The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is a versatile SUV that caters to both families and adventure seekers. With its spacious interior and advanced safety features, it delivers an impressive blend of performance and comfort. Its robust 3.5-litre V6 engine—a proven powerplant carried over from the previous model year—produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.
This buyer’s guide examines the Pathfinder’s trim levels, detailing their unique features and specifications to help you choose the model that best matches your lifestyle and needs.
Engine and Power
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder features a 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and efficient performance. With its 4WD system and impressive 6,000-lb towing capacity, the Pathfinder excels at both daily commuting and ranks among the best midsize SUVs for towing.
Here are the key specifications for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder:
- Engine: 3.5L Direct Injection V6
- Power Output: 284 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque: 259 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission
- Drive System: Available Intelligent 4×4 with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector
- Fuel Economy (City): 11.6 L/100 km
- Fuel Economy (Highway): 9.2 L/100 km
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 71.0 L
- Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 passengers
- Cargo Capacity (Behind 3rd row): 470 L
- Cargo Capacity (With 3rd row folded): 1,274 L
- Cargo Capacity (Maximum): 2,279 L
- Towing Capacity: Up to 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs)
- Ground Clearance: 181 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,900 mm
- Overall Length: 5,004 mm
- Overall Width: 1,978 mm
- Overall Height: 1,778 mm
Key Differences Between the Pathfinder’s Trim Levels
The 2025 Pathfinder is available in five trim levels: S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum. Each successive trim adds more features and amenities, helping buyers find the perfect model for their needs and budget.
S
Power Driver’s Seat
Rear Sonar Sensors w/ Automatic Braking
Blind Spot Intervention
The S trim includes heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a power driver’s seat, plus key safety features like Rear Sonar, Blind Spot Intervention, and ProPILOT Assist—offering good value for budget-conscious buyers.
SV
Panoramic Sunroof
Motion-activated Power Liftgate
360 Around View Monitor
The SV adds a panoramic moonroof, motion-activated liftgate, and 360° Around View Monitor, plus 6,000-pound towing capacity and remote start. The Rock Creek variant features off-road suspension, leatherette seats, tubular roof rack, and 18-inch beadlock wheels for enhanced capability.
SL
Wireless Apple Carplay
Leather-appointed Seats
9″ Touchscreen Display
The SL trim elevates luxury with leather-appointed seats, heated second-row seating, and advanced technology features. Its 9-inch touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging pad, and premium navigation system for seamless connectivity.
Platinum
Bose Audio System
Head-up Display
Electric Fold Outside Mirror
The top-tier Platinum trim offers premium features in 7 or 8-passenger configurations. Highlights include quilted semi-aniline leather seats, BOSE 12-speaker audio, and climate-controlled front seats, plus Head-Up Display, 12.3-inch digital dash, and memory power steering wheel.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
S
8 Passenger
Includes features on all trims plus:
- Heated front seats
- Leather heated steering wheel
- 10-way power driver’s seat including 2-way power lumbar
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rear sonar sensors w/ Automatic Braking
- Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention w/ Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Approach unlock and walk-away lock to I-Key remote
- Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
- Terrain and drive mode selector
- 3,500 lbs standard towing capacity
- 18″ painted alloy wheels
MSRP Starting at $49,990
More Details
- ProPILOT Assist (Steer Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control)
- Intelligent Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
- Intelligent Lane Intervention
- Lane Departure Warning
- 6-way manual front passenger seat
- 6 Speaker system
- 8″ colour display with multi-touch control
- 7″ Advanced Drive-Assist Display
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with advanced audio features
- Over-the-air (OTA) updating for head unit Firmware via Wi-Fi WPA2 connection
- NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM with trial access to 5-year Select and 3-year Premium package
- 12-volt DC power outlets (1x front console)
- Two illuminated USB charge ports: 2nd row (1 Type A, 1 Type C)
- NissanConnect with Wi-Fi Hotspot with 3-month or 3GB trial subscription
SV
8 Passenger
Includes S features plus:
- Panoramic moonroof (not on Rock Creek)
- Motion-activated power liftgate
- Intelligent 360 Around View Monitor
- Front sonar sensors
- Remote Engine Start System
- 2nd-row climate control
- Black roof rails
- 6,000 lbs towing capacity
- Unique 18″ wheels w/ beadlock design
MSRP Starting at $52,990
More Details
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Tow hitch receiver w/ harness (max. 6,000 lbs. towing capacity)
- HomeLink universal garage door opener
- USB charge port: 3rd-row right side (1x Type A)
- 2nd-row folding centre armrest
- LED fog lamps
Rock Creek
8 Passenger
Includes SV features plus:
- Leatherette-appointed seats with unique centres
- Unique tubular roof rack
- Off-road tuned suspension (Rock Creek only)
- Off-Road Intelligent 360 Around View Monitor (Rock Creek only)
- 20″ machined alloy wheels
- Panoramic moonroof (Removed)
MSRP Starting at $55,990
More Details
- Unique FR fascia (Rock Creek only)
- Unique grille and mesh insert (Rock Creek only)
- Black badges (Rock Creek only)
- Unique interior trim and stitching (Rock Creek only)
SL
8 Passenger
Includes SV features plus:
- L9″ colour display with multi-touch control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Leather-appointed seats
- 12-way power driver’s seat, including 4-way power lumbar
- 10-way power passenger seat, including 2-way power lumbar
- Heated 2nd-row seats
- Driver seat memory
- 2nd-row manual sunshades
- Outside mirrors memory w/ reverse sync
- Wireless charging pad
- 20″ machined alloy wheels
MSRP Starting at $57,290
More Details
- Nissan Door to Door Navigation System w/ 5 years complimentary map updates and connected navigation
- SiriusXM Traffic
- SiriusXM Travel Link
- USB charge port: 3rd-row left side (1x Type A)
- 12-volt DC power outlets (1x cargo)
- 120-volt power outlet (2nd-row)
- Gun Metallic brushed interior trim (SL only)
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- ProPILOT Assist w/ Navi-link Added
- Silver roof rails
Platinum
8 Passenger or 7 Passenger with Captain’s Chair
Includes SL features plus:
- 12 Speaker BOSE premium audio system w/ Subwoofer
- Semi-aniline leather seats w/ quilting
- Climate-controlled front seats
- Premium leather steering wheel
- Head-Up Display
- 12.3″ digital dashboard meter (from 7″)
- Electric fold outside mirror
- Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel w/ memory
- 20″ machined alloy wheels w/ unique finish
MSRP Starting at $61,190 (8-Seats),
$61,690 (7 Seats)
More Details
- Black roof rails
- 2nd row Removable Center Console (7 Seats Version only)
- Ambient interior lighting
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Front stainless kick plates
- Chrome side sill finishers
- Front central seat-mounted air bag
Standard Features
The following sections provide a detailed comparison of the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder’s trim levels.
- EZ FLEX 2nd-row seating system w/ one-touch release and LATCH AND GLIDE Technology
- Heated washer nozzles
- Heated outside mirrors
- Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
- FR & RR door request switches
- Rear Door Alert
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) w/ Easy-Fill Tire Alert
- NissanConnect with Wi-Fi Hotspot with 3-month or 3GB trial subscription
- Bluetooth Hands Free Phone System
- Streaming audio via Bluetooth
- Hands-free text messaging assistant
- Siri Eyes Free/Google Assistant Voice Recognition
- Hill Start Assist/Hill Hold Control
- Hill Descent Control
- Trailer Sway Control
- Idle stop/start
- Intelligent 4×4 (I-4×4) 4WD System
- Intelligent Driver Alertness
- Intelligent Auto Headlights
- Electronic Parking Brake
- RearView Monitor
- Vehicle Dynamic Control w/ Traction Control System
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
- Haptic steering
- High Beam Assist
- Full LED headlamps (low/high beam)
- LED signature DTRL
- Dual-power outside mirrors w/ LED turn signal indicator
- Body-colour outside door handles
- LED taillamps
- Rear privacy glass
- 4WD liftgate badge
- Splash guards
Off-Road Capabilities and Performance
The 2025 Pathfinder achieves an impressive balance between urban comfort and off-road capability. Its Intelligent 4×4 system, combined with selectable terrain modes, makes it an ideal companion for weekend adventures. The vehicle demonstrates confident handling and reliable performance when navigating forest service roads, tackling gravel paths, or accessing remote campsites.
Though not designed for extreme off-roading or technical rock crawling, the SUV performs admirably in moderate off-road conditions. Features like hill descent control and sufficient ground clearance help less experienced drivers navigate challenging terrain. The Pathfinder especially excels in adverse weather, maintaining composure on snowy roads and muddy trails.
This versatility makes the Pathfinder perfect for families who want both a reliable commuter and weekend adventure vehicle. It transitions effortlessly between city streets and light trails, ensuring outdoor exploration doesn’t compromise daily comfort.
History
Since its 1985 debut, the Nissan Pathfinder has undergone a remarkable evolution—transforming from a rugged off-road SUV into a versatile family vehicle while preserving its adventurous DNA. Let’s explore how this iconic SUV has developed across five generations:
First Generation
(1985-1995)
The Pathfinder was initially launched as a two-door SUV built on Nissan’s compact pickup truck platform. It earned recognition for its rugged body-on-frame construction and exceptional off-road capabilities. The lineup later expanded to include a four-door variant.
Second Generation
(1996-2004)
The second generation shifted toward a more family-friendly design while retaining its off-road capabilities. It featured enhanced comfort and better on-road handling, and was offered exclusively as a four-door model with expanded interior space.
Third Generation
(2005-2012)
This generation marked a significant shift to unibody construction, emphasizing comfort and everyday usability. It delivered improved fuel efficiency and a more car-like driving experience, with interior space and comfort emerging as its key selling points.
Fourth Generation
(2013-2021)
This generation maintained the unibody design, prioritizing fuel efficiency and family-oriented features. It introduced sophisticated safety technologies and enhanced interior quality. The vehicle delivered more responsive handling and a more upscale feel.
Fifth Generation
(2022-Present)
Returns to a bolder, more rugged aesthetic while maintaining modern comfort. It boasts increased towing capacity (up to 6,000 lbs), enhanced technology integration, and advanced safety features. The design successfully balances off-road capability with family-friendly amenities.
Competitor Comparisons
The 2025 Pathfinder distinguishes itself with its class-leading 6,000-pound towing capacity and versatile 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector. It expertly balances comfort with performance, delivering excellent fuel economy, comprehensive safety features, and flexible cargo configurations.
Let’s compare the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder with its competitors to highlight its advantages:
Compare to the
Toyota Highlander
The Pathfinder offers superior towing capacity (6,000 lbs vs. Highlander’s 5,000 lbs) and more cargo space behind the third row. While both vehicles offer similar power outputs, the Pathfinder’s 9-speed transmission provides smoother gear transitions compared to the Highlander’s 8-speed.
Compare to the
Honda Pilot
While both SUVs are well-matched in terms of power and capability, the Pathfinder edges out with better fuel economy and a more sophisticated 4×4 system with seven drive modes. The Pathfinder also offers a more premium interior design and better sound insulation.
Compare to the
Toyota 4Runner
Though the 4Runner excels in off-road capability, the Pathfinder offers significantly better fuel efficiency, a more comfortable daily driving experience, and more modern safety features. The Pathfinder’s interior is also more refined and family-friendly.
Compare to the
Hyundai Palisade
The Pathfinder matches the Palisade’s luxury feel but offers better towing capacity and more advanced off-road capabilities. Its V6 engine delivers more responsive acceleration compared to the Palisade’s powertrain.
Compare to the
Kia Telluride
While the Telluride is known for its value proposition, the Pathfinder counters with superior towing capacity and better off-road credentials. The Pathfinder’s intelligent 4×4 system provides more versatility for adventurous families.
Compare to the
Volkswagen Atlas
The Pathfinder outperforms the Atlas in fuel economy and offers more standard safety features. Its powertrain is more refined, and it provides better value with its included features at various trim levels.
Compare to the
Ford Explorer
The Pathfinder offers better fuel economy than the Explorer’s base engine while providing comparable power. It also features a more user-friendly interior layout and better third-row accessibility.
Conclusion
The 2025 Pathfinder stands out in the mid-size SUV segment with its powerful V6 engine, impressive 6,000-pound towing capacity, and versatile 4×4 system. It strikes an ideal balance between daily comfort and capability, offering trim levels that accommodate various needs and budgets. Thanks to its comprehensive safety features and modern technology, it’s an excellent choice for families who need both a reliable commuter and adventure vehicle.
We welcome your thoughts and experiences with the Nissan Pathfinder. Have you taken the 2025 model for a test drive? Which trim level catches your interest? Share your comments and questions below—we’re here to provide any additional information to help you make an informed decision.
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