The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder at Empire Nissan: A Three-Row SUV Built for Ontario Families
The redesigned 2026 Nissan Pathfinder arrives at Empire Nissan in Ontario with refreshed styling, a new standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a segment-first Qi2 wireless charger. Built around the proven 3.5-liter V6, this three-row SUV offers four grades, class-leading 6,000-pound towing capability, an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, and seating for up to eight.
Trim Lineup & Verified Pricing
The 2026 Pathfinder comes in four grades: SV (entry), SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. The optional Intelligent 4×4 upgrade adds $2,000 over FWD configurations on SV, SL, and Platinum; Rock Creek is 4WD-only.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| SV 2WD | FWD | $39,900 |
| SV 4WD | Intelligent 4×4 | $41,900 |
| SL 2WD | FWD | $42,500 |
| SL 4WD | Intelligent 4×4 | $44,500 |
| Rock Creek 4WD | Intelligent 4×4 | $45,000 |
| Platinum 2WD | FWD | $49,400 |
| Platinum 4WD | Intelligent 4×4 | $51,400 |
Destination & handling: $1,545 (additional). MSRP excludes tax, title, license, and options. Dealer sets actual price.
Power & Performance
Every 2026 Pathfinder is powered by Nissan’s proven 3.5-liter V6 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Notably, the Rock Creek receives an uprated tune that adds 11 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque over the standard V6 — a meaningful bump for off-road enthusiasts who value low-end grunt. Idle stop-start is standard across the lineup.
| Spec | SV / SL / Platinum | Rock Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DD) | 3.5L V6 (VQ35DD) |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 295 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm | 270 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded | Premium unleaded |
| Drive Modes | 5-position (2WD) / 7-position (4WD) | 7-position with off-road tuning |
Drivetrain & Towing Capability
FWD is standard on SV, SL, and Platinum, with Intelligent 4×4 available as a $2,000 upgrade. Rock Creek comes exclusively with 4WD, off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and a lifted ride height. Standard towing capacity is 3,500 lbs across the lineup, with class-leading 6,000-lb capacity available — standard on Rock Creek and Platinum, available on SV and SL with the appropriate Premium Package.
| Trim | Standard Drivetrain | 4WD Available | Standard Towing | Max Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SV | FWD | Yes (+$2,000) | 3,500 lbs | 6,000 lbs (with SV Premium Pkg) |
| SL | FWD | Yes (+$2,000) | 3,500 lbs | 6,000 lbs (with SL Premium Pkg) |
| Rock Creek | Intelligent 4×4 | Standard | 6,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
| Platinum | FWD | Yes (+$2,000) | 6,000 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
The 3.5L V6 delivers competitive EPA-estimated efficiency for a midsize three-row SUV without hybrid assistance. Notably, 4WD models post slightly better estimated city numbers than 2WD models on SV and SL grades — a benefit of Nissan’s Intelligent 4×4 system tuning.
| Trim | EPA-Estimated 2WD (City / Hwy / Combined MPG) | EPA-Estimated 4WD (City / Hwy / Combined MPG) |
|---|---|---|
| SV | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg (estimated) | 21 / 27 / 23 mpg (estimated) |
| SL | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg (estimated) | 21 / 27 / 23 mpg (estimated) |
| Rock Creek | — | 20 / 23 / 21 mpg (estimated) |
| Platinum | 20 / 27 / 23 mpg (estimated) | 20 / 25 / 22 mpg (estimated) |
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 gallons across all trims.
EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, accessory equipment, vehicle load, and other factors. Use for comparison purposes only.
Interior Space, Comfort & Cargo
Every 2026 Pathfinder seats eight passengers in a three-row layout, with seven-passenger configurations available via second-row captain’s chairs (optional on SL, Platinum, and Rock Creek). Nissan’s LATCH AND GLIDE second-row tip-and-slide system allows third-row access even with a child safety seat installed in the second row — a meaningful detail for families managing growing kids.
| Specification | SV / SL / Platinum | Rock Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 197.7″ | 198.8″ |
| Overall Width | 77.9″ | 77.9″ |
| Overall Height | 70.9″ | 73.7″ |
| Wheelbase | 114.2″ | 114.2″ |
| Ground Clearance | 7.1″ | 7.7″ |
| Cargo behind 3rd row | 16.6 cu ft | 16.6 cu ft |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 45.0 cu ft | 45.0 cu ft |
| Max Cargo (1st row) | 80.5 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft |
The Platinum elevates comfort with semi-aniline leather-appointed seats with quilting, climate-controlled front seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering column with two-driver memory, and a head-up display. The SL adds TailorFit-appointed seating, heated front seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
Technology & Connectivity
Every 2026 Pathfinder comes with the new 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and NissanConnect with a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. The Qi2 wireless charging pad — class-exclusive in the Large XSUV segment — is standard on SL and Platinum, optional on SV and Rock Creek. Bose Premium Audio with 13 speakers including dual subwoofers comes standard on Platinum and is available on SL via the SL Premium Package. Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum grades add the upgraded HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor with two new innovative camera systems: Front Wide View (180-degree front and side visibility) and Invisible Hood View (a virtual view through the engine bay for precise wheel placement).
| Technology Feature | SV | SL | Rock Creek | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.3″ Touchscreen | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| 12.3″ Digital Instrument Cluster | — | Standard | — | Standard |
| Qi2 Wireless Charging Pad | Optional | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Bose Premium Audio (13 speakers) | — | Optional | — | Standard |
| HD Around View Monitor | — | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Front Wide View / Invisible Hood View | — | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Head-Up Display | — | — | — | Standard |
Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2026 Pathfinder earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation — its fourth consecutive year receiving the highest IIHS rating — and a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety equipment includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, and ProPILOT Assist on every grade. ProPILOT Assist combines adaptive cruise control with steering assist for highway driving. Traffic Sign Recognition adds to the suite on SL and Platinum.
Standard Safety Features (All Grades)
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Blind Spot Warning with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning with Intelligent Lane Intervention
- Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention
- ProPILOT Assist with Intelligent Cruise Control
- Junction Assist
- RearView Monitor with rear sonar
Common Questions About the 2026 Pathfinder
How many trims does the 2026 Pathfinder come in?
Four: SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. SV is the entry-level grade for 2026, with starting MSRPs ranging from $39,900 (SV 2WD) to $51,400 (Platinum 4WD).
Which trims include all-wheel drive?
Rock Creek comes standard with Intelligent 4×4. SV, SL, and Platinum offer 4WD as a $2,000 option over their FWD configurations.
What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Pathfinder?
Standard towing is 3,500 lbs. Properly equipped, the Pathfinder achieves class-leading 6,000-lb towing — standard on Rock Creek and Platinum, available on SV and SL with the appropriate Premium Package.
Does the 2026 Pathfinder require premium fuel?
No, except on the Rock Creek grade where Nissan recommends premium unleaded for optimal performance. The SV, SL, and Platinum grades run on regular unleaded gasoline.
How many passengers does the Pathfinder seat?
Eight passengers in standard configuration with a second-row bench, or seven passengers with available second-row captain’s chairs (optional on SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum).
Test Drive the 2026 Pathfinder at Empire Nissan in Ontario
Empire Nissan has served the Inland Empire as a Nissan dealer since 1970, located at 1377 Kettering Drive in Ontario, just off the I-15 at the Jurupa Street exit. Our team can walk you through every 2026 Pathfinder grade, configure 4WD and Premium Package options to match your towing or cargo needs, and connect you with financing tailored to your budget.
For questions or to schedule a test drive, call our sales team at (909) 740-6712 or visit our contact page.