Key Points
- Nissan has refreshed its Pathfinder three-row SUV for 2026, giving it subtle styling updates and new technology.
- The new standard 12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system is a welcome addition, addressing one of our main complaints with the prior Pathfinder.
- Beware the Rock Creek trim level, however, as its off-road-oriented all-terrain tires are loud when driving on pavement.
The 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show saw Japanese automaker Nissan unveil the latest version of its popular three-row family SUV: the 2026 Pathfinder. But it was one of those super-mild, squint-to-see-it updates that automakers will do to keep products fresh, introduce some new tech or just extend the life of a vehicle until its next big redesign.
Related: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder: New Tech Helps It Find Its Way
That means that when we had the chance to get behind the wheel of the new ‘26 Pathfinder recently, there wasn’t a whole lot that felt different from the last Pathfinder we tested: a 2024 model that participated in Cars.com’s 2024 3-Row SUV Challenge. That vehicle placed sixth out of seven competitors, and while we found some things we liked about that Pathfinder, four characteristics kept it from ranking higher: a rough engine idle, the least cargo room behind the third row, a thinly padded and uncomfortable third-row seat, and a dated infotainment system.
The 2026 update to the Pathfinder deals with only one of our complaints: the multimedia system. That and slightly updated front and rear styling are the main changes for 2026 — Nissan left the powertrain, suspension, trim levels and most of the interior fitments alone. The company then brought a few samples to suburban Nashville, Tenn., earlier this month for media test drives as part of a larger event. The verdict: The 2026 Pathfinder is easier to use thanks to its new screens and technology.
The Pathfinding Experience
My brief 30-minute spin in the ‘26 Pathfinder was in a Rock Creek trim level, the “off-roadish” version that isn’t actually a very serious off-roader but has some equipment and styling cues to try and make it seem like it is. No, if you want a true off-road Nissan SUV, you need to look for the “Pro-4X” label, like the company offers on its larger Armada SUV. The Rock Creek trim offered on the Pathfinder is little more than a tire-and-wheel package with a slightly higher ride height and special styling cues, which sadly means it isn’t all that pleasant to use on- or off-road.
On-road, the all-terrain tires are unbelievably loud, sending up a droning tire roar into the cabin that will quickly disabuse you of the idea of taking one on a long-distance road trip. Off-road, the tires soak up dirt-road surfaces with better capability than the Pathfinder’s other rubber options, but you won’t be going off into the wilderness in this all-wheel-drive family truckster. At least the styling updates keep it attractive, although you’d likely be hard pressed to identify which is the 2026 model and which is the 2025 if they were parked side by side. It’s different, but it doesn’t look especially newer, not like, say, a mid-cycle refresh from Hyundai or Kia.
New Tech Makes Us Happy
The biggest changes are inside, when you’re seated and facing the dashboard. There’s now a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen front and center, which replaces the old 8- or 9-inch screens from the ‘25 model. We had no love for that vehicle’s multimedia system, which was poorly organized, difficult to use, dated to look at and overstuffed with features of questionable utility. The new one is easier and more familiar to use, and it includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you’d rather just use phone projection. Connecting a phone wirelessly was a breeze, and swiping through options on-screen was a snap.
The cabin isn’t otherwise much different from the outgoing model, with comfy seats in the first and second row, a cramped third row, and excellent fit and finish throughout. In SL and Platinum trim levels, you also get a reconfigurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. For my Rock Creek trim, however, non-digital traditional round gauges were present, but they were clear and easily legible. There’s something to be said for old-school dial gauges and the simplicity that comes with them. But the new central touchscreen, combined with the continued presence of actual buttons and knobs for things like the climate control system, makes using the new Pathfinder just a bit easier and more convenient. That’s a welcome change from the prior model.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the new 2026 Pathfinder is as follows (all prices include $1,495 destination charge). Four-wheel drive adds $2,000 to all trims except the Rock Creek, which has 4WD standard.
- S: $38,995
- SV: $41,395
- SL: $43,995
- Rock Creek: $46,495
- Platinum: $50,895
The updated Pathfinder is a good improvement on the prior one but only addresses one of the bigger issues we had with the vehicle. It’s still a solid three-row family SUV that’s comfortable (in non-Rock Creek form), has decent in-cabin storage, fits car seats easily, rides very well and has an upscale, high-quality interior that makes it feel expensive. However, more work needs to be done on its interior packaging in order to make it fully competitive with the leaders in its class. Switching out the old multimedia system for the new and improved one is a good first step.
More Nissan Pathfinder News From Cars.com:
- Is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder a Good Three-Row SUV? 4 Pros, 3 Cons
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
- 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
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