. More power is usually good.
Despite the increased power, the Pathfinder's fuel economy ratings remain respectable. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive 2018 Pathfinder at 23 mpg combined. Add all-wheel drive to the mix and it drops just a bit to 22 mpg combined.
Among the other changes, Nissan fortified the suspension and steering, increased the tow rating from 5,000 to 6,000 pounds, and touched up the Pathfinder's appearance. Changes to the 2018 model are few but not unsubstantial. Noteworthy among them, automatic emergency braking now comes standard even on the base model.
Nissan offers the Pathfinder in four trim levels. At the bottom is the S, which practically no one buys. Then come the SV, which is livable, and the SL, which is the mainstream model and pretty cushy. Finally there's the Platinum, which is full of stuff you don't need but really want.
Additional interior room, however, isn't available on any of them. And while the interior is roomy enough, the third row is best left to kids, and the Pathfinder still suffers from a shortage of cargo space that limits its utility compared to its rivals.
Still, the Pathfinder elevates the humble family SUV to something slightly less than luxury, but more upscale than utilitarian. It's a happy middle ground, backed up by some real capability that makes it worth a look for anyone considering a three-row crossover.
Let Edmunds help you see if the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is the perfect crossover for you.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Overview
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is offered in the following submodels: Pathfinder SUV. Available styles include SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT), S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT), SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT), and Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT).
What do people think of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Pathfinder 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Pathfinder.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Pathfinder featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $45,875. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $7,203 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $7,203 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$38,672.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is15.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 37 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $40,610. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $6,509 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,509 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$34,101.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is16% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 30 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36,650. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $6,197 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,197 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$30,453.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is16.9% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 23 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $34,135. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $5,897 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,897 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$28,238.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is17.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 18 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $32,445. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $5,654 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,654 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$26,791.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is17.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 9 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $44,845. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $6,140 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,140 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$38,705.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is13.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $43,130. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $6,090 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $6,090 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$37,040.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is14.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $36,380. The average price paid for a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $5,678 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,678 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$30,702.
The average savings for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is15.6% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Which 2018 Nissan Pathfinders are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 Nissan Pathfinder for sale near. There are currently 264 new 2018 Pathfinders listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $32,425 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $8,869 on a used or CPO 2018 Pathfinder available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2018 Nissan Pathfinders you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Nissan Pathfinder for sale - 4 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $11,871.
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Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Nissan lease specials
Check out Nissan Pathfinder lease specials
Related vehicle information
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Information
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Build and Price TMV®
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Incentives & Rebates
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Discussions
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Consumer Reviews
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Features & Specs
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Pictures
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Review
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Dealer Price Quotes
- Used 2018 Nissan Pathfinder For Sale Near Me
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Ownership Costs