The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is that one friend who shows up to a camping trip with actual gear instead of Instagram-ready glamping equipment. It’s not trying to be a luxury barge or a hybrid eco-warrior—it’s just a damn solid three-row SUV that can handle dirt roads, Costco runs, and family road trips without drama. But in a world of flashy EVs and overstyled crossovers, does the Pathfinder still matter? Let’s find out.
Design: Tough, Not Trendy
Nissan didn’t mess much with the Pathfinder’s formula for 2025. It still looks like a proper SUV—boxy-ish silhouette, real tow hooks, and just enough chrome to say “I’m not a rental car” without screaming “I overpaid for this.” The new LED lighting and grille tweaks keep it fresh, but this isn’t a car that’ll age poorly in three years.
Inside, it’s functional but not fancy. The 9-inch touchscreen (finally upgraded from the old Fisher-Price unit) runs Nissan’s latest software, which is… fine. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto is standard, and there are actual buttons for climate control—bless. The seats are wide and comfy, and the third row is usable for humans under 5’9″.
Performance: V6 Power, No Hybrid Nonsense
While everyone else is downsizing to turbos or cramming in batteries, Nissan sticks with the 3.5L V6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft) because it just works. Paired with a 9-speed auto (way better than the old CVT), it’s smooth, sounds decent when you floor it, and tows up to 6,000 lbs—enough for a decent-sized boat or camper.
The off-road-focused Rock Creek edition adds skid plates, all-terrain tires, and a tuned suspension for light trail duty. It’s no Wrangler, but it’ll handle fire roads and muddy campsites better than any Explorer or Palisade.
Tech & Safety: Surprisingly Not Behind
Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist (adaptive cruise + lane centering) is now standard and works well on highways. The around-view camera is crystal clear, and wireless charging is finally included.
Downsides? No plug-in hybrid option (come on, Nissan), and the infotainment still feels a generation behind Hyundai/Kia. But at least it’s lag-free.
Fuel Economy: Not Great, Not Terrible
The Pathfinder gets 20 mpg city / 27 highway—fine for a V6 SUV, but nowhere near a Highlander Hybrid’s 35 mpg. If you’re counting pennies, this ain’t it. But if you want simplicity and reliability, the non-turbo V6 is a safe bet.
The Competition: Who’s This For?
- Toyota Highlander Hybrid – Sips fuel, but snoozefest to drive.
- Ford Explorer – More tech, but the Pathfinder’s tougher.
- Kia Telluride – Fancier inside, but less off-road-ready.
The Pathfinder wins if you want a no-BS SUV that can actually leave pavement without needing a dealer reset afterward.
Final Verdict: The Anti-Crossover
The 2025 Pathfinder isn’t the flashiest, most efficient, or tech-loaded SUV. But it’s one of the few three-row SUVs left that still feels like a truck—durable, capable, and refreshingly uncomplicated. If you’re tired of overly soft crossovers and just need something that works, the Pathfinder’s your ride.
Now, Nissan, about that Pathfinder NISMO…