Nissan Pathfinder Generations: Through the Years

A historical look back at the Nissan Pathfinder as it progressed from truck-based off-roader to its current form as a civilized, but still capable, crossover SUV.

40 Years of the Nissan Pathfinder

Is it ok to say I feel old when doing the math on Nissan’s Pathfinder history? We are coming up on 40 years of continuous production – 2021 excepted – for this iconic SUV. Upon arrival on North American shores in 1987, the Pathfinder was part of the O.G. SUV crowd, those of the body-on-frame construction variety with a heavy dose of actual utility.

Over the coming decades, the Pathfinder would morph to match the market demand for crossovers. But as of 2022, the Nissan Pathfinder has turned back towards the butch looks that made it such an icon in the first place. With that said, let’s take a walk through the years of Pathfinder history.

First Generation Nissan Pathfinder (1987 – 1995)

When the original Nissan Pathfinder landed on American shores in 1987, it was effectively a Nissan Hardbody pickup truck with a fixed rear cap. These early models were unique in Pathfinder’s history for only having two doors. Set to compete with the likes of the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner, the new Nissan SUV set an off-road tone with the innovative “Built for the Human Race” Road to Rio ad campaign.

1987 Nissan Pathfinder – barnfinds.com | Shop Nissan Pathfinder – nissanusa.com on Carsforsale.com

The Pathfinder was introduced in 1986 as a 1987 model with a 106-horse 2.4L inline-4 fitted on base E models. XE and SE trim came with a fuel-injected 3.0L V6 producing 140 horsepower.
Like most SUVs on the market at the time, the first-gen Nissan Pathfinder featured body-on-frame construction and the option for dual-range 4WD, all of which made it an instant hit with the off-road crowd.
The suspension configuration was relatively sophisticated for the time with double wishbones up front and a five-link coil-sprung rear along with the option for adjustable dampers.

1992 Nissan Pathfinder V6 3.0L - carsforsale.com

By 1990, the V6 was rated for 153 horsepower and could be paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic with a lock-up torque converter.
Also in 1990, Nissan added two rear doors with handles “hidden” in the C-pillar, a trait that would follow the automaker’s SUVs for years to come.
1993 brought a refreshed exterior design and improved side door beam protection, while 1994 saw the addition of a softer-edged dashboard that curved toward the driver.

Second Generation Nissan Pathfinder (1996 – 2004)

Growing 6.7 inches longer and 2.2 inches wider than its predecessor, the second-gen Pathfinder also adopted a “MonoFrame” unibody construction and more passenger-friendly suspension. Otherwise, it was still readily recognizable as a Pathfinder albeit with smoother edges all around.

1999 Nissan Pathfinder - usa.nissannews.com

Initially, the second-gen Pathfinder was making 168 hp. But that gave way, in 2001, to a 3.5L V6 from the now long-running VQ engine series boasting 250 hp when equipped with the manual transmission. The four-cylinder option was discontinued.
This model came with front struts in place of the previous wishbones and a reconfigured rear suspension geometry for improved stability and less body roll. As well, shifting into 4WD could now be done at speeds up to 50 mph.

Technology improvements like built-in navigation and a DVD-based entertainment system added creature comforts to the Pathfinder.
This generation also included the arrival and departure of Infiniti’s Pathfinder-based QX4 to compete with the likes of Acura’s SLX and the Lexus LX 450.

Third Generation Nissan Pathfinder (2005 – 2012)

For gen-three, Nissan chose to put the Pathfinder back onto a truck platform that was shared with the relatively new Titan. A square-edged design returned and the Pathfinder was bigger than ever.

Gaining five inches in length and three inches in width, the third-gen Pathfinder had an additional 35 cubic feet of interior space. This allowed for an optional third-row seat for the first time.
Technology improvements continued with highlights that include a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose stereo.

A 4.0L V6 replaced the 3.5L unit and was rated for 266 hp that paired with a 5-speed automatic.
In 2008, top-spec Pathfinders could be had with the Titan’s 5.6L V8 rated for 310 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque, which enabled a 7,000-pound tow rating.

Fourth Generation Nissan Pathfinder (2013 – 2020)

The fourth-generation Nissan Pathfinder took a distinct turn out of the classic SUV segment and into that of a modern crossover with a front-wheel-drive configuration and return to unibody construction, sharing a platform with the Nissan Altima and Murano. All of which combined to deliver a vehicle tuned for comfort over off-road prowess.

Adding six inches of length and the rounded bodywork favored by period crossovers, the all-new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder offered better third-row legroom than its predecessor and additional cabin space overall.
This generation Pathfinder added new advanced safety nets like automated emergency braking and a rear cross-traffic alert.
On the features and amenities front, the fourth-gen Pathfinder offered a panoramic moonroof, climatized front seats, an 8-inch infotainment display, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Nissan swapped the prior 4.0L V6 for a 3.5L version rated for 260 hp that paired with a CVT. For the first time, the Pathfinder was an FWD SUV. This boosted fuel economy some 30% over 2012 models, while still allowing for 6,000 pounds of towing capacity.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition - netcarshow.com

A new AWD system featured a switch allowing drivers to enable a 50/50 front-to-rear power output lock for sloppy conditions.
Another first for this generation was an optional hybrid powertrain that blended a supercharged 2.5L inline-4 with a small electric motor to produce 250 hp.
A 2017 update brought more power to the standard V6 – now making 284 hp – along with freshened sheet metal and more widely available features like a hands-free liftgate.
Towards the end of gen-four production, the Pathfinder gained options like adaptive cruise control – a safety system you can learn about here – app-based connectivity, and a Rock Creek Edition that brought rugged-looking accents and a two-tone interior treatment.

Fifth Generation Nissan Pathfinder (2022 – present)

After skipping the 2021 model year, a heavily revised fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder arrived in 2022. Roughly the same size as the outgoing version, this new Pathfinder adopted a square-jawed style and a host of improvements on the tech and amenity front.

The 284-horse V6 from gen-four carried over into 2022, but the CVT was swapped for a 9-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
Nissan’s AWD system gained a terrain-management feature allowing drivers to select from seven different modes based on conditions.
New Pathfinders continued to offer up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity and came standard with trailer sway control helping the Nissan earn a spot on our list of best SUVs for towing.
The Rock Creek model returned with actual rough road ability from an off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires. Though the Pathfinder no longer competes with the still old-school Toyota 4Runner, which we review here, it is ready to tackle rain, snow, and light dirt tracks.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder – nissanusa.com | Shop Nissan Pathfinder – nissanusa.com on Carsforsale.com

To more effectively compete in the crowded three-row SUV segment, fifth-gen Pathfinders offered eight seats and the option for seven with second-row captain’s chairs – a Pathfinder-first.
All of these latest Pathfinders come with SafetyShield, Nissan’s suite of advanced driver aids that includes forward collision mitigation, a lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. An available ProPILOT Assist feature enables semi-autonomous driving ability.
Fifth-gen Pathfinders saw a robust upgrade to tech features including an 8- or 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple and Android smartphone mirroring, plus the option for a fully digital gauge cluster and 11-inch head-up display. Check out our 2023 Pathfinder review for a more detailed look at what’s new.
Notable lux-minded options include quilted semi-aniline leather upholstery on the top-spec Platinum trim, a model that approaches $50,000, so be sure to review the latest new car incentives here.