Three rows, a 284-hp V6, and up to 6,000 pounds of towing — refreshed for 2026 with a bolder face, a standard 12.3″ touchscreen on every trim, and standard Safety Shield 360. For sale near Chicago at our Skokie showroom, minutes from Evanston and Niles — test drive one, no pressure.
The 2026 Pathfinder keeps its proven V6 and three-row practicality and adds a refreshed design and a meaningful tech upgrade on every trim. Here’s what changed.
The 2026 refresh swaps chrome for satin and gives the Pathfinder a more rugged, planted stance.
The base-model tech penalty is gone — the 2026 Pathfinder standardizes the screens and connectivity people actually use.
Upgraded cameras take the guesswork out of tight spots, from parking garages to gravel two-tracks.
Every trim gets the 3.5L V6, 9-speed automatic, and standard Safety Shield 360. The real differences are capability, seating, and cabin tech. Here’s how the popular trims line up — 4WD pricing shown.
| Feature | SV 4WD | Rock Creek 4WD | Platinum 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $41,900 | $45,000 | $51,400 |
| Engine | 284-hp 3.5L V6 | 295-hp 3.5L V6 | 284-hp 3.5L V6 |
| Wheels / tires | 18″ alloy, all-season | 18″ beadlock-style, all-terrain | 20″ alloy, all-season |
| Seating | 8 (bench) | 7 (captain’s chairs) | 8 (captain’s chairs available) |
| Max towing | 3,500 lbs (6,000 with package) | 6,000 lbs standard | 6,000 lbs standard |
| Camera system | RearView Monitor | HD Around View Monitor | HD Around View Monitor |
| Audio | 6-speaker | 6-speaker | 13-speaker Bose |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 23 | 25 |
Rock Creek turns the V6 up to 295 horsepower and pairs it with an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, beadlock-style 18″ wheels, a tubular roof rack, and 7.7 inches of ground clearance — with 6,000 pounds of towing standard. It’s built for the Michigan dunes, Wisconsin trails, and every lake-effect morning in between.
Real space in all three rows, seats that fold without a fight, and tech that keeps the whole crew comfortable from Skokie to the state line.
EZ FLEX seating tilts the second row forward even with a child seat installed, and available captain’s chairs make the third row easy to reach.
Available on SL and standard on Platinum — concert-grade sound that still lets the third row hear the conversation.
An available Head-Up Display puts speed and turn-by-turn directions on the windshield, with a 12.3″ digital cluster on SL and Platinum.
Numbers shared across the lineup are listed once; where two- and four-wheel drive differ, both are shown. Rock Creek figures noted where they differ.
| Specification | 2WD | 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L DOHC 24-valve Direct Injection V6 | |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6,400 rpm (Rock Creek: 295 hp) | |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm (Rock Creek: 270 lb-ft) | |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | |
| Drivetrain | Two-wheel drive | Intelligent 4WD, 7 drive/terrain modes |
| Fuel Economy (EPA-est.) | ||
| City | 21 MPG | 20–21 MPG |
| Highway | 27 MPG | 23–26 MPG |
| Combined | 23 MPG | 21–23 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gallons · regular unleaded (premium recommended on Rock Creek) | |
| Dimensions & Capacity | ||
| Seating | Up to 8 passengers (7 with captain’s chairs) | |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 16.6 cu ft, plus underfloor storage | |
| Max cargo (seats folded) | Up to 80.5 cu ft | |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 lbs standard · up to 6,000 lbs properly equipped | |
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in (Rock Creek: 7.7 in) | |
| Length / width / height | 197.7 / 77.9 / 70.9 in (Rock Creek length: 198.8 in) | |
| Warranty | ||
| Basic | 36 months / 36,000 miles | |
| Powertrain | 60 months / 60,000 miles | |
| Corrosion | 60 months / unlimited miles | |
| Roadside assistance | 36 months / 36,000 miles | |
Specifications reflect the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder and may vary by trim and configuration. Confirm current specs and EPA estimates for your build at nissanusa.com or call (847) 965-3460.
The Pathfinder is the family SUV that doesn’t tap out when the forecast does. Intelligent 4WD with a dedicated Snow mode handles a February morning on the Edens or the Kennedy, and the V6 tows the boat to the Chain O’Lakes come June. In between, it’s the calm, roomy school-run machine.
Starting MSRP shown, excluding the $1,545 destination charge. Ask our team about current offers on the trim you’re considering.
The popular pick for families.
Premium comfort without the flagship price.
Plus all SV features
The adventure-built Pathfinder.
The fully loaded family flagship.
Plus all SL features
Starting MSRP excludes the $1,545 destination and handling charge, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Pricing and trim availability are subject to change — see dealer for details.
The 2026 Pathfinder’s case isn’t built on adjectives — it’s built on crash-test scores and a V6 with three decades of recognition behind it.
The Insurance Institute’s highest safety designation, earned by the 2026 Pathfinder.
The highest possible overall vehicle safety rating in federal crash testing.
Named one of Consumer Reports’ 2026 Recommended Vehicles for proven safety, reliability, and owner satisfaction.
The Pathfinder’s 3.5L V6 comes from Nissan’s VQ engine family — Wards’ most-decorated V6 lineage.
Nissan recognized for new-vehicle initial quality among mainstream brands.
Assembled in Tennessee and validated through 85 development crash tests and 17,000 hours of safety analysis.
Awards reflect recent model-year recognition for the Nissan Pathfinder and the Nissan brand and may include prior model years. Confirm the current year and source for each before publishing.
Recognized in 2019, 2023, and 2024 — a track record built on service, not sales pressure.
Don’t see the trim or color you want in stock? We locate the right Pathfinder, usually within 48 hours.
Ask about lifetime synthetic oil changes and tire rotations on your new Pathfinder, done by factory-trained techs.
“We recently upgraded to a Nissan Pathfinder for our growing family, and Xavier was our sales consultant. He was incredibly sweet and patient with our kids while we discussed the transaction details. Xavier walked us through the advanced safety packages thoroughly and worked hard to get us an excellent financing rate.”
Bradley S. — Chicago, IL Cars.com / DealerRater · June 2026“Everyone told me to get the Kia Telluride. Viktor listened to why, then asked a few questions and pointed out that for how I actually use an SUV the Pathfinder made more financial sense. He wasn’t wrong. The Telluride is a great car but the Pathfinder fits my life better and I wouldn’t have figured that out without him.”
Uli F. — Skokie, IL Cars.com / DealerRater · April 2026“I recently traded in my old vehicle, and Kosta made the transition absolutely seamless. From our first test drive in the Nissan Pathfinder, his deep mechanical knowledge and expertise were fully on display. He carefully broke down the differences between the trim levels so I could get the absolute best value for my investment.”
Richard H. — Chicago, IL Cars.com / DealerRater · June 2026A live look at what’s on the lot. Pricing and availability come from our inventory feed and update automatically — call (847) 965-3460 to confirm a specific vehicle.
2026 Refresh — Just Arrived
VIN 5N1DR3BE7TC241158
Dual 12.3″ Displays
VIN 5N1DR3CE1TC216402
All-Terrain Ready
VIN 5N1DR3BT3TC204519
New Baltic Teal
VIN 5N1DR3DK9TC257313
Sample pricing shown for layout review only — live figures come from the inventory feed. Prices exclude tax, title, license, and dealer documentation fees. Offers subject to change without notice; see dealer for current pricing and incentive eligibility. Vehicles subject to prior sale. (847) 965-3460
If your question isn’t covered here, call us at (847) 965-3460 — our team will give you a straight answer.
Starting MSRP runs from $39,900 for the SV 2WD to $51,400 for the Platinum 4WD, before the $1,545 destination charge. The SL starts at $42,500, and the off-road Rock Creek at $45,000 with 4WD standard. Call us for current pricing and any offers on the trim you want.
Yes — every Pathfinder uses a 3.5-liter Direct Injection V6 making 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic. The Rock Creek trim bumps it to 295 horsepower. In a class where most rivals have moved to small turbo fours, the naturally aspirated V6 is one of the Pathfinder’s biggest draws.
Yes. Intelligent 4WD with seven drive and terrain modes — including Snow, Sand, and Mud/Rut — is available on every trim and standard on Rock Creek. For Chicago winters, 4WD plus Snow mode makes a real difference on unplowed streets.
Yes — the Pathfinder is a three-row SUV that seats up to eight with the second-row bench, or seven with the available captain’s chairs (standard on Rock Creek). EZ FLEX seating tilts the second row forward for third-row access even with a child seat installed.
Up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped — that covers most boats, campers, and utility trailers. Towing capacity is 3,500 pounds standard; the 6,000-pound rating comes standard on Rock Creek and Platinum and via the Premium Package on SV and SL. A Tow mode with Trailer Sway Control is part of the drive-mode dial.
You get 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row (plus underfloor storage), and up to 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded — enough for a full Costco run with the crew aboard, or flat-pack furniture with the seats down.
Rock Creek is the adventure-focused trim: a 295-hp version of the V6, off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, beadlock-style 18″ wheels, a tubular roof rack, LED fog lights, and water-repellent seating. It also gets 6,000-pound towing and captain’s chairs standard. Note it recommends premium fuel for the extra output.
EPA estimates are up to 21 city / 27 highway MPG with 2WD and 21/26 with 4WD on most trims. Rock Creek’s all-terrain tires and extra power bring it to 20/23. Not bad for a V6 that seats eight and tows 6,000 pounds.
We stock a range of Pathfinder trims, colors, and drivetrains at our Skokie showroom, minutes from Evanston, Niles, Lincolnwood, and Chicago’s North Side. If we don’t have your exact configuration, we can usually locate it within 48 hours.
Yes. We work with a network of lenders, including options for bad or no credit. You can get pre-approved online with no impact to your credit score before you ever visit.
Every new Pathfinder includes a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, plus 5 years of corrosion coverage with unlimited miles. Ask us about adding our Premium Plan for lifetime synthetic oil changes and tire rotations.
The 2026 Pathfinder is a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a 5-Star NHTSA overall rating and a spot on Consumer Reports’ 2026 recommended list. Add eight seats, a proven V6, and 6,000 pounds of towing, and it’s one of the strongest all-around three-rows for Chicago-area families.
With regular maintenance, Pathfinders commonly reach 150,000 to 250,000 miles. The V6 and 9-speed automatic are a proven, conventional combination — staying on top of oil changes and routine service is the biggest factor, which is where our Premium Plan helps.
No — the 2026 Pathfinder is gas-only, with the V6 across the lineup. If you want electrification with more space than a compact, ask us about the Rogue Plug-in Hybrid or the all-electric ARIYA, both of which we carry.
If the answer depends on trim, current offers, or what’s in stock today, send the question to the right team.
Our showroom is on Golf Road, about 20 minutes from downtown Chicago and easy to reach from Niles, Evanston, Lincolnwood, Wilmette, Morton Grove, Glenview, and Highland Park. Bring the whole family — the third row is the kind of thing you want to sit in before you buy.
