2020 Nissan Pathfinder Review

2020 Nissan Pathfinder Overview

The Pathfinder is Nissan’s answer to the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas. As before, it comes in S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, but SV and SL buyers can now select a Rock Creek Edition treatment. The Rock Creek Edition comes with special 18-inch wheels, a black mesh grille, black exterior trim, two-tone seating, splash guards, a trailer hitch, and unique badging.

Otherwise, it’s mostly the same for the Pathfinder in 2020. All units are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. It bolts up to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and drives either the front or all 4 wheels. Fuel economy is 20 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined when equipped with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 19/26/21 with all-wheel drive (AWD).

Standard features for the base S trim include an 8-inch infotainment system, HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth, tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless start, and six USB ports. SV trims add keyless access, an 8-way power seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped gear shift lever, fog lights, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a garage-door opener. The SL comes with navigation, heated and leather-appointed first- and second-row seating, a 4-way power passenger’s seat, LED headlights, a heated steering wheel, and a hands-free power liftgate.

Finally, the Platinum comes with unique 20-inch alloy wheels, a Bose 13-speaker audio system, cooled front seats, wood interior finishes, and a panoramic sunroof.

A mobile entertainment package with dual 8.0-inch headrest screens and a DVD system with wireless controls and headphones is available on Rock Creek and Platinum grades.

As far as safety goes, the Pathfinder comes standard with a reversing camera, rear-door alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic detection are all extra-cost options. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) made the Pathfinder a Top Safety Pick in 2019.