Nissan is taking a slightly different road with the 2026 Pathfinder. The facelift adds tech upgrades inside, including a much better screen. However, the exterior takes a slightly different direction, with a new grille that looks set to be controversial.
A Slight Step Back From Pathfinder Ruggedness
When Nissan launched the current Pathfinder for 2022, the stylists leaned into the model’s past. The original 1980s model, with a three-slot upper grille and boxy off-road capability, was the target.
To refresh the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, the designers took a tiny step back. Now, it has a slightly more refined face. Taking some details from other new Nissans, including the latest Murano, Leaf, and Sentra. It still has the three Pathfinder slots, though, along with the very strange choice to have the headlights bisect the outer section of grille.
Larger Screen With New Interface
Hop inside, and it doesn’t really matter what the changes are outside. The first big difference in the cabin is a standard and new 12.3-inch center touchscreen. This replaces the tiny 8- and 9-inch screens from last year, but more importantly, moves to Nissan’s latest operating system and interface.
The wireless charging pad is also new. It has a fan to keep your device cooler, and a magnet to help keep your phone in place. The power output has been tripled, to 15 W, for quicker charging.
Nissan has upgraded the camera tech on SL and higher grades. The surround view system adds Front Wide View, a 180-degree look to let you see around parked cars, and Invisible Hood View to let you see directly in front of the SUV. Nissan describes that one as being for car washes and drive-thrus, but it’s also handy if you’re trying to avoid ruts or rocks on a trail.
Look down from that center screen and you’ll see the other big change for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. A new shiny trim strip gets Pathfinder lettering, which seems like a silly detail, but it does make the cabin feel more special. Platinum adds new quilting patterns and wood-color trim.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder Keeps the Basics Unchanged
The basics haven’t changed. Under the hood of the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is the same 3.5L V6 and nine-speed automatic as last year. The engine makes 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, or 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet in the Rock Creek trim. It will still hold 16.6 cubic feet with all the seats in use and 80.5 with them all folded.
Rock Creek is Nissan’s rough-road version of the Pathfinder. On top of the extra power, it has standard AWD (optional on all other versions), a slight (but still very low) suspension lift, and all-terrain tires. Rock Creek and Platinum also come with a transmission oil cooler, which boosts towing capacity from 3,500 to 6,000 pounds. This year, you can get the Rock Creek with a panoramic roof and other Premium Package upgrades.
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder will make its first appearance at the L.A. Auto Show, Nov. 21-30. The Tennessee-built SUV will show up at dealers in early 2026. Expect pricing shortly before it goes on sale.
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