Used 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Consumer Reviews
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Diamond in the rough
C B, 10/26/2018
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
102 of 102 people found this review helpful
After spending over a year researching midsize/crossover suvs my husband and I believed we had narrowed it down to one vehicle and went out for some test drives. We decided while out to try some of the other makes and models in the area just to get a feel for the differences read about in the various rating and review sites such as this one. When we pulled into the Nissan lot I realized I knew very little about the Pathfinder, having not made it in the top reviewed crossovers over the past couple years I must have glossed over it in all our research. Or found the reviews underwhelming. We were pleasantly surprised by the test drive, we were blown away by the ease of use of the second row, third row access is achievable without feeling like a sardine! The towing capacity of 6000 Ibs is certified towing capacity and it's an easy and affordable package to add to any model, unlike some competitors. After re-reviewing the reviews we realized that the only two reasons for the Pathfinder not being in the top listings were styling and the CVT transmission. It does take a couple drives to get used to a CVT but this vehicle has power, real power and the CVT is smooth and clearly one of the best out there. The styling is not flashy or overly rugged but it's a nice looking car inside and out. Trust me, go to a dealership and stand next to it and get inside. The plastics are smooth and feel rather luxurious in comparison to the competitors plastics. The vehicle is much larger and the front end has been given a more squared off look. Do I affectionately call it my family wagon? Yes because it's a suv that can handle weather, rough roads and still haul my two boys and my two nephews with all their car seats and booster seats included. I can actually walk into the third row to latch buckles and seat belts, step comfortably out again, roll the second row forward with car seats and boosters and get the other children in and adjusting the leg room for each row quickly. I have done this same routine in the 2017 honda pilot that my sister in law owns and it does not go smoothly. It's much roomier in each row than reviews state and so simple to adjust for leg room. We bought during their year end sale and went with the SV with the weather package and tech package for towing and got the headrails as we are more than aware that midsize suvs with 3rd row up have little space for stuff (that's when full size suvs or minivans may better suit you). We are so happy with our purchase and plan to drive this for years to come. Our boys will grow up with this car and we haven't regretted our decision once. I really believe more people should give the Pathfinder a look. It may surprise you.
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Nice good looking ride!
Mad Dog, 05/04/2018
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
47 of 49 people found this review helpful
The transmission shifts better than the Highlander. We found the Highlander shifts funny with its 6 speed transmission. We bought the SL with 20" wheels. Very good ride and handling. No reliabilty issues thus far with 8000+ miles. Havn't towed with it yet but looking forward to being able to tow up to 6000 lbs. Dont like the Cruise Control because you cant turn off the forward looking feature. Love the all around parking camera. Great value for the money.
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My Second Pathfinder
s. wong, 01/03/2019
updated 08/04/2022
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
46 of 48 people found this review helpful
I traded my 2013 Pathfinder at 66,000 miles for new 2018 model. Prior to purchase of my 2013 model, I test drove Pilot, Highlander, Traverse, Mazda CX-5, Cherokee and Sorrento. Pathfinder was best value for ride, room and overall performance for this class SUV. Very easy to get to 3rd row seats, with just as much room as the others (ignore experts’ comment about the room. 3rd row seats are always for small kids for this class vehicle). Was pleased with my first Pathfinder; even more pleased with second Pathfinder with added features, conveniences and safety. My 3rd vehicle with CVT; love that smooth "no-shift" transmission. One-year Update: 12,680 miles later, still feel the same. 2-year update: 23K miles later. Continuing to enjoy my Nissan Pathfinder's ride. reliability and mileage. At 34K miles, my Pathfinder going well, living up to reliability, good gas mileage and smooth ride with CVT. Pondering that new 2022 model Pathfinder; looks great, but no more CVT.
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Great vehicle for the purposes!
Daniel, 06/15/2018
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
34 of 36 people found this review helpful
Amazing responsive acceleration. This vehicle is faster stronger and cheaper than honda , ford or toyota models. Along with the superior performance you get 6000lb towing capacity. It wont be in the shop except for oil changes because you are driving all over the place in it.
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2nd Time Around
Vulcan, 07/13/2018
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
44 of 48 people found this review helpful
I traded a 2015 Pathfinder for the 2018 Model. Ride is much improved with greater noise reduction (what I didn't like about the 2015), and the power is always there when I need it. Living in the Midwest, you just don't know what the weather will bring, from driving rains, gusty winds, or heavy snow and that can be all in one week. The Pathfinder does great in all of these conditions and if you have ever driven on Michigan roads, you need a vehicle that can handle the lack of maintenance that we experience. Haven't had a vehicle problem on the first Pathfinder and don't anticipate having one with this Pathfinder.
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Apple a day doesn't.......
R.Painter, 08/06/2018
updated 08/07/2019
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
28 of 33 people found this review helpful
My previous comments still apply....While other models of 2018 has Apple CarPlay, the Pathfinder does not. My wife's 2018 Honda Accord has Apple CarPlay, It is a snap to use use, convenient, accurate, easy to use, everything the Nissan navigation system is lacking. one other negative; Cargo space with 3rd row seats up, is woeful ( luggage rack crossbars should've been standard). I have had four other Pathfinders since 1988 - all great vehicles. Now for the good news. Excellent mileage, comfortable, easy and fun to drive. Front and second seats plenty of room, and love the tilt down side mirrors feature when backing up, and my wife is all for the heated steering wheel. Plenty of towing power - everything one would expect in a Pathfinder. So, if you have patience for the navigation system and cargo space it's not a factor, this is a great car and except for the lack of AppleCar Play, I be hard pressed not to buy it again. Cargo space can't be changed. Crossbars could have at least be discounted, but...no big deal Love the car - not happy that AppleCar Play at least not an option.
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Good, Good Good Good vibrations
Gary, 01/11/2019
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
27 of 34 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2018 Pathfinder replacing a 2005 Infinity QX56. A little downsizing. At 500 miles had to have one tire replaced for being out of round creating major vibration. At 6000 miles had all tires replaced by tire manufacturer due to constant vibration after several attempts to balance had failed. Still vibrates. Took it into dealership and was informed by service advisor that their Nissan Rep, who was visiting dealership that day, informed them that the vibration is a known characteristic of the vehicle and that if I placed Michelin tires on it it would cure the vibration. Nissan corporate informs me there is nothing they can do. Have test driven 2 other 2018 Pathfinders and they have same issue. Vibration is bad. Would not recommend this vehicle
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Fuel injection problem
Rami, 09/05/2021
2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately, I bought pathfinder 2018 its stop in the street after three years (Dec 2020) it took from Nissan service 4 days to inform there is problem in electricity or fuel injection With poor options if you compare with other brands
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Most favorite vehicle ever
HA56, 12/03/2022
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love cars and trade every couple of years. I have had a Jeep Wrangler, convertible, other SUV’s and many sedans. I bought my 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Midnight edition 2 years ago, and it is without a doubt my most favorite vehicle I have ever owned. Big enough but not too big. Very comfortable on long trips, lots of acceleration when needed. The camera options are fantastic and yes the third row is a bit tight, but completely adequate for the times that I have needed it. The back cargo area (with the 3rd row laid down) has fit some very large pieces of furniture! I love this car and other than tires & maintenance, I have had virtually no issues from it. I did have to replace a gasket that was leaking some oil a few months back but that is the only repair and I am currently at 109k miles. Great car!
Good car until the fob doesn't work.
Hank, 11/29/2021
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought new in 2018. Good car until the fob has problems. Wouldn't start the car or lock or unlock. AAA couldn't get it started. Nothing in owner's manual as they want you to get the car towed to a dealer where they spend several hours at $150/hr trying to diagnose the problem. No more Nissan for me.
Very nice rental, but couldn't live with.
Ron N., 12/02/2018
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
15 of 23 people found this review helpful
The first few days with the Pathfinder SL with Premium Package I thought I found my next new vehicle. My daily driver is a 16 Corolla S, my weekender is a MKIII Supra, and my wife has a 15 Camry XSE V6. After living with it for a few weeks and nearly 5000 miles, I became less enamored. The first thing that I fell in love with was the ride comfort, even with the 20 inch wheels. I was thinking it would be awful, as I previously owned a 13 Equinox V6 with 18's that was horrible. I still love the ride, it is one of the best. The steering is dreadful, however, during cornering as the power steering pulses between too much assist and too little, and instead of gracefully cornering, it feels like it is zig-zagging. I test drove other Pathfinders to see if it was just a problem with the rental, as I was serious about purchasing one, and they did it as well. That nice comfortable ride? Still love it, but Nissan could use thicker sway bars to make the SUV feel more secure when the road starts turning. The giant exterior mirrors are nice, but when combined with the thick A-pillar, has a massive blind spot that can hide small cars. The blind spot monitors work very well, but the warnings are ill placed, not in the mirrors where your eyes are looking, but 8 inches down close to the base of the door and A-pillar. One has to do a little bit of a two-step. The CVT in the Pathfinder, and Nissans in general, is just a bit better than the CVT in the Mitsubishi SUV's. Toyota has did a nice job with the Corolla's CVT, as did Honda with theirs. Plus, in a $40k+ vehicle, a CVT shouldn't even be considered, an 8-speed auto should be the minimum. The interior is nice and well appointed, it feels right. Nissan did a great job here. No rough edges, the leather is nice, it feels like it belongs in a vehicle with a little higher price tag. And it has a comfortable ride. The Bluetooth pairs well. That is the best of the infotainment. The navigation is easy to use, but if you want a full map, it won't tell you the next turn until you are up on it, although if you half-screen the map, it will give turn information like exit number, street name and distance. With full screen, it does not tell you exit number of street name, only distance and direction, until you are within a 1/4 mile of the exit/turn. This is bad when there are several roads in close proximity. The hands free voice activation for phones is horrible! My $20k Corolla S understands every command perfectly, the Pathfinder cannot understand anything. The Bose sound system is nice and clear, worth the expense. Now, the controls for the climate and radio are very poor, not intuitive at all. Even after all the time I have spent in the Pathfinder, I still have to take my eyes off the road to make any adjustment. My Toyota's do not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and neither does this Pathfinder, but the 2019 does. This is not a deal breaker, but is nice to have. The panoramic roof is one small tilt/slide glass panel over the front seats, with a large, non-moving glass panel with sliding sunshade over the 2nd and 3rd rows. Fuel mileage is quite a surprise, as I am seeing about 24mpg combined, a little better than advertised. This can be attributed to the CVT, but an 8+ speed would be similar. As for the CVT, I would not want to tow anything with it. Overall, though, it is a nice vehicle, I could probably live with some of its shortcomings if I got a great deal on one. At $42k MSRP, however, getting another 3-row crossover with every option this has would cost several thousand more (Kia Sorento with rear seat heaters is nearly $45k MSRP). One could do worse than getting the Pathfinder, but there are better, too. And, even with the 20" wheels, it has a nice, comfortable ride. Maybe I'm getting old and need to sell my Supra and get a Buick.....
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2nd Nissan Pathfinder Platinum
LJRNY, 04/03/2021
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I own a 2018 Pathfinder and before that owned a 2016. I could not be happier with the vehicle. It is powerful, inside is quiet and comfortable. The safety features on the 2018 are outstanding, especially love the surround view camera when parking and pulling out of places. The Bose stereo sound is amazing. Tow capacity is great. I keep looking for better fit of a vehicle for me but can't find one. Not sure why the reviews are always lackluster. Other leading SUV's don't offer same level/combination of comfort, towing power or quiet ride.
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2018 Pathfinder is a mess
Prakash, 07/10/2019
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
12 of 21 people found this review helpful
I bought the brand new 2018 Pathfinder 6 months ago and had faced battery drainage issues twice already. Both times I had to jump start and charge the battery to resolve the problem. Cant depend on this for emergency needs, just treat this as a spare vehicle. Most of all Nissan consumer support is of no use when contacted, poor design or cheap component. Don’t go for this.
Nissan Pathfinder 2018 SV is worth the value.
John, 01/12/2018
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
13 of 23 people found this review helpful
Shoppers should test drive this SUV a great comfort ride.
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The Biggest and the strongest, The never Fail lug
John Flynn, 09/10/2021
2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
You Can’t get anything better than the PATHFINDER 130 Thousand Miles , and still like new , never had Road side assistance, I Believe Nissan make the best two SUVS XTRAIL witch is ROGUE, and PATHFINDER the Motor can’t get anything better 3.5 wow and 2.5 it is my firt Nissan , very happy and satisfied with Nissan .we Have 5 YEAR WARRANTY 3 YEARS FREE SERVICE, and Our gas is $1.39 LT not Gallons so I hope I have helped so of you to try a new pathfinder happy driving to you all regards John FLynn
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Nice looking for 3-row, but technology is lacking
Scott S, 03/31/2019
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
10 of 18 people found this review helpful
I was down to the Explorer or the Pathfinder. I finally chose the Pathfinder due to overall distance on a tank of gas. (Fuel tank size & mpgs) Both were at top of the class for interior and cargo space, both had plenty of power for towing. The Pathfinder looked sporty and got about 100 more miles per tank, so I bought it. First off, the entertainment system is way behind times. No Apple Play or Android Auto. I was told it would use apps from my phone, like Pandora, but it does not. I called Nissan Connect and was told that even though I bought the top of the line Pathfinder, it will not play apps from my phone. Surprisingly, lesser, older Nissan models do! I asked if they ever pushed updates and it would someday, they said no! I even have a Ford that's 4 years older and it'll play my Pandora app! I bought this mostly for highway use, hence wanting the range. The Platinum version comes with Intuitive Cruise control. First thing I noticed is when you first set the speed and take your foot off the gas, the speed drop 2 mph and then comes back up to your set speed. (It does this every time, very annoying.) Once you have your speed set and come to a hill, the speed will drop over 2 mph before it decides to accelerate back up to your set speed. Going down a hill, it'll pick up about 3 mph over your set speed before slowing back down to your set speed. That's a 5 mph difference in speed! I feel bad for people following me in any other car that has their cruise set. I've been in cars 10 years older that hold speed better than this. I went to the dealer, they said that just the way they are. The car has nice styling inside and out. Drives and handles OK. I've yet to hit the 26 mph on the highway they say I can get or get the distance on a tank of gas they said it would get. I will keep this for about another year and trade for the Explorer.
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Remote Start
Di, 01/21/2021
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
ONLY compliant I have my remote you HAVE to point it at front of Pathfinder to get it started. LIKED my Explorer remote stater BETTER I pointed it at the side it started. Be a GOOD idea to move heat/cool controls to different location where you can see what you have it at where it is now you have to make sure you have it where you want it before driving it IS HARD to see when you want to change it. Be nice didn't have to push button to unlock your when you getting in it from outside grab the handle & it unlocks. YES I would buy another one
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New owner
Paul, 03/05/2019
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
5 of 13 people found this review helpful
Only driven a few miles. Seems fine. Was Certified, but found defects during purchase which males me doubt the inspection process. Was told that Defects will be covered, but I need to make appointment with service, then parts will be ordered, then repairs sceduled. So at least two more trips to the dealer - 2 hours each way.
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Had to have one!
AJ Cool, 04/19/2019
updated 04/21/2021
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Drove a rental for work for one week and had to have one. Rental was a SV 4wd..got the Platinum 4wd instead. Co mpared it to a stripped Tahoe because I'm a rear drive junkie.... can't stand torque steer or cvt. Who would have guessed. Have been driving it 5 months and no regrets. Go figure! Really enjoy the driver experience and all the goodies in the Platinum. Great choice for me 👍
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Average
Cate, 07/02/2020
2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
Nothing outstanding about the Pathfinder
Pathfinder
Karen, 04/25/2023
2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Is a excellent vehicle excellent gas mileage! Just too large for me I don't need a third seat
Not the most exciting SUV out there, but I love it
BKL, 12/01/2023
2018 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought 2018 Pathfinder 4WD new. Reason - I wanted an SUV of this size, and Nissan beat them all by price. Was looking at Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and 4Runner, Kia Sorrento, Subaru Ascent, Ford Explorer... Not GM. What I realized, that for few thousands less I can have basic no-bells sizeable SUV with no compromises on power (Explorers and Subaru's made with 4 cylinders turbo - can't see the point as they are less gas efficient than 3.5LV6 Pathfinder and still lack V6 acceleration). I can say that I am very happy with what I have. 5 years ad 20K miles later (did not drive much during the pandemic, and still drive little) nothing really broke. Did not need any repairs. Happy with the efficiency - I do get ~26 miles per gallon on highway (not according to the onboard indicator - at the pump) and ~21 in mixed suburb driving where I live. Love the utility of it - roomy, few times I needed to give a ride to full car (7 people), fit in big screen TV and most home improvement materials no problem. Appreciated its size when moved my daughter to the University campus. Overall, it goes soft and smooth, quieter than most base trims. I installed after-market step boards (220$) and roof bars (knock-off for particularly my Nissan model, 50$). Make it stand out just a bit and does not break the bank compare to OEM/dealer-installed options. My wife is happy, it is easier for a petit to get in and out. And I am happy, I carry my 13 feet kayak on the roof to go fishing. On the negative side, if you want modern infotainment and sensors - these are not here. Options are minimal, basic, and frankly - obsolete. Fits me, I don't want to have connected car or dozens of sensors that can't be fixed in regular shops. Pretty much the only sensor I got (automatic front collision prevention) has some glitches and occasionally lights up when it rains for no reason, when I make turns. I ignore it, and the light goes away not to be seen for many months. And if you expect great acceleration to race out there, you will not get it unless spin the engine all the way. I drive within 3,000 rpm (therefore gas efficiency), and Pathfinder with CVT is sluggish this way. On the positive side, I am not as tempted to speed or race as in my previous V6 sedan, and I feel that overall I drive safer than I used to. Summary: if you are after utility and value on lower budget, you may love Pathfinder. That's me, and I intend to keep mine until it dies. If you are for infotainment, technology gadgets, thrilling driving experience - look elsewhere or go with higher options; I personally cannot justify paying over $20K for Platinum trim when it is same motor/transmission/body/chassis.
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Dead
Kathy Swann, 11/14/2024
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really loved the car for almost 5 years and then out of the blue the engine croaked.
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A Dream Come True
Betty, 11/23/2024
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently went to Ford to find a bigger vehicle. We've had Fords for over 40 years. I couldn't find anything I liked, but in the used-vehicle area I spotted a white SUV (2018 Pathfinder) and decided I liked the way it looked and all the features (although a lot to learn) hooked me. I've had it several months now and am in love with it. It's heavy, solid, quiet and feels like home. It now has a mattress in the back. I don't think I've ever done more driving simply for the pleasure of the ride. And the price was unbelievable!