Nissan Pathfinder Will Skip 2021 Model Year

The Nissan Pathfinder will skip the 2021 model year as the brand sets the stage for the redesigned 2022 Pathfinder. While skipping a year isn't unheard of in the automotive industry, it's certainly unusual and could result in a degree of confusion for shoppers in the market to buy a three-row SUV ahead of Presidents' Day.

Nissan spokesperson Kevin Rafferty confirmed the situation for CarsDirect today in an email, stating: "To best position Nissan to deliver on the highly anticipated all-new 2022 Pathfinder, production of the current 2020 Pathfinder continued through the end of 2020. There will not be a model year 2021 Pathfinder."

The signs seemed apparent when we noticed that 2021 dealer order guides left out any mention of the Pathfinder. While a look at national inventory data for the 2020 Pathfinder still finds over 7,500 vehicles in stock across the country, most of the brand's competitors have already introduced their 2021 lineups.

Last updated for 2013, the Pathfinder currently faces a number of newer alternatives like the Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander. Despite competing in a highly popular segment, Nissan sold just 48,579 Pathfinders in 2020, a 26% drop year-over-year. To put that in perspective, the brand sold nearly 228,000 Rogues.

Interestingly, other brands have opted to make similar moves as well. For example, Audi recently confirmed that its most affordable car, the A3, will skip the 2021 model year ahead of a redesign later this year. More recently, Acura began selling the all-new MDX as a 2022 model, skipping the 2021 model altogether.

In a video teaser released late last week (above), the brand appears poised to showcase the all-new Pathfinder's off-road prowess. Stay tuned for our full coverage once the official reveal takes place on Thursday, February 4th. We'll also be monitoring the brand's Presidents' Day deals in the coming days.

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