DecodedCars2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- FWD 4dr SUV, Platinum AWD 4dr SUV, S/Sv/Sl AWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 198.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,275–4,672 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,275 lb (FWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 10% worse than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 Pathfinder — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Pathfinder →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Pathfinder configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD 4dr SUV | 198.4 in | 77.2 in | 70.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,275 lb | 54/46 |
| Platinum AWD 4dr SUV | 198.4 in | 77.2 in | 70.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,672 lb | 54/46 |
| S/Sv/Sl AWD 4dr SUV | 198.4 in | 77.2 in | 70.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,420 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -10% | $2,900 | 392 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 22 | -6% | $3,050 | 401 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Platinum | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -11% | $3,200 | 414 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
| 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Pathfinder (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Ford Explorer | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 35 |
| 2020 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2020 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2020 GMC Yukon | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Nissan Pathfinder buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 17 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Pathfinder years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 15 |
| 2025 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 56 |
| 2024 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 86 |
| 2023 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 107 |
| 2022 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 136 |
| 2019 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 76 |
| 2018 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 78 |
| 2017 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 188 |
| 2016 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 107 |
| 2015 Pathfinder | 26 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 321 |
| 2014 Pathfinder | 26 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 12 | 531 |
| 2013 Pathfinder | 22 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 11 | 546 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →