2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Now in its 2026 model year, the Nissan Pathfinder is a SUV priced from $37,500 to $51,400 across 9 trims. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
Among 199 mid-range SUVs, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder earns a C for fuel cost. NHTSA rates it at 5 stars. RepairPal gives it 4.0 out of 5 for reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating. The main caution is that estimated non-fuel ownership costs run high for this vehicle class.
- safety
- reliability
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- AAA estimates $13,584/yr in non-fuel costs for the Medium SUV class: insurance $1,873, maintenance $1,817, depreciation $5,074. These are class averages, not specific to this model.
- Fuel cost lands in the middle of its comparison group rather than standing out.
- EPA estimates this vehicle costs you about $6,000 more over five years in fuel than the average new vehicle.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $37,500 - $51,400
- EPA Combined MPG
- 21-23 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,900 - $2,750/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,750 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Brand Origin
- Japan
How Safe Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA awarded the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder a 5-star overall rating, the highest available. This places it among the 82% of SUVs that earned top marks in frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.5%
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
How Did the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS has tested the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. IIHS tests complement NHTSA ratings by evaluating different crash scenarios. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Crash tests measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Have Any Recalls?
As of the data shown, NHTSA has not issued any recall campaigns for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. The average for SUVs is 1.8 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. This is below the average of 8 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
1 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-02-11
Most-reported problem areas
- ADAS / Safety Tech1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder achieves up to 23 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,900. That is $192 more per year than the $1,708 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 21 to 23 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| S 4WD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| SV FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| SV 4WD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| SL FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| SL 4WD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| Rock Creek 4WD GAS | 21 MPG | 20 | 23 | $2,750/yr |
| Platinum FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $1,900/yr |
| Platinum 4WD GAS | 22 MPG | 20 | 25 | $2,000/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder ranges from $90,820 to $129,320 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Medium SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,817/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873/yr |
| Depreciation | $5,074/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $862/yr |
| Financing | $1,815/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.84/mi |
With 9 trims available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Trims Compare?
With 9 trims priced from $37,500 to $51,400, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S FWD GAS | $37,500 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | FWD | 284 hp | 4,334 lbs | $90,820 |
| S 4WD GAS | $39,500 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | 4WD | 284 hp | 4,482 lbs | $92,820 |
| SV FWD GAS | $39,900 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | FWD | 284 hp | 4,348 lbs | $93,220 |
| SV 4WD GAS | $41,900 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | 4WD | 284 hp | 4,495 lbs | $95,220 |
| SL FWD GAS | $42,500 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | FWD | 284 hp | 4,359 lbs | $95,820 |
| SL 4WD GAS | $44,500 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | 4WD | 284 hp | 4,506 lbs | $97,820 |
| Rock Creek 4WD GAS | $45,000 | 21 MPG | $2,750/yr | 4WD | 295 hp | $126,670 | |
| Platinum FWD GAS | $49,400 | 23 MPG | $1,900/yr | FWD | 284 hp | 4,489 lbs | $102,720 |
| Platinum 4WD GAS | $51,400 | 22 MPG | $2,000/yr | 4WD | 284 hp | 4,641 lbs | $129,320 |
The entry price has increased $1,420 since 2024.
Price changes since 2024
- S 4WD GAS $37,980 (2024) → $39,500 (2026) +$1,520
- S FWD GAS $36,080 (2024) → $37,500 (2026) +$1,420
- SV 4WD GAS $40,800 (2024) → $41,900 (2026) +$1,100
- Rock Creek 4WD GAS $43,900 (2024) → $45,000 (2026) +$1,100
- SV FWD GAS $38,900 (2024) → $39,900 (2026) +$1,000
- Platinum 4WD GAS $50,950 (2024) → $51,400 (2026) +$450
- Platinum FWD GAS $49,050 (2024) → $49,400 (2026) +$350
- SL 4WD GAS $44,400 (2024) → $44,500 (2026) +$100
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S FWD GAS | $36,080 23 MPG | $36,400 23 MPG | $37,500 23 MPG |
| S 4WD GAS | $37,980 23 MPG | $38,400 23 MPG | $39,500 23 MPG |
| SV FWD GAS | $38,900 23 MPG | $39,390 23 MPG | $39,900 23 MPG |
| SV 4WD GAS | $40,800 23 MPG | $41,390 23 MPG | $41,900 23 MPG |
| SL FWD GAS | $42,500 23 MPG | $42,090 23 MPG | $42,500 23 MPG |
| Rock Creek 4WD GAS | $43,900 21 MPG | $44,490 21 MPG | $45,000 21 MPG |
| SL 4WD GAS | $44,400 23 MPG | $44,090 23 MPG | $44,500 23 MPG |
| Platinum FWD GAS | $49,050 23 MPG | $48,640 23 MPG | $49,400 23 MPG |
| Platinum 4WD GAS | $50,950 22 MPG | $50,640 22 MPG | $51,400 22 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
With a 4.0/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder rates above average for mid-range SUVs. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
Nissan backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Come With?
Nissan provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Pathfinder. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 284 - 295 hp |
| Torque | 259 - 270 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, Four-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal |
| Length | 197.7 - 198.8 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 77.9 in |
| Height | 70.7 - 73.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in |
| Curb Weight | 4,334 - 4,641 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- Recall status changed
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder FAQ
How does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder compare to other suvs?
Based on published data, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder has a safety grade of B, a fuel cost grade of C, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar suvs in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Which 2026 Nissan Pathfinder trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 9 available trims, the S FWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $90,820, starting at $37,500 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $129,320. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Nissan Pathfinder insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Medium SUV class at $1,873 per year, or about $156 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Nissan Pathfinder maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Medium SUV class at $1,817 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,873/yr) and depreciation ($5,074/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $13,584 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Nissan Pathfinder depreciate?
AAA estimates the Medium SUV class depreciates about $5,074 per year, or roughly $25,370 over five years. On a base MSRP of $37,500, that represents about 68% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
The most efficient 2026 Nissan Pathfinder trim costs an estimated $1,900 per year in fuel, or about $158 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. That is about $192 more than the average for similar suvs. See our Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder include 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2026 Lexus UX, and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, the entry price increased by $1,420 for the Nissan Pathfinder lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Nissan Pathfinder cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder include about $1,132 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $158 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,290 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder safe for families?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest SUVs 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.