First Drive: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder

Squaring off against some of the industry’s most popular three-row SUVs, the Nissan Pathfinder gets a number of updates for the 2026 model year that includes upgraded technology and  a more rugged look, backed by an upgraded Rock Creek package for those who want improved off-road capabilities. Headlight.News headed to Nashville to get a first drive of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.

It’s been a tough few years for Nissan, the second-largest Japanese automaker struggling to revers sliding sales, mounting deficits and growing competition. With a new management team in place Nissan has rolled out a number of critical new and updated products for the 2026 model year, including a complete makeover for the Sentra, it’s second best-selling product line, as well as the Leaf battery-electric vehicle.

Now comes the three-row Pathfinder SUV. First launched in 1985, and assembled in the U.S. since 2004, the updated Pathfinder will reach showrooms next year and take on some tough players, including the Honda Pilot, as well as newly updated versions of both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride – the latter debuting early next year as a 2027 model.

What’s new for 2026

The fifth-generation Pathfinder made its global debut in 2021. It’s undergone some modest upgrades since then, the 2026 model bringing a number welcome new tech features. These include larger digital displays, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard.

As a mid-cycle update, design changes include restyled front and rear fascia and a new instrument panel.

Much of what you’ll find, however, is carryover, including Pathfinder’s familiar 3.5-liter V-6 engine. While well reviewed, it means we’ll have to wait for the next-generation SUV to get a hybrid powertrain to match what key competitors, like Honda, Hyundai and Kia now offer.

Design updates

In typical mid-cycle fashion, most of the design changes focus on soft materials, rather than sheet metal, including revised front and rear fascia.

Some of the biggest changes can be found in the cabin where the instrument panel is all-new and now features a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen. SL grades and above also get a 12.3-inch gauge cluster.

All versions feature the Nissan Latch and Glide system making it easy to access the third row – even if there’s a child safety seat mounted in the second row.

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Powertrain

There had been some rumors that Nissan might come up with a hybrid option for the updated Pathfinder. That’s not to be – at least not yet. More likely, it now seems, the SUV might get a version of the automaker’s ePower system when the sixth-generation Pathfinder debuts later this decade.

For now, all versions of the 2026 Pathfinder share a 3.5-liter V-6. For most trims, that engine delivers 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The off-road-oriented Rock Creek package bumps that up to 295 hp – and 270 lb-ft — though you’ll need premium fuel to get those higher numbers. Mileage comes in at an estimated 21 miles per gallon city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. That’s roughly mid-pack among similarly sized three-row SUVs.

All trims pair the V-6 with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Depending upon the package, Pathfinder is available in either front- or all-wheel-drive configuration.

On-road and off

For most trims, owing capacity is 3,500 pounds – though that can be upgraded to 6,000 on some packages – and is the standard configuration for the Rock Creek.

You likely won’t be taking Rock Creek out to Moab but it’s designed to handle light to moderate off-road situations, thanks to its unique suspension tuning, a higher ride height and all-terrain tires.

The package also offers unique exterior features including integrated fog lights and a tubular roof rack. The 2026 Rock Creek update also offers a Premium package with features including a panoramic moonroof, wireless phone charging, a 12-voltpower outlet in the cargo area and a heated steering wheel.

Driving impressions

I spent my time out in the Tennessee countryside driving the Pathfinder Rock Creek edition. With its all-terrain tires and unique suspension tuning there were some on-road sacrifices: the ride was a little rougher, for one thing, though the SUV still did a reasonably good job of absorbing the bumps on some well-worn back roads. Steering was also a bit numb.

The V-6 powertrain could use a little more low-end grunt but delivered plenty of power as you approached the peak torque band around 4,800 RPMS.

The overall driving experience compared favorably to similar trim packages from competitors from the likes of Toyota, Honda, Kia and Hyundai – all the more so considering Pathfinder’s pricing.

Technology

The new Pathfinder offers plenty of useful technology, starting with those twin 12.3-inch displays. And I was impressed with the layout and functionality of Nissan’s infotainment software.

All versions come with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 package of advanced driver assistance systems, while the SV grade and higher trime add the Nissan ProPILOT Assist and Intelligent Cruise Control technologies.

There are a number of USB outlets for front and rear passengers. On of those little surprises can be found in the center console in the form of the updated wireless smartphone charging system. It not only gets a boost in power but adds a magnet – just like Apple magsafe chargers – to ensure your phone is properly positioned, even on bumpy trails.

Pricing and availability

The public got a first look at the  2026 Nissan Pathfinder during last month’s Los Angeles Auto Show. But potential buyers will have to wait until “early 2026” for it to roll into U.S. showrooms, the automaker says.

As for pricing, the base Pathfinder S in front-drive trim starts at $37,505. The Rock Creek comes exclusively in all-wheel-drive configuration and starts at $45,000. Also available only in AWD, the well-equipped Platinum package starts at $51,400.

Add to those figures $1,495 in delivery fees.