Heritage comes standard: New 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition celebrates four decades of family adventures

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder proudly marks 40 years of SUV heritage with a new Special Edition model that pays tribute to the original Pathfinder through exclusive heritage-inspired styling, unique interior treatments and commemorative design details.

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder will reach dealerships in November with a starting MSRP of $39,990. The anniversary-themed Pathfinder Special Edition starts at $47,390 with front-wheel drive or $49,390 with Intelligent AWD.

"The Nissan Pathfinder has challenged preconceptions of SUVs for 40 years, giving families more of what they need for the everyday while retaining the rugged confidence that made the original an instant hit," said Marco Fioravanti, vice president, product planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada. "The Pathfinder Special Edition celebrates that legacy by connecting one of our most beloved nameplates with the customers and adventures that shaped its story."

Since debuting as a 1987 model, Pathfinder has helped generations of families explore beyond the pavement, balancing authentic capability with everyday practicality. Across five generations, the nameplate has evolved from a compact two-door SUV into a spacious three-row family adventurer while staying true to its rugged roots.

Today's Pathfinder continues to delight families looking to get more out of every drive. It was recently named a "Best New Vehicle for Teens" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports, and received a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating. Proudly assembled in Tennessee, Pathfinder was named to the 2026 Cars.com American-Made Index for the second consecutive year.

Pathfinder delivered its best-ever quarter total volume in the second quarter of 2026, followed by Nissan selling its 2 millionth Pathfinder in September.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder:

Destination and handling: $1,575.

Celebrating 40 years of SUV innovation

Intended to celebrate the nameplate's 40th year in the marketplace, the Pathfinder Special Edition pays homage to the first-generation Pathfinder with a stunning two-tone interior upholstery scheme blending black and burgundy TailorFit materials – a reference to the burgundy cloth seating that made a bold mark in the original 1987 SUV. Similarly, red exterior accents abound, including the PATHFINDER lettering on the liftgate.

The Pathfinder Special Edition rewards buyers with even more desirable equipment, including black 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, second-row captain's chairs, rear door sunshades and a Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system. A tow hitch receiver raises the Pathfinder's towing capacity to a class-leading 6,000 pounds.

Effortless capability

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder delivers confidence and capability powered by a responsive 3.5-liter V6 engine with nine-speed automatic transmission rated for 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Pathfinder has a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, and is available with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds depending on configuration.

The adventure-ready spirit that courses through Pathfinder's entire history continues in today's Rock Creek grade, which boasts all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned suspension and other enhancements designed to take it beyond the suburban jungle. Visual enhancements – including LED fog lights, Rock Creek-specific leatherette seats and Lava Red interior stitching elements – lend the model a trail-ready look.

Find the full 2027 Nissan Pathfinder press kit at www.nissannews.com.

Q&A

Q: Is the Nissan Pathfinder safe and dependable for families?
A: Pathfinder gives families peace of mind that it will provide confident performance for the long haul. Nine out of 10 Pathfinders sold in the last 10 years are still on the road, and Pathfinder was named a "Best New Vehicle for Teens" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports. Pathfinder features standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 and earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation.

Q: Is the Nissan Pathfinder good for carrying large families?
A: Pathfinder has three rows of seating for eight passengers, or seven passengers with available second-row captain's chairs. The second and third rows are roomy, and access to the third row is simplified by a convenient tilting function for the second-row seats. Crucially for families, Nissan's LATCH AND GLIDE® technology allows the second-row seats to tip and slide even with a child safety seat installed.

Q: What connectivity and entertainment features does the Nissan Pathfinder offer?
A: Every 2027 Nissan Pathfinder has a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™. Pathfinder has two USB-C ports in the first row, two in the second row and is available with an additional USB-C port for the third row. A class-exclusive Qi2 wireless phone charger is also optional, as is a Bose® Premium Audio system with 12 speakers.

Q: Can the Nissan Pathfinder carry lots of cargo?
A: Pathfinder has a spacious cargo area with up to 16.6 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows lowered. For drivers looking to tow, Pathfinder has a standard towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and an available class-leading 6,000-pound towing capacity.

Q: What role does Pathfinder play in Nissan's history?
A: On sale for 40 years, the Nissan Pathfinder has more years of heritage than any SUV in its class and helped set the stage for the popularity of Nissan's SUV lineup. When it launched in the U.S. market for the 1987 model year, Pathfinder met a newly growing customer demand for SUVs that delivered both everyday usability and rugged confidence for adventure. Over five generations and four decades, Pathfinder continuously evolved to meet the needs of adventurous families and remains one of Nissan's best-selling models in the U.S. market.

Q: How are Nissan Pathfinder sales performing this year?
A: In the third quarter of 2026, Pathfinder cumulative retail sales delivered its second-best third-quarter retail sales performance ever. Strong demand for Nissan's core SUV and truck lineup contributed to the brand's retail sales increasing 6.8% during the quarter. Nissan remained America's fastest-growing mainstream automotive brand for the 13th consecutive month and delivered its 19th consecutive month of year-over-year retail sales growth. Pathfinder also posted its best sales quarter ever in the second quarter of 2026.

Q: Is the Nissan Pathfinder built in the U.S.?
A: The Nissan Pathfinder has been proudly assembled at Nissan's Smyrna facility in Tennessee since 2004, contributing to Nissan's goal of increasing regionalization of vehicles – building vehicles where they are sold. Nissan's "build where you sell" strategy remains a key part of its long-term growth plan. Vehicles assembled in Nissan's U.S. manufacturing facilities accounted for nearly 60% of combined Nissan and INFINITI sales through September, up 9 percentage points from a year ago. Nissan aims to increase that figure to 80% by 2030.

Q: How does Nissan ensure the Pathfinder continues to have broad appeal?
A: Nissan continues to refine and enhance Pathfinder to bring more value to buyers, such as adding a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™, a redesigned wireless device charger, and a visual refresh for the 2026 model year. There is a Pathfinder for nearly every driver, including the rugged Rock Creek for those seeking more adventure, the premium Platinum grade for those seeking elevated design and touchpoints, and now the new Special Edition for drivers looking for a more retro-inspired design.

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All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.

Driver-assist and safety features have limitations which affect how they function in certain situations. The driver must never rely exclusively on any vehicle feature to warn about, prevent, or lessen the severity of a collision. It is the driver's responsibility to always be in control, monitor the surroundings, and safely operate the vehicle. Read your vehicle's Owner's Manual for further information.

Assembled with U.S. and imported parts.

AutoPacific segmentation. 2026 Pathfinder vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV Large Segment Class. Based on manufacturers' websites. Up to 6,000 lbs. towing capacity for 2026 Pathfinder available on SV trim and above with optional tow hitch. Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.

Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.

Based on S&P Global Mobility Vehicles in Operation (VIO) data as of September 2026. MY15-MY25 Pathfinder

Nissan Safety Shield technologies can't prevent all collisions or warn in all situations. See Owner's Manual for important safety information.

For more information see www.iihs.org.

Do not perform slide forward function with the Child Restraint System occupied.

Available feature. Compatible phone required. AutoPacific Segmentation. 2026 Pathfinder vs. latest in-market competitors in the Large XSUV segment. Based on manufacturers' websites.

Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always secure cargo.

Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.

AutoPacific segmentation. 2026 Pathfinder vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV Large Segment Class. Based on manufacturers' websites. Up to 6,000 lbs. towing capacity for 2026 Pathfinder with optional tow hitch. Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo.

AutoPacific segmentation. 2026 Pathfinder vs. latest in-market competitors in the XSUV Large Segment Class.