Nissan Pathfinder: Buy Score, Reliability & Ownership Costs
Midsize 3-Row SUV · SUV
Our Verdict
Based on model-specific reliability data, ownership costs, and longevity signals.
Buy Score™
Pros
- Conventional 9-speed automatic avoids Nissan's well-documented CVT complaint history
- Repair cost ($542/yr) runs below the midsize-SUV class average
- Up to 6,000 lbs towing and genuine 8-passenger 3-row seating
- Rock Creek trim adds off-road styling and standard 4WD
Cons
- RepairPal ranks it only 17th of 26 midsize SUVs, with an above-average severe-repair rate
- iSeeCars shows the steepest 5-year depreciation of any Nissan reviewed on this site (52.9%)
- 21 mpg city trails several 3-row rivals with hybrid options
Can this car reach 300,000 miles?
Likely
RepairPal's model-specific score (3.5/5.0) ranks the Pathfinder a mid-pack 17th of 26 midsize SUVs, with a slightly above-average severe-repair rate. Unlike several other Nissan models, the Pathfinder uses a conventional 9-speed automatic rather than a CVT, sidestepping Nissan's well-documented CVT complaint history.
First-Time Buyer Friendly
45/100Livable, but the complexity or running costs here reward buyers who already have some ownership experience.
Reliability Timeline
What tends to need attention, and when — based on model-specific reliability data.
30,000 miles
60,000 miles
100,000 miles
150,000 miles
200,000+ miles
What It Actually Costs to Own
Repair costs run below the midsize-SUV average, but iSeeCars shows the steepest 5-year depreciation of any Nissan reviewed on this site — a real factor against the Highlander/Telluride/Santa Fe class leaders.
Full Specifications
Check for open recalls before you buy
We don't yet have a live recall feed wired up for the Nissan Pathfinder, so we won't guess at a number here. Before you buy any specific Pathfinder, run its VIN throughNHTSA's free recall lookup tool— it takes about 30 seconds and confirms whether that exact vehicle has any open, unrepaired safety recalls.
Similar Vehicles
Sources: RepairPal model reliability score (3.5/5.0), annual repair cost ($542), and 17th-of-26 midsize SUV ranking: repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/pathfinder (live lookup, 2026). 2026 MSRP ($37,500-$51,790), 5 trims, and engine/towing specs: nissanusa.com and bignissannortholmsted.com 2026 Pathfinder pricing pages (live lookup, 2026). iSeeCars 5-year depreciation (52.9%, steepest of any Nissan in this research): iseecars.com Pathfinder resale-value and CR-V-vs-Pathfinder comparison pages (live lookup, 2026).