2026 Nissan Pathfinder is Refreshed, But Only Two Models Survive
A week before its first public appearance at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Nissan today announced changes to the Pathfinder midsize SUV for the 2026 model year, which marks the midpoint of the current generation launched four years ago.
Perhaps the biggest change is that the number of available models is considerably reduced, going from six to just two—Rock Creek and Platinum.
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Subtle Tweaks and Updates
Nissan designers have slightly revised the front and rear ends (especially the grille and lights), added satin-finish exterior badges and come up with the new Baltic Teal body colour you see here on the pictures.
The Pathfinder Rock Creek once again stands out with a lifted ride height, all-terrain tires and off-road-tuned suspension, not to mention a unique front bumper and grille, LED fog lights and a tubular roof rack.
The top-line Platinum model switches from silver to black roof rails. Additional design enhancements include a new 20-inch wheel design.
Inside, the redesigned dashboard includes a larger standard touchscreen (12.3 inches on all models) and embossed "PATHFINDER" lettering just below. The Rock Creek treatment includes easy-to-clean leatherette seats with Lava Red interior stitching plus a new panoramic sunroof, while the Platinum gets new seat quilting patterns and wood-tone trim for extra refinement.
A Welcome Addition
We like the fact that Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor is upgraded to include a 180-degree Front Wide View as well as an Invisible Hood View. These will come in very handy when getting out of a driveway or parking space, or positioning the wheels for navigating car wash tracks, drive-through curbs and off-road trails.
The 2026 Pathfinder can still accommodate up to eight people, and the Platinum model will continue to offer the option of second-row captain's chairs. There are no changes under the hood: the 3.5-litre V6 remains, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs.
Launching in Spring 2026
You may recall that Pathfinder imports from the U.S., as well as those of the Murano and Frontier, were suspended at the end of May due to Canadian counter-tariffs. Now, Nissan says that Canadian production for all three vehicles is scheduled to resume next spring when the 2026 models are ready to launch.
Incidentally, prices for the 2026 Pathfinder have not yet been announced but will undoubtedly be higher. Since the two cheapest models from 2025 will not be returning, customers will have to spend considerably more.