Used 2018 Nissan Pathfinder S for sale 

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2018 Nissan Pathfinder S
6 Photos

2018 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$4,400
Est. $59/mo
$4,839 Below market
RMV: $9,239
Mileage 103,913 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
2 Days in market
BLUE
SUV
V6
Automatic
Salvage Reseller (Inloher Corp)
Coconut Creek, FL
(954) 67*****
Check Availability
2017 Nissan Pathfinder S
10 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$8,690
Est. $117/mo
$4,753 Below market
RMV: $13,443
Mileage 95,939 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
6 Days in market
SUV
V6
Automatic
Dealers Outlet
Richmond, VA
4.0
(Based 85 Review)
(804) 599*****
Check Availability
2019 Nissan Pathfinder S
27 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$11,999
Est. $162/mo
$3,576 Below market
RMV: $15,575
Mileage 105,000 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
6 Days in market
GRAY
SUV
V6
Automatic
Southside Automotive Group
Birmingham, AL
4.0
(Based 142 Review)
(205) 58*****
Check Availability
7 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$9,995
Est. $135/mo
$2,800 Below market
RMV: $12,795
Mileage 92,853 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Accident, 2 Owner
26 Days in market
RED
SUV
V6
Automatic
Baton Rouge Auto Sales
Baton Rouge, LA
4.0
(Based 37 Review)
(225) 45*****
Check Availability
26 Photos

2018 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$8,972
Est. $121/mo
$2,885 Below market
RMV: $11,857
Price Drop, $1,014
Earlier Price: $9,986 (14 Nov 2024)
Mileage 130,745 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
25 Days in market
SUV
V6
Automatic
1st Auto Gallery
Stafford, VA
3.0
(Based 131 Review)
(540) 264*****
Check Availability
19 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$11,990
Est. $162/mo
$3,047 Below market
RMV: $15,037
Price Drop, $500
Earlier Price: $12,490 (11 Nov 2024)
Mileage 74,404 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Accident, 1 Owner
27 Days in market
BLUE
SUV
V6
Automatic
Carstrada Inc.
Hollywood, FL
3.0
(Based 67 Review)
(954) 89*****
Check Availability
36 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$9,961
Est. $135/mo
$2,937 Below market
RMV: $12,898
Price Drop, $995
Earlier Price: $10,956 (18 Nov 2024)
Mileage 104,493 mi.
Home Delivery
3 Owner
11 Days in market
WHITE
SUV
V6
Automatic
Folsom Lake Toyota
Folsom, CA
4.0
(Based 7863 Review)
(916) 35*****
Check Availability
23 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$12,660
Est. $171/mo
$2,997 Below market
RMV: $15,657
Price Drop, $300
Earlier Price: $12,960 (4 Nov 2024)
Mileage 95,653 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Accident, 2 Owner
146 Days in market
GRAY
SUV
V6
Automatic
Bridge Auto Berlin
Berlin, NJ
3.0
(Based 662 Review)
(856) 76*****
Check Availability
6 Photos

2018 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$8,900
Est. $120/mo
$3,120 Below market
RMV: $12,020
Mileage 130,000 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Owner
32 Days in market
BLACK
SUV
V6
Automatic
Real Deal Auto
Rio Linda, CA
2.0
(Based 192 Review)
(916) 96*****
Check Availability
57 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$8,491
Est. $115/mo
$2,975 Below market
RMV: $11,466
Mileage 114,326 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
WHITE
SUV
V6
Automatic
Motors on Wheels
Houston, TX
4.0
(Based 1023 Review)
(713) 66*****
Check Availability
6 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$16,800
Est. $228/mo
$2,254 Below market
RMV: $19,054
Price Drop, $199
Earlier Price: $16,999 (11 Nov 2024)
Mileage 54,746 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Accident, 1 Owner
120 Days in market
SILVER
SUV
V6
Automatic
Yark Nissan
Toledo, OH
4.0
(Based 2225 Review)
(419) 84*****
Check Availability
14 Photos

2018 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$12,500
Est. $169/mo
$3,157 Below market
RMV: $15,657
Price Drop, $2,000
Earlier Price: $14,500 (30 Oct 2024)
Mileage 72,230 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Accident, 2 Owner
26 Days in market
SILVER
SUV
V6
Automatic
Skco Automotive
Mobile, AL
Check Availability
43 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$10,990
Est. $149/mo
$2,293 Below market
RMV: $13,283
Mileage 82,446 mi.
Home Delivery
3 Owner
19 Days in market
SUV
V6
Automatic
Alfis Auto Sales
Corona, CA
Check Availability
17 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$9,500
Est. $128/mo
$2,824 Below market
RMV: $12,324
Price Drop, $499
Earlier Price: $9,999 (13 Nov 2024)
Mileage 106,109 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Owner
25 Days in market
BLACK
SUV
V6
Automatic
EB Motors
Addison, IL
4.0
(Based 28 Review)
(331) 259*****
Check Availability

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Find all cars near me?
29 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$16,497
Est. $223/mo
$1,910 Below market
RMV: $18,407
Price Drop, $500
Earlier Price: $16,997 (18 Nov 2024)
Mileage 76,581 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
20 Days in market
GRAY
SUV
V6
Automatic
Burnsville Motors
Burnsville, MN
4.0
(Based 366 Review)
(952) 52*****
Check Availability
26 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$11,977
Est. $162/mo
$2,291 Below market
RMV: $14,268
Price Drop, $3,018
Earlier Price: $14,995 (12 Nov 2024)
Mileage 86,022 mi.
Home Delivery
3 Owner
21 Days in market
WHITE
SUV
V6
Automatic
James Wood Chevrolet Buick GMC Decatur
Decatur, TX
4.0
(Based 1379 Review)
(940) 53*****
Check Availability
24 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$11,499
Est. $156/mo
$1,784 Below market
RMV: $13,283
Price Rise, $249
Earlier Price: $11,250 (13 Nov 2024)
Mileage 112,444 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Owner
75 Days in market
GRAY
SUV
V6
Automatic
Car City
NJ,  0
5.0
(Based 19 Review)
(908) 639*****
Check Availability
33 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$14,500
Est. $196/mo
$1,948 Below market
RMV: $16,448
Price Drop, $400
Earlier Price: $14,900 (12 Nov 2024)
Mileage 79,633 mi.
Home Delivery
5 Accident, 2 Owner
36 Days in market
GRAY
SUV
V6
Automatic
Auto Boutique - Columbus
Columbus, OH
4.0
(Based 3768 Review)
(614) 36*****
Check Availability
17 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$15,995
Est. $217/mo
$2,202 Below market
RMV: $18,197
Mileage 66,806 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Accident, 2 Owner
3 Days in market
BLACK
SUV
V6
Automatic
Reo Motors
Milwaukee, WI
3.0
(Based 328 Review)
(414) 38*****
Check Availability
14 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$15,990
Est. $217/mo
$1,863 Below market
RMV: $17,853
Mileage 69,403 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
5 Days in market
GRAY
SUV
V6
Automatic
Newfield Auto Sales
Middletown, CT
4.0
(Based 116 Review)
(860) 78*****
Check Availability
51 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$9,395
Est. $127/mo
$1,730 Below market
RMV: $11,125
Price Drop, $600
Earlier Price: $9,995 (19 Nov 2024)
Mileage 124,103 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
50 Days in market
GRAY
SUV
V6
Automatic
Amp Auto Collection II LLC
Fort Lauderdale, FL
4.0
(Based 173 Review)
(954) 324*****
Check Availability
24 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$10,990
Est. $149/mo
$1,418 Below market
RMV: $12,408
Mileage 109,044 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Owner
19 Days in market
RED
SUV
V6
Automatic
Import Motors
St. Louis, MO
4.0
(Based 166 Review)
(314) 77*****
Check Availability
8 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$9,100
Est. $123/mo
$1,880 Below market
RMV: $10,980
Price Drop, $877
Earlier Price: $9,977 (7 Nov 2024)
Mileage 124,781 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
115 Days in market
BLACK
SUV
V6
Automatic
Dealz on Wheelz
Ewing, KY
3.0
(Based 50 Review)
(606) 26*****
Check Availability
1 Photo

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$13,990
Est. $189/mo
$1,839 Below market
RMV: $15,829
Mileage 110,110 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
21 Days in market
BLACK
SUV
V6
Automatic
CarNation Motors LLC
Harrisburg, PA
5.0
(Based 9 Review)
(717) 373*****
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About 2018 Nissan Pathfinder


3.8

Overall Rating

For a starting price tag of about $30,790, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that comes with a 3.5L V6 engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission producing 284hp power and 259lb-ft torque. With plush interior available in higher trims and an available all-wheel-drive system, the Pathfinder is quite an all-rounder.

The mid-size SUV segment is filled with old tuff mountain goats softened to become modern city runabouts, and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of them. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is fully adapted to its modern role as a daily workhorse with a spacious cabin that can accommodate seven people. Unlike many of its competitors, its third row can accommodate adults in relative comfort. With a standard V-6 engine and available all-wheel drive, it offers features like automated emergency braking and a rear door alert system as standard.

The cabin packs plenty of gadgets and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that makes it feel more premium than it actually is. Although in 2017, Nissan stiffened the spring rate for better body control, the suspension still continues to pamper the occupants and does not compromise on the comfort levels. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is available at sale with a base price of $32,085. It is priced competitively and can be specced according to the buyer to match different budgets and requirements. It goes up against its rivals such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and the Mazda CX-9.

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL trim provides a delightful package with features like power passenger seats, heated front and second-row seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a power liftgate. Available at a price of $37,500, the S trim would offer the most value for money.

26 Photos

2018 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$10,977
Est. $149/mo
$2,371 Below market
RMV: $13,348
Price Drop, $500
Earlier Price: $11,477 (17 Nov 2024)
Mileage 113,945 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Accident, 1 Owner
36 Days in market
SILVER
SUV
V6
Automatic
Auffenberg Automall
O Fallon, IL
Check Availability
21 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$19,500
Est. $264/mo
$1,823 Below market
RMV: $21,323
Price Drop, $400
Earlier Price: $19,900 (29 Oct 2024)
Mileage 47,424 mi.
Home Delivery
2 Owner
64 Days in market
GRAY
SUV
V6
Automatic
Elkins Fordland
Elkins, WV
4.0
(Based 408 Review)
(304) 63*****
Check Availability
15 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$9,995
Est. $135/mo
$2,269 Below market
RMV: $12,264
Mileage 103,074 mi.
Home Delivery
3 Accident, 1 Owner
5 Days in market
BROWN
SUV
V6
Automatic
J and J Car Dealer
Birmingham, AL
5.0
(Based 1 Review)
(855) 693*****
Check Availability
37 Photos

2019 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$10,500
Est. $142/mo
$1,680 Below market
RMV: $12,180
Price Drop, $2,500
Earlier Price: $13,000 (16 Nov 2024)
Mileage 143,038 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Owner
73 Days in market
SILVER
SUV
V6
Automatic
Nissan of Cool Springs
Franklin, TN
4.0
(Based 2028 Review)
(615) 22*****
Check Availability
26 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$11,995
Est. $162/mo
$2,010 Below market
RMV: $14,005
Mileage 82,822 mi.
Home Delivery
3 Accident, 2 Owner
25 Days in market
BLACK
SUV
V6
Automatic
GS Auto
Milwaukee, WI
3.0
(Based 64 Review)
(414) 28*****
Check Availability
27 Photos

2017 Nissan Pathfinder S

S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)

$11,499
Est. $156/mo
$1,389 Below market
RMV: $12,888
Mileage 80,167 mi.
Home Delivery
1 Owner
5 Days in market
WHITE
SUV
V6
Automatic
MS Auto Sales
NJ,  0
(844) 407*****
Check Availability

2018 Nissan Pathfinder Review


Pros

  • Spacious interior
  • Automatic Emergency Braking is standard
  • Highest in class tow rating

Cons

  • Less cargo capacity than competition
  • Limited in-cabin Small item storage
  • Top end trim rides stiff

For a starting price tag of about $30,790, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV that comes with a 3.5L V6 engine mated to a CVT automatic transmission producing 284hp power and 259lb-ft torque. With plush interior available in higher trims and an available all-wheel-drive system, the Pathfinder is quite an all-rounder.

Overview


The mid-size SUV segment is filled with old tuff mountain goats softened to become modern city runabouts, and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of them. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is fully adapted to its modern role as a daily workhorse with a spacious cabin that can accommodate seven people. Unlike many of its competitors, its third row can accommodate adults in relative comfort. With a standard V-6 engine and available all-wheel drive, it offers features like automated emergency braking and a rear door alert system as standard.

The cabin packs plenty of gadgets and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that makes it feel more premium than it actually is. Although in 2017, Nissan stiffened the spring rate for better body control, the suspension still continues to pamper the occupants and does not compromise on the comfort levels. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is available at sale with a base price of $32,085. It is priced competitively and can be specced according to the buyer to match different budgets and requirements. It goes up against its rivals such as the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and the Mazda CX-9.

Pricing and Features
6.0/10


The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder prices range from $30,790 for the base trim, while the top-end Platinum trim retails at $42,320. The powertrain remains the same throughout the range with an optional 4-wheel drive ($1600) available on all trims. What you pay decides the interior appointments and exterior cosmetics. As standard, every Pathfinder comes with an 8-inch touch screen, a rearview camera, a rear-seat reminder, keyless entry, push-button start, cruise control, six speakers, tri-zone climate control, cloth seats, forward collision warning, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Trims

S

SV

SL

Platinum

MSRP

$32,085

$33,480

$37,500

$42,320

Key Features

3.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline

Includes S features plus:

Includes SV features plus:

Includes SL features plus:

 

Automatic Emergency Braking

Fog lights

Motion Activated Liftgate

20-inch Aluminum alloy wheels

 

Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control System

Nissan Intelligent Key

Leather-appointed seats and door trim

LED low-beam projector headlights

 

EZ FLEX Seating System featuring latch and glide

Remote Engine Start System

Intelligent Cruise Control

13 Speakers Bose Premium Audio System

 

SiriusXM Travel Link with 3-year complimentary trial access

Rear Sonar System

 

Climate-controlled front seats (heated and cooled)

What we recommend

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL trim provides a delightful package with features like power passenger seats, heated front and second-row seats, blind-spot monitoring, and a power liftgate. Available at a price of $37,500, the S trim would offer the most value for money.


Also Read:

  • Redesigned 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Rolls-Off Assembly Line
  • 2022 Frontier, Pathfinder Official Teaser Videos Released By Nissan

Engine and Performance
7.7/10


The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder gets only one engine and transmission option, a 3.5-liter V6 engine that is mated to a CVT, which develops 284 horsepower and 259 pounds-feet of torque. Although some of its competitors might be downsizing in terms of engine capacities, the Pathfinder hasn’t followed the suit yet. The engine comes with no oomph factor and is meant to get the job done. The workhorse nature of the engine is evident as soon as you tap the throttle pedal.

While the Nissan Pathfinder remains quite silent at low rpm, as the revs increase, so does the harshness and noise. The CVT unit offers adequate shifting prowess but feels lethargic as soon as more than expected is asked from it. Therefore the combination of a large naturally aspirated engine and a CVT gearbox provides sufficient power for day-to-day driving, which includes merging with freeway traffic and overtaking.

Models

Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

Honda Pilot

Mazda CX-9

MSRP

$32,085

$32,140

$30,900

$32,130

Engine

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

2.5L, Turbocharged Inline-4

Transmission

CVT Automatic

6-Speed Automatic

9-Speed Automatic

6-Speed Automatic

Power

284 hp @ 6,400 rpm

290 hp @ 6,500 rpm

280 hp @ 6,000 rpm

227 hp @ 5000 rpm

Torque

259 ft-lb @ 4,800 rpm

255 ft-lb @ 4,000 rpm

262 ft-lb @ 4,700 rpm

310 ft-lb @ 2000 rpm

The 2018 Honda Pilot is the least expensive SUV in this comparison, while the rest have similar pricing. The Ford Explorer is the most powerful with 290 hp, while the Mazda CX-9 has the maximum torque owing to its turbocharged engine. But the Mazda lacks in terms of power output.

What is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder's 0-60 mph Acceleration Performance?

The Nissan Pathfinder's engine is pretty smooth and refined and does perform well if not pushed really hard as the CVT gearbox then starts to show its rubberband effect. Going full house also slows down its performance and it is simply not meant to burn rubber. While it can munch miles all day long, going fast is not its thing.

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder reaches 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds, while the quarter-mile distance is covered in 15.9 seconds. This is not the quickest in this comparison, but the highlight of this engine would be the top speed of 141 mph, which is one of the best in the segment.

Models

Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

Honda Pilot

Mazda CX 9

0-60 mph

7.6 seconds

7.7 sec

7.0 sec

7.4 sec

Quarter mile

15.9 sec

16.0 sec

15.4 sec

15.9 sec

Engine

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

2.5L, Turbocharged Inline-4

Top Speed

141

134

130

113

The Nissan Pathfinder is one of the slowest among the competitors we compared, while the Ford Explorer is the slowest form 0-60 mph acceleration. The Honda Pilot is the fastest with 0-60 mph reached in 7.0 seconds, while the Mazda CX-9 takes 7.4 seconds to reach the 60 mph mark from a standstill.

How is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder's Braking Performance?

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Pathfinder does not have an exceptionally large set of brakes nor are they too small as such. The 12.6-inch front disc brakes and 12.1-inch rear brake rotors do well to halt the 4,300 lbs SUV from 60 mph in a solid 125 feet.

The braking performance of the Nissan Pathfinder is not the best in this comparison, as most of the rivals take less distance to decelerate from 60-0 mph. But the 125 feet braking distance is quite respectable considering the size and weight of this SUV. 

Model

Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

Honda Pilot

Mazda CX 9

Brakes Front (in)

12.6

12.8

12.6

12.6

Brakes Rear (in)

12.1

12.8

13.0

12.8

Curb weight (lbs)

4,293

4,453

4,284

4,361

60-0 mph (ft)

125

127

120

123

The Honda Pilot is again the car that shines the most in the comparison as it is not only the lightest SUV here but also has the shortest stopping distance of 120 feet. The Mazda CX-9 takes 3 feet more than the Pilot, which is followed by the Pathfinder while the Ford Explorer again performs poorly in this aspect as well.

Has the Ride and Handling of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder improved?

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SUV rides with composure and it absorbs most bumps and road undulations quite well. However, in 2017, Nissan stiffened the springs for increased body control and that has compromised the ride quality a bit. This shortcoming is especially pronounced in the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum with 20-inch wheels, and it is better to stick with the standard rim size for optimum comfort. The steering also remains quite light and does not offer a lot of confidence at high speeds. It offers little to no feedback.

Also, don’t have high expectations of being able to take this SUV off-road as it isn’t as capable as its forebears. The Pathfinder can trail through muddy trails, backroads, and gravel with ease, but in case you want a bit more adventure from your family SUV, it is better to look otherways as this is not meant for it even with the optional all-wheel-drive setup.

What is the Payload and Towing Capacity of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?

With its naturally aspirated V6 motor shows its grunt in this aspect as the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder towing capacity is roughly 6,000 lbs even with the front-wheel-drive powertrain. Owing to the same powertrain across the lineup, even the base Pathfinder S can tow the same. 

Model

Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

Honda Pilot

Mazda CX 9

Engine

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

3.5L, Naturally Aspirated V6

2.5L, Turbocharged Inline-4

Powertrain

FWD

FWD

FWD

FWD

Towing Capacity (lbs)

6,000

5,000

5,000

3,500

At 6,000 pounds, the Nissan Pathfinder's towing capacity is the highest among competitors here. Most of the other competitors can tow 5,000 pounds with the 2018 Mazda CX-9 towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

Fuel Economy
7.1/10


The Nissan Pathfinder more than makes up for its lackluster acceleration with its stellar fuel economy. It is rated by the EPA for 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for a combined EPA rating of 21 mpg. With a large 19.5-gallon gas tank available with the Pathfinder, the driving range is great with over 5,00 miles of highway cruising before the Pathfinder needs a pit stop. 

Model

Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

Honda Pilot

Mazda CX 9

MPG (City)

19

17

19

20

MPG (Highway)

26

24

26

26

MPG (Combined)

21

20

22

23

Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)

19.5

18.6

19.5

19.5

Range (City / Highway / Combined) (miles)

371 / 507 / 410

316 / 446 / 372

371 / 507 / 429

390 / 507 / 449

The 2018 Ford Explorer provides the least economy here, however, its 2.3L EcoBoost is more efficient. We think for this class of vehicles, an ideal engine is the one that delivers excellent fuel economy while delivering effortless performance. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 provides the best-combined mpg of 23, thanks to its turbocharged unit under the hood, while the Pilot lacks marginally in this aspect. 

Interior
7.8/10


The Nissan Pathfinder interior is spacious and the cabin is well built with good quality materials. It can accommodate up to seven people and the seats provide good support while the driving position is natural. It's not exactly commanding as the SUV gets a car-like unibody construction, but the outward visibility is great. The front seats offer one of the best legroom, but the hip and shoulder room is average among the competition. Its second row is also spacious and offers great comfort for those long journeys.

However, the third row really impressed us as it turns out to be useful even for adults. Although the overall design feels a bit aged compared to the competitors, the material quality is top-notch. Except for the fake wood accents, everything is well put together. Amenities like a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled front seats add to the "feel-good" factor. A Tri-zone climate control system is also available with the Pathfinder. 

Model

Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

Honda Pilot

Mazda CX-9

Passenger capacity

7

7

8

7

Front row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

41.1 / 60.9 / 42.2

41.4 / 61.5 / 42.9

39.5 / 62.0 / 40.9

39.3 / 57.9 / 41.0

Second row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

38.5 / 60.4 / 41.7

40.6 / 61.0 / 39.5

39.9 / 62.0 / 38.4

38.5 / 58.1 / 39.4

Third row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

36.5 / 57.1 / 30.7

37.8 / 50.8 / 32.0

38.9 / 57.6 / 31.9

35.4 / 53.1 / 29.7

The Honda Pilot is the only one that is rated to seat 8 passengers, while all others can seat a maximum of up to 7 passengers. The Honda Pilot interior still has the best third row of seats while Nissan has the best front and middle row of seats in terms of space. The 2018 Mazda CX-9 interior design is one of the best in this comparison. Some important features include-

  • 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat
  • 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
  • Front Heated & Cooled Bucket Leather Seats
  • 60-40 Folding EZ Flex Split-Bench Rear Seat 
  • Heated Manual Reclining rear seats
  • Power adjustable Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
  • Heated Leather Steering Wheel with Auto Tilt-Away

What is the Cargo Capacity of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?

The Pathfinder offers a generous amount of cargo space in all seat configurations. In fact, even with all seats upright, you get 16 cu-ft of cargo space. This is almost as much as a midsize sedan’s trunk which stands high on the practicality factor. Fold the third row of seats, and we have up to 47 cu-ft. of cargo capacity.

If we need even more space, folding down the middle row of seats offers us a massive 78.9 cu-ft of cargo space. Just behind the third row, the Ford Explorer offers the best cargo capacity of 21 cu.ft. The Mazda CX 9 is the most compact SUV on the inside and hence has the least luggage carrying capacity in this comparison.

Model

Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

Honda Pilot

Mazda CX 9

With all seats upright (cu-ft)

 

Exterior
6.9/10


The Nissan Pathfinder exterior design had lost almost all its previous ruggedness in its third generation. Nissan realized this and now the latest generation Nissan Pathfinder gets a bit more muscle. No, it's not intimidating - lots of subtle curves, calm-looking headlights, and friendly-looking front grille will not scare away your kids.

The low ground clearance with aerodynamic extensions behind the wheels makes its family intentions clear. Thus it fails to stand out in the ocean of crossovers available in the market today. It gets a respectable ground clearance of 7 inches, but the Nissan Pathfinder is not the best off-road performer.

Model

Nissan Pathfinder

Ford Explorer

Honda Pilot

Mazda CX-9

Curb Weight (lbs)

4,293

4,453

4,284

4,361

Length (in)

198.5

198.3

194.5

199.4

Width (in)

77.3

78.9

66.3

77.5

Height (in)

69.5

70.0

69.8

69.0

Ground Clearance (in)

7.0

8.3

7.3

8.8

Wheelbase (in)

114.2

112.8

111

115.3

Track Width (in) F/R

65.7 / 65.7

67.0 / 67.0

66.3 / 66.3

65.3 / 65.2

The Nissan Pathfinder is has a curb weight of 4293 pounds, while the Honda Pilot is the lightest one at 4284 pounds. The Honda Pilot exterior dimensions are the smallest while the Mazda with its cramped cabin is the longest car here. The Mazda CX-9 also offers a maximum ground clearance of 8.8 inches and thus performs better off-road. Following Mazda in ground clearance is Ford with 8.3 inches. 

Safety
9.3/10


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The highlight of the active safety features in the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is the fact that Automatic Emergency Braking is standard across all trims. With that, higher trims get things like blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The SUV has a whole host of passive safety features including dual-stage airbags and side-impact beams. The NHTSA has given it a 5-star crash test rating that speaks volumes about its crash safety credibility. The standard safety features list is pretty decent, and some of them are listed below. 

  • Side Impact Beams
  • Driveline Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • Rear Parking Aid
  • Automatic Emergency Braking Forward Collision
  • A host of Airbags for almost all passengers with Airbag Occupancy Sensor
  • Blind Spot Monitor with Cross-Traffic Alert
  • RearView Monitor Back-Up Camera

Competition
7.0/10


Nissan Pathfinder vs Ford Explorer

The 2018 Ford Explorer has a range of engine options - from a small Inline-4 EcoBoost to the most powerful in segment 3.5L EcoBoost. It gets handsome styling and a spacious, comfortable interior to go with it.

The cabin is loaded with modern tech features. However, the Ford Explorer costs more than the Pathfinder for similarly equipped trim, and it doesn’t even match up with the Pathfinder’s performance.

Nissan Pathfinder vs Honda Pilot

The 2018 Honda Pilot is one of the most well-rounded midsize SUVs with well-equipped, spacious seats (even the third row) and high-quality materials. An efficient and powerful engine pulls the Pilot briskly along the road.

On top of that, the Pilot comes with Honda's reputation for reliability, is slightly cheaper, and has great resale value too. However, the Nissan Pathfinder is every bit as practical and has an air of toughness.

Nissan Pathfinder vs Mazda CX-9

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 continues Mazda's reputation for offering engaging and entertaining driving characteristics. The handsome exterior will blow you to pieces. The gorgeous interior will blow the pieces left of you into smaller pieces and the fuel economy is exceptional too.

However, it rides a bit on the harsher side, while the Nissan Pathfinder is a more practical choice with its roomy interiors, superior performance, and great ride quality.

Final Verdict


The Nissan Pathfinder has long moved away from its off-roader roots and has embraced civil life rather well. The interior is spacious and comfortable, has most of the modern electrical assistance, and nice to have features, while the infotainment is crisp. However, millennials will be disappointed as Pathfinder lacks Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Nissan comes with a powertrain option that's effective in doing what it's ought to do, that is transport your family and luggage effortlessly and efficiently. The Honda Pilot offers the toughest competition and is also slightly cheaper. All-in-all, if you want a well-rounded family SUV with Japanese reliability, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder should definitely be on your shortlist.