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- Available Bench Seat on Every Trim: You don't have to sacrifice seating flexibility to get the highest trim level.
- Three-Across Capability: The Pathfinder can accommodate certain three-across car seat setups, making it a great option for growing families.
- Car Seat Tilt: Third-row access remains available even with car seats installed.
The Exterior
First Impressions: A Sharp, Sporty Exterior
The Pathfinder has one of the strongest designs in Nissan's current lineup. It strikes a nice balance between rugged and refined, giving families a vehicle that feels practical without looking boring.
For 2026, the Pathfinder gets a subtle refresh with a redesigned front and rear end, updated satin-finish exterior badging, and a gorgeous new Baltic Teal paint color. Inside, Nissan updated the dashboard design and added a larger standard touchscreen, along with embossed "Pathfinder" lettering beneath the infotainment screen for a more premium feel.
Overall, the Pathfinder feels fresh, modern, and competitive with other midsize SUVs in its class.
First Row
Interior Review: Comfortable and Family Friendly
Step inside the Platinum trim and you're greeted by beautiful cognac leather upholstery that immediately elevates the cabin.
What I Like
- Soft-touch materials throughout
- Large door storage bins
- Heads-up display
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless charging
- Easy-to-use climate controls
One thing Nissan gets right is keeping physical controls for important functions. Volume knobs, climate controls, and seat controls are easy to access without digging through menus.
As a busy parent, I appreciate that.
What Could Be Better
My biggest complaint is the infotainment system.
The screen feels small compared to competitors, especially as larger displays become standard throughout the segment. While it's functional and straightforward to use, it looks somewhat dated next to vehicles like the Chevy Traverse and other recently redesigned competitors.
Another downside is the heavy use of piano black trim throughout the cabin. While it looks nice initially, it quickly becomes covered in fingerprints and smudges—especially in family vehicles.
Family Feature Highlight: Excellent Safety Technology
While visibility isn't the Pathfinder's strongest attribute, Nissan does a good job making up for it with safety technology.
Available features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Automatic emergency braking
- Surround-view camera
- Backup camera
- Driver assistance features across multiple trim levels
I do wish Nissan offered a digital rearview mirror on the Platinum trim, especially considering how often families fill these vehicles with passengers and car seats.
Second Row
Why Families Should Seriously Consider the Pathfinder
The second row is where the Pathfinder really shines.
Bench Seat Available on Every Trim
One of my favorite Pathfinder features is that a second-row bench seat is available across the lineup—even on the Platinum trim.
Many manufacturers force families into captain's chairs once they move into higher trims. Nissan doesn't.
That flexibility is a huge win.
Three-Across Friendly
I wouldn't call the Pathfinder a "three-across machine," but it is absolutely three-across friendly.
For this test, we installed three Graco SlimFit3 LX car seats across the second row, and everything fit successfully.
That opens the door for many families who want to avoid moving up to a full-size SUV or minivan.
One of My Favorite Features: Car Seat Tilt
The Pathfinder includes what I call a "car-seat-friendly tilt."
Even with a car seat installed using lower anchors, you can still slide and tilt the second-row seat forward to access the third row.
For larger families who need daily third-row access, this feature is a game changer.
Too many SUVs force parents to uninstall car seats every time they need access to the back.
The Pathfinder doesn't.
Second-Row Storage is Outstanding
The second row is loaded with family-friendly amenities:
- Ceiling air vents
- Built-in sunshades
- Heated outboard seats
- Multiple cupholders
- Phone storage cubbies
- Additional storage compartments
Third Row
Third Row: Surprisingly Comfortable
The Pathfinder isn't the largest SUV in the midsize segment, but it uses its space well.
Third-Row Pros
- Ceiling vents
- USB charging ports
- Cupholders
- Adjustable second-row tracks
- Easy exit button
Third-Row Cons
Legroom can feel tight when the second row is positioned all the way back.
While Nissan advertises seating for three in the third row, I think two passengers will be much more comfortable.
Families should also pay attention to the large, non-removable third-row headrests, as they may interfere with certain car seat installations.
Trunk
Cargo Space: Not Huge, But Smart
Cargo space behind the third row isn't class-leading, but it's functional.
The Pathfinder offers:
- Under-floor storage compartments
- Folding third-row seats
- Flat load floor when folded
One of the biggest advantages of choosing the bench seat is that you can run a three-across setup in the second row and keep the third row folded down most of the time.
That gives you significantly more cargo space while still transporting three children safely.
For many families, that's the secret to making a midsize SUV work instead of moving up to a larger vehicle.
Safety
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