11
You are here
Home > 2025 Vehicles > 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Review and Video: Underrated, Capable, and Off-Road Ready on Everyman Driver

2025 Nissan Pathfinder Review and Video: Underrated, Capable, and Off-Road Ready on Everyman Driver

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder doesn’t get the buzz it deserves. It often gets lost in the shuffle behind heavyweights like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and fan favorites like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. And it’s still shaking off the image of its previous, underwhelming generation. But let’s be clear—this Pathfinder is a serious improvement, and if you’re looking for family-hauling capability with an adventurous edge, it’s worth a closer look.

What’s New for 2025?

Nissan adds more standard value this year:

  • Power liftgate is now standard on SV and Rock Creek trims
  • 3 free oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles

Why the Rock Creek Edition Stands Out

The off-road-focused Rock Creek trim is the Pathfinder’s sweet spot. It’s rugged, more powerful than the rest of the lineup, and thousands cheaper than off-road rivals like the Honda Pilot TrailSport or Kia Telluride X-Pro.

With standard all-wheel drive, a raised suspension, aggressive tires, and unique styling, the Rock Creek is trail-ready and still drives comfortably on pavement. If you want capability and value in one package, this is the Pathfinder to get.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the 2025 Pathfinder is upscale for the price. Even base trims feature soft-touch materials and a smart layout. Up front, the seats are supportive with excellent thigh comfort. The Rock Creek adds personality with orange contrast stitching and badging, while the Platinum trim feels almost premium thanks to quilted leather and digital gauges.

Third-row access is a highlight—the second-row tilts and slides at the push of a button, even with a child seat in place. That’s a standout feature few competitors can match.

Cargo room behind the third row is 16.6 cubic feet, which is average. It expands to 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded flat, and there’s a clever removable center console between the second-row captain’s chairs to make room for skis or long items.

Trims and Pricing

The Pathfinder comes in five trims:

  • S – $38,460
  • SV – $41,450
  • SL – $44,650
  • Rock Creek – $46,550
  • Platinum – $51,200

Highlights:

  • SV adds heated seats, Wi-Fi, power driver’s seat
  • SL brings leather, larger screen, surround-view camera
  • Platinum adds ventilated seats, digital dash, head-up display
  • Rock Creek is the off-road pick with standard AWD, beadlock wheels, and beefier suspension

Performance and Driving Impressions

Every Pathfinder uses a 3.5-liter V6, making:

  • 284 hp / 259 lb-ft in most trims
  • 295 hp / 270 lb-ft in Rock Creek

A nine-speed automatic is standard across the board, and AWD is optional on all trims—except Rock Creek, where it’s standard.

On the road, the Pathfinder rides well, especially in SV and SL trims. It feels composed and resists body roll. The Platinum’s 20-inch wheels hurt ride comfort, though.

Off-road, the Rock Creek trim is legit. We didn’t get to test it in the wild this time, but based on its gear (hill descent control, terrain modes, Class III hitch), it’s clearly built for more than mall parking lots.

Fuel Economy

EPA estimates:

  • FWD: 20 city / 27 highway
  • AWD: 21 city / 27 highway
  • Rock Creek: 20 city / 23 highway
  • Platinum AWD: 20 city / 25 highway

That’s right—some AWD Pathfinders actually beat their FWD counterparts on fuel economy. Still, if efficiency is a priority, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid remains the champ in this class.

Tech and Connectivity

The Pathfinder comes with:

  • 8- or 9-inch touchscreen (wireless CarPlay on the 9-inch only)
  • Apple CarPlay & Android Auto standard
  • Wireless charging on SL and above
  • Up to six USB ports, navigation on SL/Platinum
  • 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims

Tech is user-friendly, but the lack of wireless CarPlay on lower trims feels like a miss—especially since some competitors offer it across the board.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Standard safety features (on all trims):

  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Lane departure warning
  • Rear automatic braking
  • Driver attention alert

SV trims and up add adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind-spot intervention. The SL adds surround-view cameras, while Platinum gives you a head-up display and digital gauges.

Crash ratings:

  • 5 stars overall (NHTSA)
  • Top Safety Pick+ (IIHS)

Verdict: Pathfinder Is a Quiet Contender

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder might not lead the class, but it offers a ton of value—especially in the Rock Creek trim. It’s comfortable, capable, and affordable for a midsize SUV with three rows and real off-road credibility.

If you want more third-row space, look at the Kia Telluride or Hyundai Palisade. If ride and driving refinement are your priorities, the Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-90 are stronger picks. But if you’re looking for a well-equipped SUV with rugged flavor, great safety, and smart usability, the Pathfinder is more than worth a test drive.

Explore local pricing and availability for the 2025 Pathfinder at Quotes.EverymanDriver.com — save time, compare deals, and avoid overpaying at the dealership.

Similar Articles