A capable, full-sized SUV that's fun to drive.
When you need a larger vehicle to accommodate a growing family or growing storage needs, a minivan isn't your only option! A full-sized SUV can seat up to seven passengers, and the Nissan Pathfinder can be a great option for those in the market for this popular class of vehicle. Check out our Nissan Pathfinder review to find out more about all this SUV has to offer:
5 Reasons to Buy
1. Spacious and Comfortable
No matter which model year of Nissan Pathfinder you select, you'll be impressed with the amount of space available. With seating for up to seven passengers, the Pathfinder has three rows of comfortable seating and plenty of leg/head room. In the 2016 Pathfinder, you'll find 16 cubic feet of trunk space that expands to a maximum of 79.8 cubic feet with second- and third-row seats folded down.
2. Plenty of Trim Options
Recent model years of the Nissan Pathfinder are available in four trim options, each varying greatly in terms of standard features and available add-ons. For those looking for something simple, the base S trim is a great choice. For those wanting something with more bells and whistles, the Platinum trim on the 2017 Pathfinder offers such features as 20-inch wheels, chrome accents, and a towing package.
3. Nice Standard Features
Even the base S trim in the Nissan Pathfinder is nicely appointed. For example, the S trim on the 2016 Pathfinder offers standard features like18-inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system, and rear privacy glass.
4. Capable Engine
The Nissan Pathfinder has a pretty powerful engine that makes accelerating to highway speeds a breeze. The 2016 Pathfinder is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 at 240 horsepower, whereas the 2017 Pathfinder sees a slight power bump at 284 horsepower.
5. Great Family Car
The Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent family car, offering plenty of room for growing families and car seats. There is also ample cargo storage and package options available for families, such as the Family Entertainment Package with a DVD player and headrest-mounted displays.
What You Need to Know
Nissan Pathfinder Average CarMax Prices1
2014-2016 - Average prices less than $22,500
2017-2018 - Average prices less than $27,500
Nissan Pathfinder Trims
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four trim levels:
S - this base S trim comes standard with 18-inch wheels, tri-zone climate control, an eight-inch touchscreen interface, rearview camera, and a six-speaker sound system.
SV - the SV trim boasts additional features, including rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an eight-way powered driver's seat for added comfort.
SL - the SL trim includes such upgraded features as blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alerts, a power liftgate, 360-degree parking camera, leather upholstery, and more.
Platinum - the Platinum trim comes with larger 20-inch wheels, a towing package, chrome exterior accents, forward-collision warning, emergency braking system, and more.
Nissan Pathfinder Interior
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder cargo space and storage options are pretty impressive. Drivers can expect a full 47.8 cubic feet of space with second-row seats intact, whereas folding down both rows of rear seats will expand cargo space to 79.8 cubic feet.
This large SUV offers comfortable and spacious seating for up to seven passengers, who will appreciate the ability to easily slide forward and adjust the second row of seats for easier access to different parts of the cabin. Those with small children will especially appreciate the ability to slide the second row forward without having to remove child car seats.
Nissan Pathfinder Colors
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder comes in nine different exterior color options:
Brilliant Silver
Caspian Blue
Cayenne Red
Glacier White
Gun Metallic
Magnetic Black
Midnight Jade
Pearl White
Sandstone
Nissan Pathfinder Engine & Transmission
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine at 284 horsepower, as well as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive also comes standard, though all-wheel drive is available as an upgrade across all trim levels.
Customer Reviews - Overall Rating: 4.4 (325 Reviews)
Pros: Ride and Handling, Interior Space, Cabin Noise
Cons: Fuel Economy, Visibility, Seat Comfort
Reviews:
"I can’t say enough good things about this car. It’s a comfortable ride even with 7 people. It’s just fantastic. I took it to Arizona this summer and it handled the heat beautifully."
- 2015 Nissan Pathfinder Owner (Lancaster, PA)
"This car has plenty of seating space and cargo space, making it easy to pack for a trip, and it's comfortable around town and on longer trips."
-2015 Nissan Pathfinder Owner
"This has been a great car for the whole family. Comfortable, navigation, DVD players for the kids, and seats seven comfortably. I love this SUV. It’s large enough for hauling and comfortable for long trips."
- 2015 Nissan Pathfinder Owner
Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
3rd - Best SUVs with 3 Rows (2018)
5th - Best Midsize SUVs (2018)
8th - Best AWD SUVs (2018)
2nd - Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $25,000 (2018)
Click here for a full list of Nissan Pathfinder rankings.
What's New For 2018?
2017 saw a great deal of changes and upgrades for the Nissan Pathfinder, so there aren't any significant changes for the 2018 model year. However, drivers will appreciate that for 2018, automatic emergency braking system is now a standard feature across all trim levels. Some other features include extra USB ports and the addition of a "Midnight Edition" appearance package.
The Bottom Line
If you're looking for a spacious SUV that's well equipped and enjoyable to drive, the Nissan Pathfinder is worth checking out. Compared to many large SUVs on the market, the Pathfinder offers some great standard features, as well as plenty of options for customization through add-ons and packages. We're not surprised that CarMax customers rated the Nissan Pathfinder with an overall 4.4/5!
^##2Reviews have been edited for brevity, clarity, and grammar.
