2026 Nissan Pathfinder: NHTSA Safety Rating & Pricing
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder scores well across safety and reliability compared to 201 other mid-range SUVs. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $37,500 - $51,400
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $2,600 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 5 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- $1,750 more over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 1 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,349 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.84
- Brand Origin
- Japan
Priced from $37,500 to $51,400, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is one of 201 mid-range SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- Fuel cost $492 per year above mid-range SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $190 per year below SUV average
- Zero recalls on file (SUV average: 1.7)
2026 Nissan Pathfinder at a Glance
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
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- AAA estimates $13,584 per year 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.
Similar vehicles to compare
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 tests are federally mandated. IIHS tests are conducted by an insurance-industry nonprofit. The two programs use different crash configurations, so they catch different things.
How Did the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder was evaluated by IIHS but fell short of Top Safety Pick criteria. The individual crash test results below show where it scored well and where it did not. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G+ Good+ |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
A strong crash test result tells you the vehicle was well-engineered for collisions. The recall record tells you whether any defects have been found after production began.
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 1.7 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder. This is below the average of 9 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 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder.
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 $2,600. That is $492 more per year than the $2,108 average for mid-range SUVs. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| S 4WD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| SV FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| SV 4WD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| SL FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| SL 4WD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| Rock Creek 4WD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| Platinum FWD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
| Platinum 4WD GAS | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2,600 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $13,000 based on EPA data.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,873 per year |
| Depreciation | $5,074 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $862 per year |
| Financing | $1,815 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $13,584 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.84 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder lineup.
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 | $2,600 per year | FWD | 284 hp | 4,334 lbs | $90,820 |
| S 4WD GAS | $39,500 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | 4WD | 284 hp | 4,482 lbs | $92,820 |
| SV FWD GAS | $39,900 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 284 hp | 4,348 lbs | $93,220 |
| SV 4WD GAS | $41,900 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | 4WD | 284 hp | 4,495 lbs | $95,220 |
| SL FWD GAS | $42,500 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 284 hp | 4,359 lbs | $95,820 |
| SL 4WD GAS | $44,500 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | 4WD | 284 hp | 4,506 lbs | $97,820 |
| Rock Creek 4WD GAS | $45,000 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | 4WD | 295 hp | $126,670 | |
| Platinum FWD GAS | $49,400 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | FWD | 284 hp | 4,489 lbs | $102,720 |
| Platinum 4WD GAS | $51,400 | 23 MPG | $2,600 per year | 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 23 MPG | $44,490 23 MPG | $45,000 23 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 23 MPG | $50,640 23 MPG | $51,400 23 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
Once you have settled on a trim, long-term dependability becomes the deciding factor. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating currently available.
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.
Reliability data tells you what to expect. Warranty coverage tells you what Nissan will fix for free if something goes wrong within the covered period.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Come With?
Warranty coverage defines Nissan's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2026 Pathfinder trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.
| Basic Warranty | 3yr/36k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k |
What Are the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Specs?
Technical specifications for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size crossover SUV
| Engine | 3.5L V6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 284 - 295 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 122.4 - 131.1 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $132 - $181 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 426 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
All data shown for the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Nissan Pathfinder FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder competes with 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2026 Lexus UX, and 2026 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport based on price, size, and segment. Each of those vehicles has its own fact sheet with the same EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data shown here. 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 $217 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,349 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Nissan based?
Nissan is headquartered in Japan. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Nissan vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Nissan models are available for 2026?
Nissan offers multiple models for 2026. Our Nissan models page lists every available Nissan vehicle with safety ratings, fuel costs, and ownership data.
What is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder safety rating?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 0 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
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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.