Nissan Pathfinder Used Buying Guide

• The best mileage range for a used Nissan Pathfinder comes in 2014, and is a hybrid option, this can get a few more miles per gallon than the most recent generation’s engine, making it the best choice.
• The most recent generation comes with the option of second-row captain’s chairs, giving you comfort that other generations can’t replicate.
• This is more than a vehicle for a family man because it comes with a 6,000-pound tow rating, making this a handyman’s dream.

Being the most recent generation, this one will come with the best features on the market. At launch, this gen came in the S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. Despite the model coming with a few trims, it only comes with one engine. This engine is the 3.5L V6, and it comes with 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, While this is powerful enough to tow 6,000 pounds, it is as efficient as it comes with a 23 MPG combined rating from the EPA.

What makes this generation stand out is the addition of a new terrain-management system called “Intelligent 4x4” which comes with seven management settings. Nissan has also added trailer sway control to the Safety Shield 360, making it the best it can be, at least for now.

Much like other gens, this one is a three-row option, but you can find models that have swapped the second row bench seats with captain's chairs. This helps make the Pathfinder more comfortable than ever before.

Looking at the trim-specific features, the higher-end ones come with semi-aniline leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, making these the best options for those who want the most from their Pathfinder. If you’re not interested in the best features, and want something reliable, there are the S and SV models that are still outfitted with decent features like the 8-inch infotainment screen that comes with phone connectivity. On the higher-end trim, you can find a 9-inch screen with wireless phone connectivity.

Despite this generation being older, it does come with the same engine as the newest one. The main bulk of the features that are different come around with the 2014 model. This comes part of the SL tech package, and it adds a Bose premium audio system, as well as Nissan Navigation System, voice recognition, XM NavTraffic and NavWeather capability, and bluetooth streaming.

One thing that this generation has is a hybrid model, but it was only around for one model year, which is the 2014. Nissan had claimed that it can get anywhere from 25 to 28 MPG combined, with the EPA finding that it can get 26 MPG combined, making it a bit better than the most recent engine.

In 2017, the Pathfinder saw an update, this was done to models that are equipped with the power liftgate, and it is the Motion Activated Liftgate that will come standard on SL, and Platinum trims.