2027 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize three-row SUV that faces stiff competition from the Kia Telluride and Honda Pilot. But the Pathfinder has a few things going for it; its sharp styling helps it stand out, and all three rows are roomy enough for adults. Its towing capacity of 6,000 pounds is also a little higher than that of competitors, and the Pathfinder is nice enough to drive. Because Nissan made meaningful updates to the Pathfinder last year, we don't expect any changes for the 2027 model. 

Edmunds spotlight: Better than before but still behind

Nissan introduced a number of enhancements to last year's Pathfinder in an effort to make its largest crossover feel modern. The most notable upgrade was the new 12.3-inch touchscreen, which dwarfed the previous 9-inch unit that the Pathfinder had used since this generation's launch in 2022. We saw quality-of-life improvements, such as a cooled wireless charging pad to prevent devices from overheating. The intriguing "Invisible Hood View" also debuted — it simulates a view through the car's hood, so you can more easily place it while parking or guiding it onto automated car wash tracks. While these helped the Pathfinder from falling drastically behind newer rivals, there's only so much you can do with a refresh. The Pathfinder's recently redesigned competitors are superior in many different respects.

Competitors to consider

The Nissan Pathfinder is midpack in our ranking of midsize three-row SUVs, which means there are quite a few competitors that we think are superior. The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are the best of the bunch. Both of these corporate cousins were redesigned recently and set new design and quality standards for the class. The Toyota Grand Highlander is less flashy, but its competence is undeniable. Crucially, all of these vehicles are available as hybrids — the Pathfinder doesn't offer a fuel-sipping powertrain. The Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer and GMC Acadia are also strong contenders, and the Volkswagen Atlas is all-new for 2027.

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder has a few things going for it, but it’s not enough to truly compete in a loaded field.