I found an SUV that tows up to 6,000 pounds, transports eight people, and cleans up nicely
enough to take you to a red carpet ceremony. The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder just dropped as part of Nissan's enormous recovery plan
It's bigger feeling, better equipped, and has tech that the last generation should have gotten
And to be honest, I drove this like I was late to Costco's sampling hour, because that
mozzarella stick lady doesn't wait for anyone. Nissan updated the front and rear fascias, added satin badging, and introduced a new Baltic teal
color. It's all perfect for parents that pretend they're done with road trips
while secretly pricing out rooftop tents at midnight. Now, inside, the dashboard looks like
it's been completely redesigned, finally. The old one looked a bit like a fleet vehicle in 2014
You could almost smell the airport carpet. Now, every Pathfinder comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, no upsell
paired with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the SL add a 12.3-inch digital cluster
and the wireless charger now has cooling, magnets, and a 15-watt output, which is much improved
And it actually charges your phone unlike some of the competition. Cabin space stays strong seating for eight standard or seven with captain chairs Cargo maxes out at 80 cubic feet and latch and glide lets you tilt a second row seat forward even with an unoccupied child seat latched in it
And DIY testers, I did say unoccupied. Yes, parents may rejoice. Your back pain gets a day off, just one day off. However, don't get too excited
And for visibility, the Pathfinder delivers something class-exclusive. The HD intelligent all-round view monitor and front wide view and invisible hood
That means you can see your wheels and detect obstacles without playing bumper roulette
It's basically x-ray vision for people who struggle with curb rash. No shame, but also shame
Performance remains familiar. A 3.5 litre V6 with 284 horsepower and 259 pounds feet of torque now paired with a nine speed automatic that has paddle shifters
Seven drive modes handles everything from sport to mud and ruts. And yes, I tried them all for science because Nissan didn't say I couldn't
But here's where families perk up. Properly equipped, this model tows at 6,000 pounds
That includes the Rock Creek Platinum SV Premium and the SL Premium
The base tow rate is 3500. But let's be honest, if you tow a jet ski, you're buying a nicer trim anyway
Now speaking of trims the Rock Creek is the adventurous middle child who wears hiking boots to dinner You know the type Rock Creek gets off suspension lifted ride height all tyres a tubular roof rack
its own bumper, grille, fog lights and interior with lava red stitching
Plus a new premium package adds a heated steering wheel, moonroof and wireless charging
And the ride is surprisingly confident, like a Labrador that suddenly learned recall
Yes, miracles do happen. I'm talking about you, my black Labrador Bilbo Baggins
Driving impressions? The Pathfinder leans towards quiet comfort. Road noise is kept in check, the V6 doesn't drone, thanks to a nine-speed automatic transmission
and the steering finally feels modern instead of marshmallowy. Handling is stable, unless you try to drive it like a sports car
which I absolutely did with no regrets. There was some squealing, none of it mine
Safety is a major highlight. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard. Intelligent forward collision warning is class exclusive
and higher trims add ProPilot Assist with intelligent cruise control. NHTSA already gives it a five-star safety rating overall
That's government speak for if you hit something, it'll do its absolute best to save you
Practicality remains Pathfinder's calling car. Eight seats, good cargo, power liftgate from the SV up
and a motion active liftgate on platinum editions. Dogs will be happy thanks to a square rear opening and deep cargo well Now my dogs would approve and leave nose prints as calling cards They generous like that Let talk rivals The Toyota Highlander
hybrid, more efficient, less powerful. Honda's Pilot, bigger, but not as tech forward. Kia's
Telluride, gorgeous, but can't match Nissan's camera trickery. Ford Explorer, great engine
interior still needs to catch up a little. So the Pathfinder ends up being the sensible kid in a
class with a lot of clowns. Where the Pathfinder shines is its balanced approach. It doesn't try
to be the toughest or the fastest or even the flashiest. It aims to be the I can do that SUV
for families who need capability without drama for a great price. And honestly that's refreshing
I like when cars know who they are. Future Outlook? Good. Nissan's putting a real effort into this update
and with better tech, stronger towing, nicer materials, and that clever visibility system
this one should hold its value better than the last model. So the question is, should I buy this vehicle
Well, if you want towing, tech, family room, and adventure swagger, the answer is absolutely
Pathfinder finally feels fully ready for families who juggle school runs, dogs, trailers, sports tournaments, and the occasional accidental off-road movement
It's practicable without being boring, stylish without being shouty. I'm Nick Miles, and I love my job