Nissan Pathfinder 2026: review of the new generation with prices and test drive

New Nissan Pathfinder 2026 has become one of the most anticipated crossovers on the Russian market - and for good reason. After radical restyling, the model lost its former “parquet” image, turning into a full-fledged SUV with a frame structure and all-wheel drive Intelligent 4WD and a hybrid power plant. This is the fifth generation of the legendary SUV, which first debuted in 1985 and has since gained a reputation as a reliable family vehicle for outdoor activities.

In Russia Pathfinder traditionally positioned as an alternative Toyota Highlander And Kia Sorento, but with an emphasis on cross-country ability and off-road comfort. In 2026, the manufacturer relied on a unique frame platform for the class from Nissan Armada, which distinguishes the model from its classmates with a monocoque body. At the same time, the interior has become more spacious and the equipment has become richer. Let's take a closer look at what has changed in the new Pathfinder, is it worth overpaying for top-end configurations and how does it behave on Russian roads.

Design: from urban crossover to premium SUV

The first thing that catches your eye is the radical change in style. If the previous generation (2013–2023) was criticized for its “soft” design, then the new Pathfinder received an aggressive and muscular appearance. The front end now features a massive grille in the style of Nissan V-Motion, and narrow LED headlights with technology ProPILOT visually “stretch” the car. Бампер оснащён защитой из алюминия, а колёсные арки стали шире на 20 мм — это не только дань моде, но и практическое решение для установки шин повышенной проходимости.

To profile Pathfinder 2026 looks powerful thanks to its high seating position (ground clearance - 210 mm), short overhangs and expressive body lines. Задние фонари теперь соединены светодиодной полосой, что добавляет автомобилю премиальности. Дизайнеры также позаботились о практичности: задняя дверь багажника открывается на 90°, а пороги имеют антискользящее покрытие. Available options include a panoramic roof SkyView and 20-inch alloy wheels with a unique design.

• 🔹 Front optics: LED headlights with adaptive light and function Auto High Beam
• 🔹 Rear bumper: integrated parking sensors and all-round camera Around View Monitor
• 🔹 Color range: 8 options, including exclusive Boulder Gray Pearl And Scarlet Ember Tintcoat

⚠️ Attention: When ordering color Scarlet Ember Tintcoat учитывайте, что он требует дополнительной защиты от сколов — заводское покрытие тоньше стандартного на 15%. We recommend immediately installing armored film on the hood and front fenders.

Specifications: hybrid or gasoline?

Главное нововведение — это отказ от традиционных бензиновых моторов в пользу гибридной силовой установки e-POWER. Under the hood there is now a 2.5-liter engine QR25DD paired with an electric motor with a power 249 hp (in total - 310 hp). Torque is transmitted through a variator Xtronic CVT with imitation of 8 steps. This scheme allows you to reduce fuel consumption by up to 7.8 l/100 km in a mixed cycle (vs. 10.5 l/100 km the previous version with V6 3.5).

For those who prefer classic engines, the option remains with V6 3.5 (284 hp), but it is only available in the basic version S and requires additional payment. Both versions are equipped with all-wheel drive Intelligent 4WD with center differential lock and modes Snow, Mud/Rut And Sand. Подвеска — независимая спереди и многорычажная сзади, с адаптивными амортизаторами DSSC in top versions.

Characteristics	Hybrid e-POWER	Petrol V6 3.5
Power, hp	310	284
Fuel consumption (combined), l/100 km	7.8	10.5
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, sec	7.9	8.2
Max. torque, Nm	325	358
Trunk volume, l	560 (2260 with seats folded)	560 (2260 with seats folded)

The system deserves special attention ProPILOT Assist 2.0, which can now automatically change lanes on the highway and maintain distance in traffic jams. However, in Russia some of the functions (for example, Navi-Link to synchronize with navigation) is disabled due to legal restrictions.

Options and prices in Russia for 2026

In Russia Nissan Pathfinder Available in four trim levels: S, SV, SL And Platinum. Basic version S starts from 5 299 000 ₽ and includes LED optics, dual-zone climate control and a multimedia system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. However, for this money you only get a gasoline engine and fabric upholstery. The hybrid version starts with the configuration SV (from 5 899 000 ₽).

The most balanced version is considered SL (6 499 000 ₽), which already has a leather interior, ventilated front seats, and an audio system Bose с 13 динамиками и система Trailer Sway Control for towing a trailer. Flagship Platinum (7 199 000 ₽) adds a panoramic roof, head-up display, heated second row and surround-view cameras with Moving Object Detection.

• 💰 S (5 299 000 ₽): V6 petrol, 18" wheels, fabric interior, climate control
• 💰 SV (5 899 000 ₽): e-POWER hybrid, leather steering wheel, keyless entry, rear camera
• 💰 SL (6 499 000 ₽): seat ventilation, Bose, adaptive cruise control
• 💰 Platinum (7 199 000 ₽): panoramic roof, head-up display, heated second row

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Pathfinder on credit pay attention to the program Nissan Finance with a down payment of 10%. However, the interest rate depends on the configuration: for S And SV it is 12.9% per annum, and for SL And Platinum - 10.9%. Check with your dealer for current conditions.

Salon: comfort for seven passengers

Interior of the new Pathfinder made in style Nissan’s "Gliding Wing" - with smooth lines and minimalistic design. The center console is now oriented towards the driver, and the multimedia screen is diagonal 12.3" supports gesture control. Finishing materials - soft plastic, leather upholstery (in versions SL/Platinum) and aluminum inserts. The second row seats slide 24 cm, which allows for more legroom for third-row passengers.

Из полезных мелочей:

• 🔌 Wireless charging for smartphones (only in SL/Platinum)
• 🎵 Audio system Bose with subwoofer and technology Active Noise Cancellation
• ☕ Heating/ventilation front seats and heated steering wheel
• 🌡️ Three-zone climate control with separate controls for the third row

However, there are also disadvantages: the trunk in the seven-seat configuration is quite cramped (560 l), and the third row is only suitable for children or passengers up to 170 cm tall. But with the seats folded, the volume increases to 2260 l — this is enough to transport bicycles or large luggage.

How to fold the third row seats?

To fold the third row, pull the lever on the seatback (indicated by a red marker) and gently lower it down. Make sure the head pads are out of the way - they can be removed by pressing the button at the base. When folded, an almost flat floor is formed, but a small protrusion remains (~5 cm).

Test drive: how does the Pathfinder behave on the road?

Driving new Pathfinder makes a double impression. On the one hand, a hybrid installation e-POWER ensures smooth acceleration without jerking - CVT Xtronic simulates gear shifts well. On the highway, the car confidently maintains speed, and the system ProPILOT Assist significantly reduces driver fatigue. On the other hand, when overtaking there is a lack of “tops” - the engine QR25DD does not like high revs, and for sharp acceleration you have to press hard on the pedal.

Off-road Pathfinder shows himself better than many of his classmates. Frame design and all-wheel drive Intelligent 4WD allow you to overcome dirt, snow and sand without any problems. Mode Mud/Rut automatically locks the differential and distributes torque between the wheels. However, for serious off-roading, the ground clearance is 210 mm may seem insufficient - e.g. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado offers 225 mm.

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When driving off-road, turn off the system Auto Stop/Start — it can trigger at the most inopportune moment, for example, when crossing a ford. The shutdown button is located to the left of the steering wheel.

In the city Pathfinder comfortable thanks to soft suspension and good sound insulation. However, the dimensions (5041×1985×1780 mm) require some getting used to - parking in tight yards without a camera Around View Monitor it will be difficult. Fuel consumption in the urban cycle is approx. 9.5 l/100 km for hybrid and 13 l/100 km for petrol version.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

The main competitors of the new Pathfinder - this is Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe And Volkswagen Teramont. Compared to them Nissan stands out for its frame design and hybrid power plant, but loses in some aspects:

Parameter	Nissan Pathfinder	Toyota Highlander	Kia Sorento
Body type	Frame	carrier	carrier
Minimum price, ₽	5 299 000	5 099 000	4 899 000
Max. power, hp	310 (hybrid)	249 (hybrid)	290 (gasoline)
Ground clearance, mm	210	195	200
Trunk volume (7 seats), l	560	658	605

Main advantages Pathfinder:

• ✅ Frame design and all-wheel drive for off-road use
• ✅ Hybrid version with low fuel consumption
• ✅ Spacious interior with quality materials

Cons:

• ❌ High price compared to competitors
• ❌ Tight third row and small trunk
• ❌ The CVT may feel rubbery during active driving

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If cross-country ability and a hybrid power plant are important to you, Pathfinder - one of the best choices in the class. But for family trips around the city Toyota Highlander or Kia Sorento may turn out to be more practical and cheaper.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

First reviews of the new Pathfinder appeared in Russia at the beginning of 2026. The owners note the following points:

Pros according to reviews:

• 👍 Comfortable suspension — smoothes out bumps on Russian roads well.
• 👍 High-quality sound insulation — the cabin is quieter than Hyundai Santa Fe.
• 👍 Reliable all-wheel drive — does not fail in snow and mud.

Cons according to reviews:

• 👎 Expensive service — changing the oil in the hybrid version costs 12 000 ₽ (against 6 000 ₽ for gasoline Sorento).
• 👎 Poor dynamics on the highway — overtaking requires advance planning.
• 👎 Media problems - sometimes “glitchy” Apple CarPlay when connected via Bluetooth.

They also discuss on the forums problem with corrosion of thresholds in early batches of 2026. According to the owners, after the first winter, pockets of rust appeared on some specimens. Nissan does not officially comment on this problem, but dealers offer free anti-corrosion treatment under warranty.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Pathfinder 2026 model year, check the production date (indicated in the title). Cars manufactured before November 2023 may have defects in the paintwork. The best option is cars from December 2023 and later.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

🔧 Which engine is more reliable: e-POWER hybrid or V6 3.5 petrol?

Hybrid installation e-POWER more economical and modern, but its long-term reliability has not yet been tested by time (it appeared in Russia only in 2026). Gasoline V6 3.5 — proven motor with a resource 300,000+ km, but it is less dynamic and gluttonous. If you plan to drive mostly around town, choose a hybrid. For long trips and off-road use, gasoline is better.

💺 How many passengers can fit in the Pathfinder?

Officially Pathfinder — a seven-seater car, but the third row is only suitable for children or passengers up to 170 cm tall. For a comfortable ride for adults, a 2+2+2 configuration is recommended (the second row has two separate seats). Trunk volume in seven-seater version - 560 l, in a five-seater - 1340 l.

🛠️ What maintenance does the hybrid version require?

Hybrid Pathfinder requires:

• Oil changes every 15,000 km (synthetic 5W-30)
• Check the brake system every 30,000 km (regenerative braking reduces pad wear)
• Diagnostics of the high-voltage battery once every 2 years

The cost of maintenance at an official dealer is from 25 000 ₽ for one service.

🚗 Can you tow a trailer with a Pathfinder?

Yes, the maximum towed trailer weight is 2700 kg (for hybrid version) and 2500 kg (for gasoline). Be sure to use the mode Tow Mode, which optimizes the CVT switching and braking system. In complete sets SL And Platinum system preinstalled Trailer Sway Controlpreventing trailer sway.

💰 Are there any discounts or trade-in programs when purchasing?

Yes, Nissan regularly holds promotions. As of May 2026, the following applies:

• Trade-in bonus up to 150 000 ₽ when returning an old car
• Discount 100 000 ₽ when applying for a loan through Nissan Finance
• Free maintenance for 3 years for owners with insurance CASCO at dealer partners

Check the current conditions on the official dealer website.