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2018 Nissan Pathfinder

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OEM Interior Primary
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OEM Exterior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $31,040
2018 S 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $32,730
2018 SV 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,730
2018 SV 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $35,420
2018 SL 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $37,750
2018 SL 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $39,440
2018 Platinum 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $42,570
2018 Platinum 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $44,260

Overview

Equal parts style and substance, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder provides three-row seating for seven in a refined-yet-trail-ready package.

What's New for 2018

Thanks to a significant refresh for 2017, the 2018 Pathfinder stays the course with only the addition of automatic emergency braking to its list of standard features and a few nips and tucks to options and trims.

Nissan Pathfinder

Choosing Your Nissan Pathfinder

All 2018 Pathfinder models are powered by the 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine. It produces 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque and is paired to a continuously variable transmission. Nissan's Intelligent 4x4 is available across all trims for $1,690, adding two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, auto modes, and hill-descent control.

As trim levels go, the Pathfinder has four:

Nissan Pathfinder

S

The base Pathfinder S model starts at $31,765 (all prices include the $975 destination charge) and features an extensive list of standard equipment, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, power exterior mirrors with embedded turn signal repeaters, a tire pressure monitoring system, and vehicle dynamic and traction controls. The impressive array of high-tech comfort and convenience items includes a tri-zone automatic climate control system, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, three free years of SiriusXM Traffic Link, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and streaming audio, a rearview camera, and six USB ports. Nissan also includes the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, a screen between the dash gauges that shows a variety of information like fuel economy, range, and external temperature.

No options packages are available on the S, but buyers can choose from five factory-installed accessories: illuminated kick plates ($365), stainless steel roof rail crossbars ($355), a four-piece carpeted floor mat set ($235), a satin chrome rear bumper protector ($210), and a four-piece splash guard set ($175).

Nissan Pathfinder

SV

The $34,455 SV trim level adds intelligent automatic headlights, fog lights, Nissan’s Intelligent Key, remote engine start, rear sonar sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, HomeLink, dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, an eight-way power driver’s seat, variable intermittent speed-sensitive windshield wipers, individual tire pressure display, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

There are two available packages. The $400 All-Weather Package adds heated front cloth seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual power heated outside mirrors. The $1,400 Tech Package brings navigation, NissanConnect Services, three free years of SiriusXM Traffic, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a tow hitch receiver with seven-pin wiring harness. Factory accessories include running boards ($650) and a Cargo Package ($350) that adds a cargo area protector, rear cargo cover, under-floor storage dividers and a first-aid kit.

Nissan Pathfinder

SL

The SL trim climbs all the way up to $38,475, but it comes standard with a motion activated liftgate, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a four-way power passenger seat, metallic interior trim, a 120-volt AC power outlet, stainless-steel front kick plates, and Nissan's Intelligent Around View 360-degree monitor.

The Premium Package tacks on another $2,650 and brings 20-inch silver aluminum wheels, a dual-panel panoramic glass moonroof, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, and the tow hitch receiver with seven-pin wiring harness.

Nissan Pathfinder

Platinum

As its name suggests, the $43,295 Platinum trim is the range-topping Pathfinder. It builds on the SL and brings everything from the Premium Package as standard equipment, also adding LED low-beam projector headlamps, climate-controlled front seats, chrome bodyside moldings, wood-tone interior trim, and a power tilt/telescope steering column.

The only available package is the Nissan Mobile Entertainment System. The $1,700 add-on includes a tri-zone entertainment system with front headrest-mounted display screens, a DVD player, and rear HDMI and USB ports for video playback.

CarsDirect Tip

Pathfinder prices stretch from $30,890 to $44,460 (for the Platinum AWD). So, it’s refreshing that all-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels, not just on the most costly versions. You can decide whether to pay more for all-weather capability or for creature comforts; or, if your pocketbook permits, perhaps both. As always, all-wheel drive is most useful in snowbelt states.

Get your price on a Nissan Pathfinder »

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

For three generations, the Nissan Pathfinder was a rugged, off-road-ready people hauler. But in its fourth generation, which debuted in 2013, Nissan buckled convention and turned the Pathfinder into a comfy crossover.

With this redesign and repositioning of the Pathfinder, it took a turn for the blah stylistically. That said, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder still has plenty going for it, but is this enough to overcome its vanilla styling?

Best Value

Though the base S trim comes with plenty of features, we feel the best value comes one step up in the SV trim. This version takes all the standard trim’s features and adds automatic emergency braking, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, remote start, and rear parking sensors.

On top of this list of features, the SV trim opens buyers up to popular and value-packed options, like the Tech Package, which adds navigation, SiriusXM, adaptive cruise, and more.

  • Model: 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SV AWD
  • Engine: 3.5-liter V6
  • Output: 284 hp / 259 lb-ft
  • Transmission:Continuously variable transmission
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
  • Options: Tech Package ($1,400, navigation, SiriusXM, rear cross-traffic alert, NissanConnect, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and tow hitch with seven-pin connector)
  • Base Price: $34,705 (including $975 destination fee)
  • Best Value Price:$36,900 (including $975 destination fee)

Performance

Nissan Pathfinder

Over the years, the Pathfinder has gone from a rugged SUV to a more timid family hauler. Despite its tamer personality in recent years, the Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter V6 engine has above-average power at 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. Another feather in the Pathfinder’s cap is its comfortable, sedan-like ride.

Where the Pathfinder falls short is its off-road capabilities. This nameplate was once attached to one of the more competent off-roaders on the market, but its newer crossover bones leave a lot to be desired in the off-road department. Another sore spot is the continuously variable transmission, which keeps the revs pretty high, resulting in more noise and vibration than we like.

Style

The 2018 Pathfinder features inoffensive styling that matches up well with the rest of the Nissan family. Sure, it's nothing overly impressive, but the conservative design helps broaden the cross-section of buyers who find the Pathfinder nice enough to buy.

In the cabin, the same conservative styling dominates. Again, it's totally inoffensive, but in the face of more stylish, progressive, and aesthetically pleasing cabins, the Pathfinder feels anonymous. That said, it is versatile. The front seats are broad and comfortable, and there's a great driving position. The second row is spacious, while the third-row will happily accommodate a couple of smaller kids – adults, though, would be better served up front.

The Best and Worst Things

The 2018 Pathfinder has plenty of room for adults and children in its second row, as it boasts 41.7 inches of leg room back there. Not only is there lots of room, but the seats are also quite comfortable, even on long journeys. What's more, with the tiny third row folded, cargo room grows to a massive 47.4 cubic feet.

The Pathfinder’s design really falls short. The body lacks any real style, and the interior is about as bland as it gets, making it stand out – in a bad way – in Nissan showrooms.

Right For? Wrong For?

Nissan Pathfinder

Families who love the road: The Pathfinder is plenty roomy and comfortable, making it the perfect rig for road-tripping. Add to this its smooth ride, and multi-hour treks are a breeze.

Hip buyers looking for more style: Not to beat a dead horse, but the Pathfinder’s design is a snoozer. It lacks any creativity, despite a recent refresh, leaving younger, hipper buyers wondering what exactly they are looking at.

The Bottom Line

Looking for a simple and roomy crossover that can haul the entire family and still have room for luggage? The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is the vehicle for you.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 284 HP / 259 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Xtronic 2-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 284 HP / 259 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
19.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$75
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
79.5 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
138 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
198.5 "
Exterior Width
77.3 "
Exterior Height
69.5 "
Front Headroom
42.2 "
Rear Headroom
39.4 "
Front Legroom
42.2 "
Rear Legroom
41.7 "
Front Shoulder Room
60.9 "
Rear Shoulder Room
60.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,293 Lbs.
Wheel Base
114 "
Turning Radius
19.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2018 Nissan Pathfinder for Sale

5 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Nissan
SV
Color: Black
Price

$13,500

Mileage

99,403 mi

Map location icon

Vista Motors (44 mi)

Phone: (909) 740-6545
Nissan
S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
Color: Gray
Price

$14,500

Mileage

63,220 mi

Map location icon

Next Gear Auto Sales Inc (32 mi)

Phone: (213) 361-1865
Nissan
S 4dr 4x4
Color: White
Price

$16,995

Mileage

114,448 mi

Map location icon

DriveTime Downey (16 mi)

Phone: (562) 940-9360
Nissan
S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
Color: White
Price

$19,095

Mileage

88,955 mi

Map location icon

DriveTime Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (888) 970-9221
See All Used Car Listings

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