DecodedCars2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- S/Sv 4dr SUV, Sl/Platinum 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 284 hp
- Transmission
- 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 8
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,478–4,594 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 83 rows of seating.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a standard SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,478 lb (S/Sv 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 6% better than the 2026 standard SUV average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Pathfinder — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Pathfinder →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2026 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S/Sv 4dr SUV | 197.2 in | 78 in | 70.9 in | 114.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,478 lb | 56/44 |
| Sl/Platinum 4dr SUV | 197.2 in | 78 in | 70.9 in | 114.2 in | 65.4 / 65.4 in | 4,594 lb | 56/44 |
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 (S9) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +6% | $2,900 | 382 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | +15% | $2,900 | 390 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Platinum | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 25 / 22 | +10% | $3,050 | 408 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | 4-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | +5% | $3,900 | 422 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.
Similar 2026 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Pathfinder (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Toyota 4Runner | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2026 Toyota Highlander | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe | 36 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Pathfinder years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2020 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 48 |
| 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 →