2020 Nissan Pathfinder Review
Price Range: $14,500 - $44,820





+251
Below Average
6.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Some vehicles exist to make your life more fun, while others exist to make your life easier. The 2020 Pathfinder definitely aligns with the latter. It's easy to drive and can multitask for a family, but it is largely forgettable, which might just be exactly what some people want.
2020 Nissan Pathfinder Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- No significant changes for 2020
- Part of the fourth Pathfinder generation introduced for 2013
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.84 per gallon for regular unleaded in California.
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$261/mo for Pathfinder S
Pathfinder S
vs
$321/mo
Avg. Large SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#18 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Pathfinder from 2008-2022.$517/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.18x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Nissan Pathfinder Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(53%)
4(21%)
3(10%)
2(3%)
1(13%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Best Value for Money SUV
5 out of 5 starsChandra Putcha, 03/26/2019
2019 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
If you want a sturdy , reliable, comfortable, powerful, economical SUV for your family, then the Nissan Pathfinder is the best in the market. I owned a 2013 Pathfinder SV for 6 years and 83000 miles (mostly Highway) and recently bought the 2019 Pathfinder SL with premium Package. This combo (SL+Premium package) is the best with all standard Saftey features that you'll find on any other … competitor (Honda Pilot; Toyota Highlander; Ford Explorer; Volkswagon Atlas, etc), and a fabulous 13 speaker Bose stereo system, Heated steering; heated second row seats and a panoramic sunroof. In all the last 6 years i never had a single issue with the engine, which fired immediately even during polar vortex of -25 to -30 degrees farenhiet. In winds of 45 to 50 miles an hour, the vehicle was rock steady. On snow, I felt very confident driving at speeds above 65 miles an hour. I used Michelin tyres which i think are the best. The 2019 pathfinder is very very quiet compared to 2013 version, and When i take calls for meetings from my vehicle, there is no vehicle noise heard by others on the call. when taking calls or when the radio is playing in a parking lot, i cant hear anything standing outside the car. The forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems are the best. when i tried simulating a scenario i wouldnt go on, which shows that its not over sensitive, and definitely goes on when the guy in front suddenly applies brakes, or the one from next lane suddenly comes in front of my car. Driving non stop for long hours (chicago to Fort Lauderdale; Chicago to Washington DC; Chicago to Toronto) is not a big deal with the very comfortable seats and driving position. Acceleration from 65 miles an hour to pass a truck is a pleasure. Feels like there is a lot of power still available if needed. Driving on winding roads (Pittsburg to Washington) is a pleasure. The HID headlights and LED daytime running lights are a great change from the 2013 version.
More good than bad
4 out of 5 starsWm LeDoux, 03/27/2020
2019 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
I recently drove a rental 2019 Pathfinder SL approx 1000 on a 10 day AZ vacation. The driver’s seat was the most comfortable I’ve ever been in. Unlike others here, I thought it handled well and had plenty of acceleration when needed. VERY quiet cabin. My college age daughters found the back seat very spacious, as long as the front seaters didn’t slide their seats all the way back. I’m 6’ … tall and didn’t come close to doing that.
Granted, we didn’t need the AWD in AZ, but 22mpg overall is very good for a vehicle this size.
Here’s the “bad”. An SUV should have undercarriage skid plates and more than 7” ground clearance. I’m sure the AWD system is fine, but, even on a slightly muddy road, you’d have to immediately get an underbody car wash after driving, due to all the nooks and crannies underneath.
Also, the front-end bottom cladding doesn’t truly protect anything, and, on this vehicle, was frayed, probably from simply parking over concrete curbs it couldn’t quite get over.
I’d still buy the vehicle for the “good”, and there are deals out there due to the low resale values (reliability issues reported previous years). I just would not take it off-road, though I think it would fare just fine for every day use in a northern U.S. winter.
Good vehicle and good price
5 out of 5 starsTony B, 05/29/2019
2019 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Purchased this vehicle for family trips as my son plays college football. Was looking between the QX60 and Pathfinder but they are similar except the price. This car is amazing in regards to comfort and drives so smooth. The third row seat is spacious but not for a big person but rather for a 5-5 to 5-9 250 lbs. It does tilt all seats and the third row seats comes with two cup … holders and AC for their side. Gas is currently at 20 mpg which is expected but on the freeways is much better mileage. It comes with most features mentioned on the SV model including leather steering wheel and interior, no leather seats and no navigation. The lack of tech is very much an issue but rest assure it has enough to not bother me ( IT GUY).
Update 05 29 2020. The car is amazing and reliable with loads of power, we used to to travel to see my son play college football (won another ring ;) 2 years in a row) full of people and it never falters. Took drives to Mexico and had plenty of space for everyone to be comfortable for a 3 hour drive. Due to the frame been insulated, the ride is quiet and no outside no pollution. Radio sound is amazing considering a stock from the factory and with XM radio you never run out of music or variety. The only negative for say is the fact that the back wheel is a bit forward which caused the people sitting at the end to feel the deeps of the road more than everyone else. Back seats are also less cushion so it is best to have standard people to avoid uncomfortable ride. Overall I give a 9.5 out of 10 as the gas was the original problem when in the city but when traveling it averages 20+ miles per gallon. Lastly, the car feels luxurious, spacious and overall has a good look specially since I added the Nerf bars, roof rails, upgraded bass sound system and LED fog and driving lights. The final price out the door was 30K which included the extended warranty so I feel this was a deal. Hopefully this helps on your next purchase. Kindest Regards
Nissan Poor Technology
1 out of 5 starsC. Jowers, 11/19/2020
2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
If you own or buy a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder SL, and if your Pathfinder has the option "Hands Free Lift-Gate", you can not install a trailer (AKA Tow Hitch Receiver). Makes no difference if it is a Nissan hitch or a generic hitch. If you do install, the vehicle Nissan warrant will be void. Believe me I tried every avenue even contracting Nissan by Case #42431832. I now own a 2020 Nissan … Pathfinder SL and cannot move my boat trailer or utility trailer. What is Nissan thinking???
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, so we've included reviews for other years of the Pathfinder since its last redesign.
2020 Pathfinder Highlights
S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $31,980 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $261/month |
Seating | 7 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.2 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Pathfinder models:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front radar monitors proximity to the vehicle ahead. In an imminent collision, the Pathfinder can apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate impact.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Helps compensate for reduced side and rear visibility caused by the Pathfinder's stylish exterior. It's standard on the SV, SL and Platinum.
- Around-View Monitor
- Four cameras display a 360-degree image of the vehicle. Selectable curbside view works great for parking. Standard on the SL and Platinum.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover17.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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