I drove the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. It's powerful and practical
Nissan's Pathfinder midsize three-row SUV has been around for decades. It is a staple in its segment because it has a family-friendly interior, a robust V-6 engine and plenty of great safety features.
The 2026 Pathfinder is a mid-cycle refresh that builds on the fifth generation of the SUV. I tested the new Pathfinder for USA TODAY Cars to see where the model stands in its segment.
I was pleasantly surprised by the interior and comfort during a long road trip. Here's what you should know about the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.
Overview: What stands out about the 2026 Pathfinder?
The 2026 Pathfinder stands out in its segment because it feels powerful on the road and it's practical enough for long road trips. I drove the new Pathfinder from New Jersey to Philadelphia with a cabin full of passengers. It was comfy enough for myself and my passengers to endure hours of stop-and-go traffic and had plenty of charging ports.
The Pathfinder is an ideal family hauler that comes in enough trims to be highly customizable. It may not be the best choice in its segment for the money, but it's a solid offering from Nissan for fans of the nameplate. After riding in the new Pathfinder for hours, one of my passengers even inquired about its pricing.
Performance, handling, and efficiency: How does it drive?
The Pathfinder is one of the few models in the midsize three-row SUV segment to stick to a V-6 powertrain instead of downsizing to a four-cylinder setup. It feels mighty on highways and handles well for its size.
It uses a 3.5-liter V-6 engine to produce 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. It achieves 21 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the highway, which is average for such a big SUV.
Interior, tech, and comfort: What's it like inside?
The Pathfinder has a spacious interior. Its second and third rows of seats have enough legroom for passengers to be comfortable on long journeys.
It comes standard with four USB ports, which makes charging devices easy for everyone in the vehicle. It also comes with a standard power outlet in the center console, which I used to keep my phone charged up enough to run Google Maps and stream music for hours of driving.
The 2026 Pathfinder's cabin feels like it's made for large families or groups of passengers who regularly take long drives.
Will the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder fit your lifestyle?
New Pathfinder models have 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats and around 45 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded down.
Its cabin and cargo area have enough room to be practical for families and large groups. If you're looking for a grocery hauler and family road trip vehicle, the Pathfinder checks all the boxes in terms of spaciousness.
Pricing, value and competitors: Is it worth it?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $39,990 before taxes and additional fees. It's available in four trims, including the Platinum final configuration that I tested for a week.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder trims
- Pathfinder SV: $39,900
- Pathfinder SL: $42,590
- Pathfinder Rock Creek: $45,090
- Pathfinder Platinum: $49,790
The new Pathfinder is worth the money because of its quality and utility. Its Platinum trim comes with all the bells and whistles for just shy of $50,000, which is about the average new vehicle price.
The main rivals in its segment include the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2027 Kia Telluride. The Pathfinder beats rivals when it comes to reliable V-6 engine options and easily-accessible third rows (for kids).
The Telluride is the most premium model of the trio. Toyota's Grand Highlander is the top choice for drivers who value fuel efficiency and a roomy cabin over other qualities.
Final verdict: Who should buy the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
If you're a fan of the Nissan brand, have kids, and want a family SUV that's well-equipped for long drives, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent choice. I wouldn't pay for the Platinum trim myself, but it's worth the money for drivers who value premium cabin materials and tech.
If towing capacity is something you value in a family SUV, the Pathfinder is also a top pick in its segment with a 6,000-pound max towing capacity.
The Pathfinder isn't the best midsize three-row SUV I've tested in 2026, but I see the appeal for parents and give it a USA TODAY Cars stamp of approval.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: I drove the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. It's powerful and practical
Reporting by Charles Singh , USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 2:52 PM.