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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2025 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Nissan’s long-running SUV is back in 2025 with its stylish looks and interior. We review trim levels, technology, and more in our review.What is new for the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Part of the third model year of the fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder, the 2025 edition doesn’t quite get a comprehensive facelift. Still, it comes to us with seating for up to eight, a 3.5-liter V6, and four exciting trims, including the off-road-focused Rock Creek. New for 2025 is a standard powered liftgate on the SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum models.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder – nissanusa.com | Shop 2025 Nissan Pathfinder on Carsforsale.com
Carsforsale.com Score
8/10
Powertrain
Score
7.75/10
Interior
Score
8/10
Technology
Score
8/10
Value
Score
7.75/10
The Breakdown
Agreeable exterior looks
Spacious interior
Exciting Rock Creek trim
Slightly cramped third row
No hybrid, no PHEV
Average fuel economy
Looking forward to the next generation
YEAR MAKE Specs
- 284 horsepower from base engine
- 259 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 45 cu-ft of cargo capacity with third row folded
- 80.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity with both rows folded
- Towing capacity of 6000 lbs
- Available Bose sound system
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2025 Nissan Pathfinder Drivetrain 7.75/10
The 2025 Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter VQ35DD V6 has a shared heritage with the VQ35DE engine in the old 350Z sports car, plus the VQ37VHR in the 370Z. Also, the VR-series engine in the 400Z is an evolution of the same architecture. Are there any sporting credentials left by the time this Pathfinder came around? Well, yes and no. 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque don’t sound bad on the face of it. But the chunky Pathfinder’s 4,500-ish-lb. curb weight sure does inhibit performance.
Zero to 60 is taken care of in anywhere from 6.6 to 7.1 seconds, depending on whether the rear wheels are powered or not. It’s not awful by any means and even a little bit faster than a Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander. Still, the fuel economy is not fantastic, and it hampers the experience a bit. 23 MPG combined in FWD configuration or around 21 MPG combined with AWD is only bested by V8 leviathans like the Chevy Tahoe in terms of “could-be-better” fuel efficiency. Still, this is undoubtedly a very strong engine backed by a nine-speed automatic transmission. It gets the job done, and that’s all it needs to do. But we do wish we had the choice of a hybrid or even an EV drivetrain.
2025 Pathfinder Interior 8/10
With a 114.2-inch wheelbase, the 2025 Pathfinder can take liberties with interior space. The choice of two second-row captain’s chairs or a more traditional bench seat gives the flexibility to seat either seven or eight people and is a mark of pride for the vehicle. Second-row occupants have the luxury of a healthy 35.5 inches of rear legroom in the second row, good enough for kids or adults. 28 inches of third-row legroom is better suited for children. Still, large families who refuse to be seen in a Sienna, Carnival, or Odyssey minivan would be hard-pressed not to consider a Pathfinder.
With the benefit of not being an Infiniti, the Pathfinder can save on costs with cloth seats in its entry-level trim. One trim up from the base, and genuine leather seats become standard. From there, the off-road-optimized Rock Creek trim makes the best of weather-resistant leatherette seat coverings, and the range-topping trim introduces plush semi-alanine leather. Lay it out like that, and this is a pretty well-thought-out interior.
2025 Pathfinder Tech and Features 8/10
The 2025 Pathfinder doesn’t offer much of anything over the last model year. With that said, much of the same in terms of tech and features is spot on for this year as well. The standard center screen is a meager eight inches, and the higher trim levels nine-inch screen isn’t much more impressive compared to other systems we’ve seen recently.
The optional Bose 13-speaker premium audio system is sure to bring the wow factor, especially at this price point, and every driver assistance feature south of semi-autonomous driving makes an appearance either optionally or standard equipment.
Like previous model years, the 2025 Pathfinder is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, making it uber-attractive to people who want a fortress on wheels. Blind-spot intervention, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control aren’t standard in the base package. That’s not the end of the world, but it is something that others, like the Toyota 4Runner offer as standard equipment.
2025 Pathfinder Trims & Pricing
S – $37,070
Cloth seats, a small center screen, and 18-inch wheels. This is a base model mid-size crossover in every sense. Still, at least the wheels are alloys.
SV – $40,060
The SV is the trim that introduces blind-spot intervention, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a power liftgate. Interior seating is cloth, but the front seats are heated and offer 8-way power adjustment.
SL – $43,260
The SL trim goes heavy on the tech, starting with a nine-inch center screen, and leather-appointed seating. With wireless charging, traffic sign recognition, and extra USB and 12-volt ports, there’s enough connectivity for the whole family and then some.
Rock Creek – $45,160
By far the most exciting Pathfinder trim, the Rock Creek edition brings the Pathfinder back to its roots. A 0.6-inch suspension lift, all-terrain tires, and a tubular roof rack make for an instantly recognizable appearance unique to the trim. Thanks to easy-to-clean leatherette seats, you can throw it through the mud as much as you want.
Platinum – $49,810
The Pathfinder Platinum adds a 13-speaker Bose audio system as standard, power-folding mirrors, a digital gauge cluster, and the softest semi-alanine leather seats Nissan currently offers. If the Rock Creek is the most exciting Pathfinder trim, the Platinum is by far the most conventionally desirable.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder Overall Value 7.75/10
It must be said that the Pathfinder is an expensive beast, especially for one that has a refresh incoming. Plus, the fuel economy is pretty average by 2025 standards. Still, it’s exceptionally competent at what it does, has great features in its higher trims, and the Rock Creek off-roader is sure to be a riot. There’s a lot to like about the 2025 Pathfinder.
Carsforsale.com Overall Score 8/10
2025 Nissan Pathfinder – nissanusa.com | Shop 2025 Nissan Pathfinder on Carsforsale.com
On its face, the Pathfinder is perfectly fine at its job. But is it better than a Telluride or a Highlander? That’s an altogether more difficult thing to ascertain. One thing’s for sure, it’s pretty nice in a vacuum, apart from the lack of a hybrid.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder FAQ
Where are Nissan Pathfinders made?
North American-spec Nissan Pathfinders are manufactured at their plant in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
How many seats are in the Pathfinder?
Pathfinders equipped with second-row bench seats can seat seven people, while the second-row bench seat allows seating for eight.
How much can a Pathfinder tow?
The 2025 Pathfinder has a 6,000-lb towing capacity.
