2026 Nissan Pathfinder: New Tech Helps It Find Its Way
Key Points
- The Nissan Pathfinder is revised for the 2026 model year with a large, modern infotainment system, revised exterior styling and more premium features.
- The three-row SUV’s powertrain and occupant layout carry over for 2026.
- The new model will continue to be offered in S, SV, Rock Creek, SL and Platinum trims and will go on sale in early 2026.
The Nissan Pathfinder sank to the bottom of Cars.com’s most recent 3-Row SUV Challenge due to several misses, such as an ancient infotainment system, unrefined powertrain and cramped third row. It looks like an update for 2026 will fix one of those issues: Nissan is debuting a revised version of the three-row crossover at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show with a large, modern infotainment system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with revised exterior styling and more premium features.
Related: More 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show News
What’s New on the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
- Takeaway: The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder sees minor styling changes outside but gets a big tech overhaul inside. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system replaces the previous model’s 8- or 9-inch setup, depending on trim.
Outside, the 2026 Pathfinder sees minor styling tweaks that include a lightly revised headlight design, updated bumpers, satin exterior badges and a newly available color called Baltic Teal. In addition, the SL and Platinum trims also switch from silver to black roof rails, and the Platinum also wears a new 20-inch wheel design.
Inside, the star of the show is the Pathfinder’s updated infotainment system, which is a big upgrade over the outgoing 8- or 9-inch touchscreen, trim depending. A new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard on all trims, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The climate controls are again below the screen and feature a mix of physical buttons and dials. The new system also has a central volume button below the screen instead of on the side, and the tuning knob has been replaced by buttons. Also, the SL trim now features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
This infotainment upgrade could solve one of the Pathfinder’s most aggravating issues; its prior touchscreen’s convoluted and unintuitive menu structure was frustrating to use.
In addition, the cabin sees other minor updates, including a revised dashboard layout, embossed “Pathfinder” lettering below the infotainment system and an upgraded 360-degree camera system with more camera views. The wireless device charger now features a cooling fan to help reduce heat buildup and is more powerful for 2026, with maximum power delivery increasing from 5 to 15 watts.
What’s Stayed the Same on the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
- Takeaway: The 2026 Pathfinder will continue to use a 284-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It will also feature seating for seven or eight occupants across three rows.
The 2026 Pathfinder’s powertrain and occupant layout carry over unchanged. All Pathfinders continue to use a 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission; it makes 284 hp and 259 pounds-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available across the lineup and standard on the Rock Creek trim. A drive mode selector also returns with Auto, Eco, Tow, Sport, Sand, Mud and Rut modes to customize terrain response.
Again, the 2026 Pathfinder has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds for the S, SV and SL trims, but that increases to 6,000 pounds on the Rock Creek and Platinum trims or models equipped with the SV Premium or SL Premium packages.
As with the previous version, the 2026 Pathfinder will continue to offer seating for seven or eight occupants across three rows. The Latch and Glide system, which allows the second-row seats to tip and slide even with a child-safety seat installed, also carries over; this handy feature helped the previous Pathfinder earn high grades in our Car Seat Check.
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Shop the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder near you
Release Date and Pricing
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder will again be offered in S, SV, Rock Creek, SL and Platinum trims and will go on sale in early 2026. The three-row SUV will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November. Pricing has not yet been announced; stay tuned for updates.
Read More About the Nissan Pathfinder:
- Is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder a Good Three-Row SUV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
- What’s New for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
- 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Review: You Gotta Take the Good With the Bad
- 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek: Now With More Ruggedness
- Find Your Next Car
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