{"id":4486,"date":"2025-12-22T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/?p=4486"},"modified":"2025-12-29T13:06:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T13:06:23","slug":"the-2026-nissan-pathfinder-keeps-its-old-school-charm-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/2025\/12\/22\/the-2026-nissan-pathfinder-keeps-its-old-school-charm-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Keeps Its Old-School Charm: Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been paying attention, a lot of Nissan’s recent debuts have mixed old with new. Sometimes, the restraints of fiscal responsibility create an environment where a company like Nissan needs to get creative and focus on the details bound to make the biggest impact.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

That\u2019s what Nissan has done with the refreshed 2026 Pathfinder<\/a>. It didn\u2019t go overboard with the redesign, instead adding strategic updates to the exterior styling and aligning the SUV\u2019s front-end styling with the latest Kicks and Murano. Inside, Nissan made subtler updates that buyers will appreciate.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

While Nissan<\/a> has been struggling, the fifth-generation SUV is a bright spot. Sales for the three-row SUV are up for the year, a trend that began when this generation first went on sale for 2022 and should continue with the updated model.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

In a segment where many models have shifted to turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the Pathfinder stands out with its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6. It\u2019s nothing spectacular; this is the same engine Nissan launched near the end of the fourth-generation model in 2018. But I enjoyed the old-school feeling as I drove the 2026 Pathfinder Rock Creek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Quick Specs<\/td>\n2026 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine<\/td>\n3.5-liter V-6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Output<\/td>\n284 Horsepower \/ 259 Pound-Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Transmission<\/td>\n9-Speed Automatic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
As-Tested<\/td>\n$48,765<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Anthony Alaniz \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

The Pathfinder\u2019s naturally aspirated engine isn\u2019t as peppy as some turbocharged alternatives, making 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. But the traditional nine-speed automatic transmission made putting the power down engaging, making the Pathfinder feel quick off the line. It can easily overtake on the highway while still returning competitive fuel economy numbers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The best the Pathfinder can achieve is 21 miles per gallon city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. That\u2019s not spectacular, but it\u2019s better than the Chevrolet Traverse<\/a>, a three-row SUV with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It makes 328 hp and returns up to 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

One thing the Pathfinder is missing compared to some of its competitors is a hybrid option, not that the SUV really needs it right now. The V-6 helps differentiate the Pathfinder for those who don\u2019t like electrification or forced induction, but a hybrid would undoubtedly help save some money at the fuel pump.<\/p>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Anthony Alaniz \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Pros: Competitive Fuel Economy, NA V-6, Improved Phone Charging \u00a0<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The fuel economy in the Rock Creek trim I drove does suffer from the off-road upgrades Nissan<\/a> added, as well as the standard all-wheel drive, which is optional on every other trim. The Rock Creek returns 20 mpg city, 23 highway, 21 mpg combined.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

This version of the Pathfinder also has an off-road-tuned suspension, a raised ride height, and 18-inch black alloy wheels wrapped in 265\/60R18 Toyo Tire Open Country A\/T rubber. All of which worsens a vehicle\u2019s fuel economy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Anthony Alaniz \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Anthony Alaniz \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Photos by: Anthony Alaniz \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Despite the knobbier tires, the cabin was pleasantly quiet. At highway speeds, there was a hint of tire noise, but it was nothing I found offensive for a three-row SUV. The ride was comfortable, even with the tuned suspension. Nissan found a sweet spot between off-road capability and everyday usefulness.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That said, the Pathfinder\u2019s outdated bones and unibody construction are holding it back from real off-road capability.\u00a0 If you want a real off-roader in the Nissan lineup, go for a Pro-4X model.<\/p>\n

\"2026
\nPhoto by: Anthony Alaniz \/ Motor1<\/p>\n

Cons: No Hybrid Option, Dated Architecture\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Inside, the Pathfinder Rock Creek features trim-specific leatherette seats, and the one I drove came with the Premium package. This adds the Qi2 wireless phone charger<\/a> with magnets to keep it in place.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

I wasn\u2019t able to fully test out the new charger\u2014I had to use the wired Apple CarPlay connection during my drive. But Nissan tripled the pad\u2019s charging speed from 5 to 15 watts, claiming it\u2019ll charge a phone from 10 to 90 percent in just over 90 minutes. The previous pad took around 4 hours, which is virtually useless when mirroring your phone.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Pathfinder\u2019s cabin is nearly unchanged, but the larger standard 12.3-inch screen did force Nissan to tweak the dashboard. The Pathfinder now features the same audio-hazard-camera controls module found in the updated Sentra and Leaf\u2014it\u2019s located between the middle vents, and it\u2019s great.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

One subtle change was the steering wheel, which might not seem big, but Nissan replaced the round horn pad with an angular one that better matches the model\u2019s sharp exterior styling and adds a premium feel to an already well-appointed interior. The round one looks cheap in comparison.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The 2026 Pathfinder will be slightly more expensive than before. While the entry-level Pathfinder S starts at $38,995 (all prices include the $1,495 destination charge), the Pathfinder Rock Creek is $510 more expensive. It starts at $46,495 for 2026.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The one I drove had the Rock Creek Premium Package that was an extra $2,270, bringing the SUV\u2019s as-tested price to $48,765. The Pathfinder range tops out with the Platinum\u00a0trim, which costs $52,895.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The revamped 2026 Pathfinder goes on sale early next year, and while Nissan kept the changes to a minimum, they make sense. Nissan keeps its popular three-row SUV competitive without trying to make it something it\u2019s not.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nissan has been building the Pathfinder for 40 years, and while it has lost some of its rough-and-tough aesthetic with the switch to unibody construction, the Rock Creek trim hits the right balance between ruggedness and livability. You get three rows, competitive fuel economy numbers, and a lovely naturally aspirated engine. It\u2019s still a solid choice in a crowded field.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nissan Pathfinder Competitors\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Chevrolet Traverse<\/a>
\nDodge Durango<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0
\nFord Explorer<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0
\nHonda Pilot<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0
\nHyundai Palisade<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0
\nKia Telluride\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Does Its Job Uninspiringly: Review<\/a>
The 2025 Ford Explorer Is Better (But Angrier): Review<\/a>
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Makes Life Easy<\/a>
The 2025 Honda Pilot Isn’t Exciting, but It Is Excellent<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Engine<\/td>\n3.5-Liter V-6<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Output<\/td>\n284 Horsepower \/ 259 Pound-Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Transmission<\/td>\n9-Speed Automatic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drive Type<\/td>\nAll-Wheel Drive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Efficiency<\/td>\n20 City \/ 23 Highway\/ 21 Combined<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Seating Capacity<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Towing<\/td>\n6,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cargo Volume<\/td>\n16.6 \/ 45.0 \/ 80.5 Cubic Feet<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Base Price<\/td>\n$38,995 (with destination included)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
As-Tested Price<\/td>\n$48,765<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
On Sale<\/td>\nEarly 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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If you\u2019ve been paying attention, a lot of Nissan’s recent debuts have mixed old with new. Sometimes, the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4488,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4486"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4486"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4506,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4486\/revisions\/4506"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4488"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.windbornechurch.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}