2025 Nissan Pathfinder Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
While the original Nissan Pathfinder was essentially a pickup truck with an enclosed body, the SUV has evolved into a versatile three-row family hauler. The current Nissan Pathfinder went on sale for model year 2022, with modernized looks and a new transmission among its highlight features. Primary competitors in the packed three-row SUV segment include the Subaru Ascent, Chevrolet Traverse, and Kia Telluride.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder: What’s New
- Nissan Maintenance Care program becomes standard, providing up to three scheduled oil changes within two years or 24,000 miles
- Power-operated cargo liftgate standard on SV and Rock Creek trims
What We Think
Even though the Nissan Pathfinder is better than ever, it’s only mid-pack in its segment.
When we tested this Pathfinder, it posted impressive performance figures. The SUV's V-6 engine delivers good power at the top of its rev range—but feels gutless lower down, where it'll be in most normal driving situations. A modern turbocharged or hybridized powertrain would benefit the Pathfinder greatly for driving ease and fuel efficiency. The vehicle's name strikes us as ironic given how the SUV struggles on minor off-road challenges. The Rock Creek model, with its lifted suspension and all-terrain tires, should slightly improve off-road performance.
Although the Pathfinder's ride is fairly settled, its slow steering and large turning radius complicate maneuverability. At least the Pathfinder is a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner, like a handful of its competitors.
Thanks to how wide the doors swing open, getting in and out of the Pathfinder is fairly easy, even into the third row. Space in the far back is limited, but it’s good in the seats ahead. Even though competitors provide more overall space, the Pathfinder offers many useful storage spaces in its cabin. Amenities and materials are sufficient for the segment, but they don't lead.
That sentiment sums up the Pathfinder. Indeed, it meets the basic requirements for a three-row family SUV, but not enough about it excels. Some rival vehicles drive better, look better, and function better, so shop around before deciding on the Pathfinder.
Performance and MPGs
The Pathfinder’s sole engine choice carries over for 2025. It’s a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque as standard, or up to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft in the Rock Creek version when premium fuel is used. Customers have a choice between FWD and AWD, with a nine-speed automatic transmission used either way. In MotorTrend 0–60-mph acceleration testing, a FWD Pathfinder hit the mark in 7.1 seconds, and an AWD model did the same in 7.0 seconds. Fuel economy comes in at 20/27 mpg city/highway for FWD models, and 20-21/23-27 mpg in AWD models depending on configuration.
New 2026 Pathfinder Engine?
A new engine could do a lot to improve the Pathfinder, and for 2026 the SUV might get one. Look to the closely related Infiniti QX60 for evidence: This platform counterpart to the Pathfinder launched with the same V-6 but switched to a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine for 2025. This engine is smaller yet delivers its torque lower in the rev range, better suiting it to normal driving scenarios. It’s not without fault, but this engine improves drivability in the QX60, and likely would in the Pathfinder.
Safety Ratings and Features
When it was most recently crash tested for 2024, the Pathfinder earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, the highest accolade. The 2025 Pathfinder got a five-star overall score from NHTSA.
Standard driver assist and active safety features include front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane keep assist. Adaptive cruise control and Nissan's ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving tech are added on higher-end models.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Wide-opening doors make it easy to get into and out of the Pathfinder, and the cabin feels fairly roomy inside. Also, we like that the second-row seats can be tilted and slid forward for third-row access even when a child seat is installed.
Even so, there's no denying the fact that rivals provide more space for cargo and passengers, particularly in the third row.
Technology
Entry-level 2025 Pathfinder trims are equipped with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital gauge display. Higher-end models upgrade to a 9.0-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch all-digital gauge cluster. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all but have wireless connectivity with the larger touchscreen. All models have USB ports in the first two rows; higher-end versions gain third-row USB ports and a wireless charging pad. A six-speaker audio system is standard, and a 13-speaker Bose arrangement is available. Other premium tech offerings include a head-up display, Wi-Fi hot spot capability, and a 360-degree camera.
Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
Many family-oriented three-row SUVs offer an off-road-oriented version, and the Nissan Pathfinder is among them. The Pathfinder Rock Creek gets off-road-tuned suspension with a slightly increased ride height, in addition to all-terrain tires on beadlock-style wheels. In addition to rugged-looking bumpers, a roof rack gives the Pathfinder Rock Creek a more adventurous appearance. If you’re shopping for a true off-road SUV, you have better options, but if you want the most off-road-capable Nissan Pathfinder, the Rock Creek trim is it.
