2020 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder comes with a single engine-transmission pair, a 3.5L V6 mated to a CVT gearbox. The duo performs adequately for its intended role and more importantly, delivers exceptional fuel economy. The Pathfinder is available with 4-wheel drive for handling those occasional tricky situations.

All versions of Pathfinder can tow an impressive 6000 pounds – highest in the segment. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is going head-on-head with the likes of Honda Pilot, the Korean Kia Telluride, and all American Ford Explorer.

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $31,680 for the base trim while the top-end Platinum trim retails at $42,920. The powertrain remains the same throughout the range with an optional 4-wheel drive ($1600) available on all trims. What you pay decides the interior appointments and exterior cosmetics. There are four trims available namely S, SV, SL, and Platinum. If you do not opt for the AWD version, then the SUV will come standard with the front-wheel-drive drivetrain. 

Trims	S	SV	SL	Platinum
MSRP (3.5L Direct Injection Gasoline V6 2WD)	$31,680	$34,470	$38,090	$42,920
MSRP (3.5L Direct Injection Gasoline V6 4WD)	$33,370	$36,160	$39,780	$44,610
Key Features	SiriusXM Travel Link with 3-year trial access	Add/Upgrade from previous trim	Add/Upgrade from previous trim	Add/Upgrade from previous trim
	Automatic Emergency Braking	Remote Engine Start System	LED low-beam projector headlights	20" x 7.5" aluminum-alloy wheels
	Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control System	Intelligent Cruise Control	Nissan Navigation System	Bose Premium Audio System with 13 speakers, including Acoustic Waveguide technology
	EZ FLEX® Seating System with 2nd-row 60/40 split fold-flat bench seat	Blind Spot Warning	Intelligent Around View Monitor	Climate-controlled front seats (heated and cooled)
	LATCH AND GLIDE	Rear Cross-Traffic Alert	Leather-appointed seats (1st and 2nd row)	Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof
	3rd-row 50/50 split fold-flat reclining bench seat	Fog lights	Heated front seats	Tow hitch receiver with 7-pin wiring harness

The S and SV trims flaunt an advanced driver-assist display as well as NissanConnect. While the SL trim comes with motion-activated liftgate, welcome lighting, and leather-appointed seats and door trim.

All the 3 trims flaunt a SiriusXM Travel Link subscription. Platinum, the high-end trim, boasts LED low-beam projector headlights and dual-panel panoramic moonroof as standard features. Moreover, the trim comes with an exclusive wood-tone interior trim.

Package	Mobile Entertainment System (only available with Platinum model)	Rock Creek Edition Package (SV and SL model)	Rock Creek Edition Technology Package (SV model)	Rock Creek Edition Premium Package (SL model)
MSRP	$1,700	$995	N/A	N/A
Key Features	Tri-Zone Entertainment System with dual head restraint-mounted 8" monitors, remote control and two wireless headphones	18" x 7.5" dark-finished aluminum-alloy wheels with 255/60R18 all-season tires	Nissan Navigation System	Bose Premium Audio System with 13 speakers, including Acoustic Waveguide technology
	DVD video playback capability	Black front grille, roof rails, outside mirrors, door handles, license plate finisher, overfenders	NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM with trial access to 3-year Select and 6-month Premium Plus packages	Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof
	Rear HDMI input and USB port for video playback	Unique lower front fascia	SiriusXM Traffic with 3-year trial access
		Tow hitch receiver with 7-pin wiring harness	Dual power heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicators
		Leatherette-appointed seats with cloth inserts and Rock Creek Edition badging	Heated front seats
		Rock Creek Edition black badging	Heated steering wheel
		Premium Metallic Rock Creek Edition interior trim
		Splash Guards

We Recommend

Even the base Pathfinder S is good enough but the SL trim provides a delightful package with features like power passenger seats, heated front and second-row seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a power lift-gate. The Pathfinder Platinum is handsomely equipped but those large 20-inch wheels compromise ride quality. According to us, we would recommend the SL model with the Rock Creek Edition Package. 

With 2020 Pathfinder, only a single engine-transmission option ensures the performance stays the same across the lineup. The suspension hits the balance between offering supple ride quality and controlling body motions. The steering is not as eager as the Mazda CX-9 but offers effortless driving characteristics and can take on sharp bends with ease.

The Nissan Pathfinder gets only one engine and transmission option – a 3.5L V6 engine mated to a CVT transmission, developing 284 horsepower at 6400rpm and 259 pounds-feet of torque at 4800rpm. This combination provides sufficient power for day to day driving including merging with freeway traffic and overtaking. As the Pathfinder is offered with an Intelligent 4×4 system with a selectable drive mode for choosing in accordance with the weather condition. the drivetrain works flawlessly on slick or snowy roads. Also to keep you warm and comfortable in winter condition, it comes equipped with the Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control System.

Models	Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD	Honda Pilot LX FWD	Kia Telluride LX FWD	Ford Explorer XLT RWD
MSRP	$31,680	$31,550	$31,690	$36,675
Engine	3.5L V6	3.5L V6	3.8L V6	2.3L I4 turbo
Transmission	CVT	6-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	10-Speed shiftable Automatic
Power	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	259 ft-lbs. @ 4800 rpm	262 ft-lbs. @ 4700 rpm	262 ft-lbs. @ 5200 rpm	310 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm

Nissan Pathfinder SUV employs a CVT automatic transmission. On the Telluride, it comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission mode. Honda Pilot LX is featuring a 6-Speed Automatic transmission. While the Ford Explorer relies on a 10-speed automatic transmission mode for gear-shifting. Talking about power figures, The Ford Explorer produces the maximum number of horsepower figures, 300hp to be exact. Followed by Telluride with 291hp.

Acceleration

Frankly, there's nothing impressive about Pathfinder's performance or acceleration. Even with a punchy and energetic engine under the hood of the Pathfinder. The ride hits the 60 MPH mark in 7.4 seconds and covers a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds. Other class rivals do offer better performance benchmarks.

Talking about highway performance, overtaking and passing power is sufficient but if pushed to its limits the engine does makes you feel that's not a good option. It is designed to meet the suburban or city driving details. The CVT transmission does provide accurate shifts.

Models	Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD	Honda Pilot LX FWD	Kia Telluride LX FWD	Ford Explorer XLT RWD
0-60 MPH	7.4	6.1	7.2	5.8
Quarter mile	15.7	14.7	15.4	14.4
Engine	3.5L V6	3.5L V6	3.8L V6	2.3L I4 turbo
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.6	8	N/A	9.8

The Nissan Pathfinder is slowest among the competitors we compared, doing the 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds while the next slowest competitor is Kia Telluride. For comparison, the Ford Explorer can rocket to 60 in 5.8 seconds thanks to its throaty 2.3L EcoBoost engine.

Ride and Handling

This Nissan SUV rides with composure and it absorbs the bumps well. However, in 2020, Nissan stiffened the springs for increased body control and that has compromised the ride quality a bit. This shortcoming is especially pronounced in the Pathfinder Platinum with 20-inch wheels. Handling as well as steering in Nissan Pathfinder SUV is average at best. The bumps experienced on the road made their presence felt inside the cabin. The ride quality is harsh, especially on uneven surfaces. 

Stability around turns is competent but the Pathfinder SUV surely lacks precision. Things are a little better in the all-wheel-drive trims than in those with a forward-wheel-drive system. Anyway, the ride offers a pleasant riding experience on idyllic smooth surfaces.

Braking 

Just like handling, Nissan SUV has an average braking system. However, considering the ride's average performance, the braking power is just good enough. Compared to the competition, the ride has the smallest brake sizes. The Pathfinder stops within 124 feet from 60 mph. That’s might not be the best performance among the rivals here. Ford Explorer trails the best by taking 108ft to stop from 60 mph.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD	Honda Pilot LX FWD	Kia Telluride LX FWD	Ford Explorer XLT RWD
Brake Front(in)	12.6	12.6	13.4	N/A
Brake Rear(in)	12.1	13	12	N/A
Curb weight(lbs.)	4287	4036	4211	4345
60-0 MPH (ft.)	124	129	118	108

During emergency braking scenarios, the Pathfinder is able to come to a halt at a distance of 124ft. This is better than 129ft. and 118ft. required by the Honda Pilot LX and Kia Telluride, respectively. Ford Explorer comes to halt at the shortest distance of 108ft.

Towing Capacity

At 6000 pounds, Nissan's towing capacity is highest among competitors here. Owing to the same powertrain across the lineup, even the base Pathfinder S can tow the same. Most of the other competitors can tow 5000 pounds. 

Model	Nissan Pathfinder	Honda Pilot	Kia Telluride	Ford Explorer
Maximum Towing Capacity (lbs.)	6000	5000	5000	5300
Drive Train	4WD	AWD	FWD	RWD

Nissan's SUV makes up for its lackluster acceleration with its stellar fuel economy. It delivers 20 mpg in city and 27 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 23 mpg. We think for this class of vehicle, an ideal engine is the one that delivers excellent fuel economy while delivering effortless performance. Nissan Pathfinder hits the bulls-eyes. After all, the kick in the back will lose its importance while a friendly, less thirsty engine will continue to delight through years.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD	Honda Pilot LX FWD	Kia Telluride LX FWD	Ford Explorer XLT RWD
MPG (city)	20	19	20	21
MPG (highway)	27	27	26	28
MPG (combined)	23	22	23	24
Fuel Capacity (gal.)	19.5	19.5	18.8	19.2
Range (Cty/Hwy)	390 / 527 miles	371 / 527 miles	376 / 489 miles	403 / 538 miles

The Kia Telluride comes extremely close with only its highway mpg figure trailing the Nissan’s by 1 mpg. The Honda Pilot is thirstiest here with 22mpg combined. While the Ford Explorer comes out to be the most efficient SUV of the comparison.

Also Read:

2020 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity

2020 Nissan Pathfinder City, Highway and Combined MPG and Fuel Range

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has a spacious interior (even the third row) and the cabin is well built with good quality materials. The infotainment system offers smooth and crisp responses but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are missing (like other Nissans). The luggage space is less than average. It can seat seven people. The seats provide good support and the driving position is natural. It’s not exactly commanding as the SUV gets a car-like unibody construction but the outward visibility is great. The front seats offer best in class legroom but the hip and shoulder room is average among the competitor. Its second row is also spacious and offers great comfort for those long journeys.

However, the third row really impresses and it turns out to be useful even for adults. A notable shortcoming about the interior is the lack of sufficient storage space in the center console. Although the overall design feels a bit aged compared to the competitors, the material quality is top-notch (except the fake wood accents) and everything is well put together. Amenities like a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled front seats add to the “feel-good” factor. A tri-zone climate control system is also available.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD	Honda Pilot LX FWD	Kia Telluride LX FWD	Ford Explorer XLT RWD
Passenger capacity	7	8	8	7
Passenger Volume (ft. cube)	133.7	152.9	178.1	152.7
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	42.2/60.9/42.2	40.1/62.0/40.9	40.9/61.6/44.1	40.7/61.8/43.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/60.4/41.7	40.2/62.0/38.4	40.2/61.2/42.4	40.5/61.9/39.0
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.5/57.1/30.7	38.9/57.6/31.9	38.1/55.3/31.4	38.9/54.6/32.3

In the front, Pathfinder offers 42.2 and 42.3 inches of headroom and legroom, respectively. Both are the most among its class rivals. In the second row, the ride offers 39.4 and 41.7 inches of headroom and legroom, respectively. While the legroom is the most one can get, the headroom gets beaten out to Honda Pilot LX, which offers 40.2 inches of the same.

Infotainment

Inside, the SUV has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It’s among the better in competition with crisp graphics and fast response. Optional features like parking sensor and navigation (optional) are available from SV trim onwards. The Platinum trim gets 12 speakers Bose audio system. However, Nissan does not offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Unlike typical 3-seater SUVs that offer child-only 3^rd-row, the last row in the SUV can accommodate teenagers as well as smaller adults. Important interior feats belonging to the ride include:

Key Infotainment Features

• 6 USB ports and Auxillary Audio Jack
• DVD Video playback capability
• Illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers
• AM/FM/CD audio system
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• HD Radio
• Nissa-Connect 8” touchscreen display

Cargo Capacity

Nissan Pathfinder flunks in offering ample cargo capacity. In fact, the ride offers the least cargo volume to seat 2 capacity of a mere 16 cubic feet. Cargo volume to seat 1 capacity available in Pathfinder SUV is 78.9 cubic feet.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD	Honda Pilot LX FWD	Kia Telluride LX FWD	Ford Explorer XLT RWD
Behind 3rd Row (ft. Cube)	16.2	16.5	21	18.2
Behind 2nd Row (ft. Cube)	47	46.8	46	47.9
Behind 1st Row (ft. Cube)	78.9	83.9	87	87.8

The Nissan Pathfinder has the least cargo capacity among the competition. With all seats up, the cargo area length is 19.8 inches. Ford Explorer has 21 inches and the Pilot has 21.5 inches. However, once the third row is fully folded (can also be folded in 60/40 split), Nissan has the highest cargo area length – 51.1 inches. With the second row folded, cargo area length is 78.9 inches.

Key Interior Features

• Push Button Ignition
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Remote Engine Start
• Tri-zone automatic temperature control
• Intermittent Rear Window Wiper
• Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
• 8 Cup holders and 6 Bottle holders

The Nissan Pathfinder had lost almost all its previous ruggedness in its third generation. Nissan realized this and now it gets a bit more muscle. No, it’s not intimidating – lots of subtle curves, calm looking headlights, and friendly-looking front grille will not scare away your kids. The low ground clearance with aerodynamic extensions behind wheels makes it's family intentions clear.

The Pathfinder is among the lithest competitor here at 4293 pounds. That’s almost 600 pounds less than the lumbering Ford Explorer. In spite of that, the Pathfinder is also among the lengthiest at 198.5 inches – some clever engineering is at play here.

Model	Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD	Honda Pilot LX FWD	Kia Telluride LX FWD	Ford Explorer XLT RWD
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4287	4036	4211	4345
Length(in)	198.5	196.5	196.9	198.8
Width(in)	77.3	78.6	78.3	78.9
Height(in)	70.6	70.6	68.9	69.9
Ground clearance(in)	7	7.3	8	7.9
Wheelbase(in)	114.2	111	114.2	119.1
Track width(in) F/R	65.7/65.7	66.3/ 66.3	67.2/67.6	66.9/66.9

Ground clearance and wheelbase for the Pathfinder is 7.0 inches and 114.2 inches, respectively. While ground clearance is least in the segment, wheelbase is bigger only than the Honda Pilot LX's 111 inches.

Key Exterior Features

• LED DRLs
• Intelligent Auto Headlights
• Fog Lamps
• Roof Rails
• Body-color rear spoiler
• Gesture-control liftgate
• Front UV-reducing solar glass and Rear privacy glass

The highlight of the active safety features in the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is the fact that Automatic Emergency Braking is standard across all trims. With that, higher trims get things like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The SUV has a whole host of passive safety features including dual-stage airbags and side-impact beams. Despite offering a below-average security feature list, the Nissan Pathfinder has an impressive IIHS and NHTSA scorecard. The ride offers Superior front crash prevention and good roof strength. Moreover, it receives a 4-star rollover rating and a 5-star overall NHTSA rating.

Reliability plays a big role in finalizing a buying decision. The same goes for Nissan Pathfinder Reliability as it has been rated 3.5 out of 5.0 points, this makes the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder to rank at 17th out of 26 for midsize SUVs reliability. Also, the annual repair cost is also lower than average at $542 ownership costs. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SUV comes with an advanced airbag system. Other notable standard safety and security features include VDC, TCS, and TPMS.

Key Safety Features

• Airbags
• Rearview Camera
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Forward Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Warning
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Blind-Spot monitoring

Nissan Pathfinder Vs Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot is one of the most well rounded midsize SUV with well-equipped, spacious seats (even the third row) and high-quality materials. An efficient and powerful engine pulls the pilot briskly along the road. The Pilot also shows a quicker acceleration of 6.2 seconds from 0-to-60 mph. Also, the Pathfinder has better towing capacity than the Pilot as it offers a 6,000-lb towing capacity compared to the Pilot's 5,000-lb capacity. On top of that, the Pilot comes with Honda’s reputation for reliability and has great resale value too. However, the Nissan Pathfinder is every bit as practical and has an air of toughness.

 

Nissan Pathfinder Vs Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has a range of engine options – from a small I4 EcoBoost to the most powerful in segment 3.5L EcoBoost. It gets handsome styling and spacious, comfortable interior to go with it. The cabin is loaded with tech too. However, the Explorer costs more than the Pathfinder for similarly equipped trim. Also, the Pathfinder is solidly built – not a thing we can say for the Explorer.

Nissan Pathfinder Vs Kia Telluride

Calling the Kia Telluride a Nissan twin won't be wrong, at least in terms of engine performance, pricing, and fuel economy. No doubt, Kia offers spacious third-row seating. Also, the Kia Telluride offers much better ground clearance than the Pathfinder. An inch higher to be exact which makes it a better drive through rugged terrain. The 2020 Kia Telluride features a much better ride with lots of standard tech and safety features. The Kia Telluride does make up for a better choice over the Nissan Pathfinder.

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has long moved away from its off-roader roots and has embraced civil life rather well. The interior is spacious and comfortable, has most of the modern electrical assistance, and nice to have features, and the infotainment is crisp. This Nissan comes with a single powertrain option that’s effective in doing what it’s ought to do – transport your family and luggage effortlessly and efficiently.

In fact, the excellent fuel efficiency is one of the most impressive things about this Nissan mid-size SUV. It’s slow among competition though. As the Pathfinder is gaining popularity, getting it fixed is fairly simple with replacement parts being neither expensive nor hard to find. Overall, the Nissan Pathfinder SUV is ideal for those eyeing for a 7-seater that can offer spacious seating in addition to a pocket-friendly price tag. The remarkable towing capacity is a much-needed bonus.

Also Read:

2020 Nissan Pathfinder Specs & Features

2021 Nissan Pathfinder Spied

FAQ's

Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder a reliable car?

Yes. The Nissan Pathfinder is a very reliable car. The 3.5L V6 under the hood is a workhorse. Nissan already has a reputation for making reliable cars. On average, the maintenance of the Pathfinder costs about $3,491 over a span of 5 years. For a full-size crossover, the costs are very nominal. 

Does the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder have Apple CarPlay?

No, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder lacks the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Nissan offers a lot of toys to play within the Pathfinder like an 8” Touch Screen Infotainment System, an upgraded 12-Speaker Bose Audio System, DVD video playback, 6 USB ports, and AUX Port, and SiriusXM satellite radio. 

Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder safe?

Yes, the Nissan Pathfinder is a very safe car. IIHS termed the vehicle as ‘Good’ and NHTSA gave the car a total rating of 5 Star which is exceptional by any means. It comes equipped with all kinds of safety equipment as standard.