Nissan Pathfinder generations: 1987 to the 2027 model year

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Nissan Pathfinder has had five US generations since the 1987 model year: 1987–1995, 1996–2004, 2005–2012, 2013–2020 and 2022 to today, with no 2021 model. The 2027 Pathfinder costs $39,990 to $51,890 and uses a 284-hp 3.5L V6 with a 9-speed automatic. It tows up to 6,000 lb when equipped.

Type
Midsize three-row SUV (FWD or 4WD)
Price (MSRP)
$39,990–$51,890 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,575 destination. Low = SV FWD; high = Platinum 4WD. The 40th-anniversary Special Edition starts at $47,390.[1]
Powertrains
Pathfinder 3.5L V6 (FWD), Pathfinder 3.5L V6 (4WD), Pathfinder Platinum 4WD, Pathfinder Rock Creek · 284–295 hp
Towing
up to 6,000 lb (With the tow hitch: Rock Creek, Platinum, SV or SL with the Premium Package and the 2027 Special Edition. Other SV and SL models are rated 3,500 lb.)[5]
Current generation
Fifth generation, 2022–present

2027 Nissan Pathfinder price and trims

The current Pathfinder launched for 2022 and was refreshed for 2026, gaining a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto. For 2027 Nissan added a 40th-anniversary Special Edition with burgundy-and-black seats. The S grade from launch is no longer offered.[12][13][14][15]

Nissan Pathfinder trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
SV$39,990FWD; 4WD $41,990. Excl. $1,575 destination (2027 MY)3.5L V6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12][15][16]
SL$42,790FWD; 4WD $44,790. Excl. $1,575 destination (2027 MY)3.5L V6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12][15]
Rock Creek$45,3904WD only. Excl. $1,575 destination (2027 MY)3.5L V6, Rock Creek tune (295 hp, 270 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12][15][13][16]
Special Edition$47,390FWD; Intelligent AWD $49,390. Excl. $1,575 destination (new for 2027)3.5L V6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12]
Platinum$49,890FWD; 4WD $51,890. Excl. $1,575 destination (2027 MY)3.5L V6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12][15][16]

Every Pathfinder trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Nissan Pathfinder engines, horsepower and mpg

EPA had not posted 2027 Pathfinder ratings at publication; figures are EPA's 2026 ratings for the same V6 and 9-speed.

Nissan Pathfinder powertrains with Nissan-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Pathfinder 3.5L V6 (FWD)SV, SL, Special Edition, Platinum3.5L V6[1][2]2842599-speed automaticFWD21/27/232026 MY[2]
Pathfinder 3.5L V6 (4WD)SV, SL, Special Edition3.5L V6[1][3]2842599-speed automaticIntelligent 4WD21/26/232026 MY[3]
Pathfinder Platinum 4WDPlatinum3.5L V6[1][4]2842599-speed automaticIntelligent 4WD20/25/222026 MY[4]
Pathfinder Rock CreekRock Creek3.5L V6 (Rock Creek tune)[5][1][6]2952709-speed automaticIntelligent 4WD20/23/212026 MY[6]

Output is as rated by Nissan; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

A V6 in every Pathfinder

Nissan has offered a V6 in every Pathfinder since 1987, and since the 2022 redesign the 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine. It makes 284 hp and 259 lb-ft and drives through a 9-speed automatic that replaced the fourth generation's CVT.

The only Pathfinder V8 was the 5.6-liter borrowed from the Armada for 2008–2012, rated at 310 hp and 388 lb-ft.[9][1][11][10]

Pathfinder Rock Creek

Rock Creek is the Pathfinder's off-road-styled grade. On the current generation it is 4WD only and gets its own tune of the V6, rated at 295 hp and 270 lb-ft, along with the 6,000-lb tow rating. The 2027 Rock Creek starts at $45,390.

EPA rates the 2026 Rock Creek at 20 city / 23 highway / 21 combined mpg, the lowest of the Pathfinder versions.[5][1][6]

2027 Special Edition: 40 years of Pathfinder

For 2027 Nissan added a Special Edition marking four decades of the nameplate. It has two-tone burgundy upholstery modeled on the 1987 Pathfinder, black 20-inch wheels, red accents and its own badging, plus a panoramic moonroof, second-row captain's chairs and Bose audio. Its hitch receiver raises towing to 6,000 lb. Pricing starts at $47,390 with FWD.

Nissan says more than 2 million Pathfinders have been sold.[1][9]

Why there is no 2021 Pathfinder

EPA lists Pathfinder fuel economy for every model year from 1987 to 2026 except 2021. The fourth generation ended with the 2020 model year and the redesigned fifth generation arrived as a 2022 model in mid-2021.[10][7]

Nissan Pathfinder generations by year

Every US Nissan Pathfinder generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Fifth generation2022–present3.5L V6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft; Rock Creek 295 hp) with 9-speed automaticAll-new for 2022 from $33,410 with a 9-speed automatic, Intelligent 4WD with a 7-position terrain selector, seating for up to eight and a 6,000-lb maximum tow rating. The 2026 refresh brought new fascias and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. EPA lists no 2021 Pathfinder between generations.[7][8][9][10]
Fourth generation2013–20203.5L VQ35DE V6 with Xtronic CVT; EPA lists a Pathfinder Hybrid for 2014–2015Switched to unibody construction with seven seats and a 5,000-lb standard tow rating. Nissan says the V6 and CVT raised combined fuel economy 30% over the 2012 V6 model. A 2017 update added power and towing, and this generation introduced the Rock Creek grade.[11][9][10]
Third generation2005–20124.0L V6 (266 hp, 288 lb-ft); 5.6L V8 (310 hp, 388 lb-ft, 2008–2012)Returned to body-on-frame construction on a version of the Titan and Armada platform and added a split fold-down third row, making Pathfinder a seven-seater for the first time. The V8 Pathfinder could tow up to 7,000 lb. Production moved to Smyrna, Tennessee, in 2004.[11][9][10]
Second generation1996–20043.3L V6 (168 hp); 3.5L VQ V6 from 2001 (250 hp with the manual, 240 hp automatic)Moved to a unibody design with more aerodynamic styling, separating it from the pickup. The 2001 switch to the VQ-series 3.5L V6 came with a navigation system featuring a 3D Birdview map.[11][9][10]
First generation1987–19952.4L 4-cylinder; 3.0L V6 (140 hp, 145 hp from 1988, 153 hp from 1990)Debuted in 1986 for 1987 as a two-door, body-on-frame SUV based on the Hardbody pickup. Four doors, with the signature hidden rear door handles, were added for 1990. It was built in Japan.[11][9][10]

Nissan Pathfinder problems and recalls

The most serious documented Pathfinder problem is an ABS actuator that can leak brake fluid onto its circuit board and start a fire, covered by recalls 18V601 and 19V807 for 2017–2019 models. 2013–2016 models also have hood latch and brake light relay recalls, 2002–2004 models carry Takata air bag recalls, and 2015–2018 CVT coverage was extended.

Documented Nissan Pathfinder issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Front brake calipers may break (recall 25V173)[17]Fifth generation (2022 onward)2025Recall 25V173
Driver lap belt pretensioner may be missing a rivet (recall 24V176)[18]Fifth generation (2022 onward)2024Recall 24V176
Driver's power seat may not be secured to its frame (recall 23V268)[19]Fifth generation (2022 onward)2023Recall 23V268
Third-row headrests may move or detach (recall 21V742)[20]Fifth generation (2022 onward)2022Recall 21V742
Secondary hood latch bracket welds may fail (recall 21V706)[21]Fifth generation (2022 onward)2022Recall 21V706
Secondary hood latch may stay unlatched (recall 22V420)[22]Fourth generation (2013–2020)2013–2016Recall 22V420
Hood release cable may keep the secondary latch open (recall 15V033)[23]Fourth generation (2013–2020)2013–2014Recall 15V033
Brake light relay may stick on (recall 21V020)[24]Fourth generation (2013–2020)2013–2015Recall 21V020

All 25 documented Pathfinder issues and 24 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Nissan Pathfinder.

More Pathfinder research

See how a Pathfinder was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many Nissan Pathfinder generations are there?

Five: 1987–1995, 1996–2004, 2005–2012, 2013–2020 and the current generation from 2022.

Is there a 2021 Nissan Pathfinder?

No. EPA lists no 2021 Pathfinder; the redesigned fifth generation went on sale as a 2022 model.

What engine is in the 2027 Pathfinder?

A 3.5L V6 rated at 284 hp and 259 lb-ft with a 9-speed automatic. The Rock Creek's version makes 295 hp and 270 lb-ft.

How much can the Pathfinder tow?

SV and SL are rated at 3,500 lb. Rock Creek, Platinum, the Special Edition and SV or SL with the Premium Package tow up to 6,000 lb when properly equipped.

Which Pathfinder had a V8?

The third generation, from 2008 through 2012. Its 5.6L V8 made 310 hp and 388 lb-ft and could tow up to 7,000 lb.

How much does the 2027 Pathfinder cost?

From $39,990 (SV FWD) to $51,890 (Platinum 4WD), before $1,575 destination.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Nissan for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Heritage comes standard: New 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition celebrates four decades of family adventures (Oct 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  2. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD Platinum — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. Nissan Vehicle Questions & Answers (Aug 24, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD Rock Creek — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  7. All-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder pricing starts at $33,410 (Jun 9, 2021) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  8. Refreshed 2026 Nissan Pathfinder priced from $39,990 (Dec 22, 2025) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  9. Nissan Pathfinder at 40: Special Edition marks four decades of the adventurous family SUV (Oct 22, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  10. EPA model-year listings: Nissan Pathfinder 1987–2026 — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  11. Nissan Pathfinder 1987 – 2017: A brief history (Jul 7, 2016) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  12. Heritage comes standard: New 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition celebrates four decades of family adventures (Oct 19, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  13. Refreshed 2026 Nissan Pathfinder priced from $39,990 (Dec 22, 2025) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  14. All-new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder pricing starts at $33,410 (Jun 9, 2021) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  15. Nissan Pathfinder Specs & Trims — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  16. Nissan Vehicle Questions & Answers (updated Aug 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  17. Recall 25V173: Front Brake Calipers May Fail/FMVSS 135 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Recall 24V176: Unsecured Lap Belt Pretensioners/FMVSS 208-210 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 23V268: Driver's Powered Seat May Not Be Secure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 21V742: Third-Row Headrests may Move or Detach/FMVSS 202 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 21V706: Secondary Hood Latch May Detach/FMVSS 113 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Recall 22V420: Malfunctioning Hood Latch — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 15V033: Hood Release Cable Assembly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Recall 21V020: Brake Light Switch Relay may Stick — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.