2026 Nissan Pathfinder

Competing against such class heavyweights as the Honda Pilot and Kia Telluride is no easy task, but the Nissan Pathfinder has a litany of reasons why it's a compelling choice against other midsize three-row SUVs. Its sharply angled styling stands out from the crowd, and there's enough room inside the cabin that even adults will fit comfortably in the third row. It's also pleasant to drive, and it has the muscle to tow up to 6,000 pounds — about 1,000 pounds more than most of its competitors. Last redesigned in 2022, the Pathfinder is due for a visual revamp, so it's possible the 2026 model could see refreshed front and rear styling, along with an updated interior that uses Nissan's newer infotainment technology recently introduced in the smaller Rogue.

Edmunds spotlight: Rock Creek rocks

There are plenty of Pathfinder trims to choose from, but the Rock Creek trim deserves special mention. This off-road-oriented model sports a unique grille, bumpers, off-road tires, and an upgraded roof rack for tying down extra gear. All-wheel drive is standard, and the off-road-tuned suspension adds 0.6 inches of lift. It also gets 11 extra horsepower and torque over the standard Pathfinder. Put it together and this is a Pathfinder that can actually find paths, at least ones that are off-limits to the standard SUV and a lot of its competitors. Best of all, it sits in the middle of the lineup, meaning that it's not even the most expensive version.

Competitors to consider

Obviously, the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander, and Kia Telluride are the Pathfinder's main rivals. But there's no shortage of others. The Ford Explorer also comes in a rugged version, and the recently redesigned Chevrolet Traverse is also a solid choice.

The Pathfinder is a decent pick in the midsize three-row SUV segment, but it's getting long in the tooth compared to some of its rivals. An update can't come soon enough.