2026 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD First Test: Better Value, Same Driving Feel

When we first drove the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, we came away thinking Nissan had taken the safe, sensible approach. Instead of reinventing its three-row SUV, the company focused instead on small but meaningful improvements aimed at keeping the Pathfinder competitive—namely, sharpening its styling, adding useful tech, and improving day-to-day livability.

During our First Drive, we reported that the Pathfinder’s powertrain felt smooth and perfectly adequate for family duty, though not especially exciting, an impression that made us curious to see how the updated SUV would perform once subjected to our full battery of instrumented tests. Under the hood, the Pathfinder remains powered by Nissan’s naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 rated at a decent 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and either standard front-wheel or available all-wheel drive.

For testing, we picked up a 2026 Pathfinder Platinum AWD model and headed to the track to find out whether the recent updates have translated into measurable gains, or if Nissan’s three-row crossover still leans more on practicality over performance.

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Shorter Stops, Same-ish Handling

The Pathfinder’s handling numbers look very similar to those of a 2022 Pathfinder Platinum AWD we previously tested. The biggest improvement was in braking, where the lighter 2026 model stopped from 60 mph in a distance 5 feet shorter than before. For reference, a 2024 Honda Pilot Elite AWD we tested needed 126 feet to stop, a full 17 feet more than the Nissan. For context, the 2026 Pathfinder’s 109-foot number is hugely impressive for this kind of vehicle.

It’s no surprise given the test results that the Pathfinder’s brakes feel strong and predictable in everyday driving, but testing did reveal a few quirks. Although the SUV tracked straight, the pedal effort changed noticeably after repeated hard braking. We suspect some fade was at work, as stopping distances grew once heat built up in the brakes.

The 2026 Pathfinder also outgripped the 2024 Pilot and 2022 Pathfinder in both our lateral acceleration and figure-eight tests. It behaves much like what we’ve come to expect from a front-wheel-drive-based, three-row crossover like the Pathfinder, with plenty of understeer accompanied by a fair amount of body roll. Stability control steps in when needed without being overly intrusive.

Its steering feels somewhat vague, although the accuracy will no doubt be good enough for typical daily driving situations. While the Pathfinder’s at-the-limit dynamic abilities aren’t particularly engaging, they’re right in line with a vehicle in its class and mission.

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Still Average Quickness

Not surprisingly, the 2026 Pathfinder AWD performs almost the same as the 2022 version we previously evaluated in a straight line, though with slight improvements. Even though some of the SUV’s hardware is getting old by industry standards (the V-6 dates to the 2013 model year), the numbers at least show incremental progress.

Part of that progress comes down to weight. Our 2026 tester tipped the scales at 75 pounds lighter than the 2022 model, and a lighter Pathfinder is a slightly quicker one. The difference isn’t dramatic, though, with the newer SUV reaching 60 mph just 0.1 second sooner.

So, no, we wouldn’t call the Pathfinder quick, but this segment rarely prioritizes outright performance. The rival Honda Pilot uses a similar 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 285 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, and in our testing, it needed the same amount of time to reach 60 mph. The more powerful Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and dual electric motors producing a combined 329 hp and 339 lb-ft, was only 0.3 second quicker to 60 mph.

Acceleration feels relaxed off the line before building steadily, almost as if there’s turbo lag despite the absence of forced induction. Shifts from the nine-speed automatic are smooth if not especially quick. We also noticed occasional shudders as the engine stop-start system restarted the V-6, though the disturbance was minor.

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Utility Above All

Nissan’s ProPilot Assist is one of the best driver assist systems available, and our experience using it in the Pathfinder only bolstered that opinion. Much of our weekday commute takes place in mind-numbing, bumper-to-bumper traffic that rarely exceeds 20 mph, and employing ProPilot helped to noticeably reduce our fatigue. Combined with the Pathfinder’s good forward visibility, we never felt disconnected from what was happening around the vehicle.

The cabin remains a family-friendly space. Storage spaces abound, including device slots in the first- and second-row center consoles and plenty of cupholders throughout. The front console also has a lower storage shelf accessible to both driver and passenger, and the deep, rubberized tray above the glove box is perfectly sized for phones or small tablets. Rear doors that swing nearly 90 degrees wide make loading kids or cargo easier than in some rivals.

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The third row, however, is still tight, limiting comfort on longer drives. Plus, you have to basically turn around and reach over your shoulder to adjust the seatback angle because the adjuster is at the top corner of the seat, not the most intuitive placement. Cargo space behind it measures 16.6 cubic feet, trailing the Honda Pilot (18.6 cubic feet) and Hyundai Palisade (19.1 cubic feet).

We’ve praised the Pathfinder’s magnetized wireless phone charger before, and it’s still one of the best implementations we’ve seen from an automaker. The downside is compatibility. It works best with newer phones (iPhone 12, Pixel 10, and newer), and our Pixel 9A wouldn’t stay in place, even without a case. Compatible cases are available, some fairly inexpensive, but we just plugged in with a cord instead.

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Is the 2026 Pathfinder Platinum Worth It?

Not surprisingly, the Pathfinder largely makes a stronger case today than it did a few years ago. Fuel economy still won’t wow you, but it’s in line with other non-hybrid three-row SUVs. Where it quietly pulls ahead is range, giving it a small but genuinely useful edge for long road trips.

This year’s updates also nudge the cabin in a more premium direction. A newly standard 12.3-inch touchscreen (4.3 inches larger) brings a welcome dose of modernity, while updated seat quilting and wood-toned trim help it to better blend in with class leaders. It’s the thoughtful touches that stand out the most—ceiling-mounted vents for rear passengers and a clever design that keeps hard plastics largely out of sight—highlighting the Pathfinder’s focus on comfort and usability over flash.

Pricing is where things get more interesting. The Pathfinder Platinum AWD we tested came in at $55,990, but skipping most options drops it closer to the low-$53,000 range. That’s enough to undercut comparable top trims of the Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade, both of which now creep well into the mid- to high-$50,000s.

While the Pathfinder still isn’t an SUV you’d buy if you’re looking for excitement, that’s not really the point of a model like this. And as competitors get pricier, Nissan’s steady, no-nonsense approach feels even more compelling than it did at launch. In a segment that keeps asking for more money, that alone might be its biggest win.

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