If you're shopping for a three-row SUV that fits your family's needs, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder brings some intriguing updates worth checking out. This midcycle refresh gives you better styling, more advanced tech, and nicer interior materials, all while keeping the solid V-6 engine and 6,000-pound towing capacity you rely on. Our team at Parkway Nissan in Dover looks at what's new with the Pathfinder.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder gets a striking makeover up front. Nissan ditched the U-shaped chrome border around the grille, which now stretches under the headlights for a bolder, more aggressive appearance. The new grille pairs with updated LED headlights that look modern and stylish.

Baltic Teal is a new color option for 2026. The Platinum trim gets new 20-inch wheels, both the SL and Platinum trims sport black roof rails instead of silver ones, and the Platinum's badges now have a satin finish instead of chrome. Every model gets updated front and rear styling that ties everything together nicely.

The 2026 Pathfinder also boasts several interior upgrades.

Climb into the 2026 Pathfinder, and you'll spot the better materials right away. The available semi-aniline leather seats feel like what you'd expect in a far more expensive vehicle, and the Platinum trim boasts new seat quilting patterns and wood-tone accents that make every drive feel special.

Nissan still prioritizes your family's comfort. The available three-zone climate control lets everyone pick their own temperature. On upper trims, the front seats are heated and ventilated, and heated second-row seats are an option. You can seat eight passengers with the bench-seat configuration or seven if you choose the captain's chairs. Either way, there's flexibility for whatever your family needs.

Tech brings the biggest changes for the 2026 Pathfinder. Every trim now has a 12.3-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Your phone connects automatically, making the morning school run smoother.

The wireless charging pad has been increased to 15 watts and now includes a cooling fan to prevent overheating. Higher trims offer dual 12.3-inch displays with crisp digital gauges. The improved Around View Monitor includes an Invisible Hood View and a 180-degree front view that will help in tight spots and crowded parking lots.

Physical knobs for volume and tuning remain, a smart move since touch screens can be tricky while driving. Higher trims include a head-up display. These upgrades make daily driving more convenient without complicated menus.

The Pathfinder's proven powertrain and robust safety systems remain unchanged for the new model year.

While competitors are switching to smaller turbo engines, the 2026 Pathfinder sticks with its 3.5-liter V-6 that generates 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a nine-speed automatic that includes paddle shifters. The Rock Creek trim offers 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque when you use premium gas. This V-6 engine delivers consistent power without the lag seen in some turbos.

Fuel economy holds steady: 20-21 mpg in the city, 23-27 mpg on the highway, and 21-23 mpg combined, depending on the drivetrain. Most models come with front-wheel drive standard, but you can upgrade to Intelligent 4×4 all-wheel drive (AWD). The Rock Creek trim offers standard AWD. Regular towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, but the Rock Creek and Platinum trims can pull up to 6,000 pounds, which is plenty for boats, campers, or utility trailers.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard on every trim. It includes class-exclusive Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, automatic braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. SV and higher trims have ProPILOT Assist with adaptive cruise control to help keep you centered in your lane.

The 2026 Pathfinder earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the 2025 model earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for the fourth year in a row.

The three-row layout that families love doesn't change for 2026, and the Pathfinder's ample cargo capacity adapts easily to gear, groceries, and luggage. You'll get 16.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row, and if you fold the seats down, you'll have 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2026 Pathfinder lineup keeps it simple with five trims for different budgets.

The base S trim is a solid option for families that want three-row capability on a budget. Step up to the SV trim, and you'll get ProPILOT Assist, heated front seats, and extra safety tech that makes daily driving nicer. The SL trim adds leather seats and a 360-degree camera.

The Rock Creek trim is the adventure-ready option. It comes with standard AWD, a tougher suspension, and better ground clearance. At the top sits the Platinum trim, with quilted leather seats, dual 12.3-inch screens, an available head-up display, premium sound, and a panoramic roof that rivals luxury SUVs costing much more.

The Platinum trim offers luxurious detail and thoughtful touches that make daily driving feel special. A panoramic roof floods the cabin with natural light, while the 13-speaker Bose system makes your playlists sound incredible.

The Rock Creek edition is for you if you love weekend adventures. It comes with 18-inch beadlock-style wheels and all-terrain tires to handle rough roads. Water-resistant seats defy the elements, Rock Creek logos add branding, and a black tubular roof rack carries extra gear. The Around View Monitor includes an off-road mode, and drive settings for snow, sand, mud, or regular roads let you choose how to handle the varied Ohio landscape. Red accents and unique badging identify this off-road-ready Pathfinder.

The 2026 Pathfinder improves on a popular family SUV. Updated tech, better materials, and proven reliability help the Pathfinder compete against the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride. To decide which 2026 Pathfinder works best for your family, visit our dealership to see options and chat with our team. We'll explain trim differences, discuss financing, and set up a test-drive when the new models arrive. The updated Pathfinder might be exactly what your family needs.