5 Things You’ll Love—And 3 You Won’t—About the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
By Nik Miles
There’s a reason the Nissan Pathfinder remains a staple of the suburban cul-de-sac and national park trailhead alike. It’s not trying to be a Tesla. It’s not angling for Land Rover’s lunch. It’s doing something far braver in today’s car market: staying the course, quietly refining itself for people who just want a reliable, capable, and family-friendly SUV.
But let’s not pretend it’s perfect. As with any three-row family hauler that promises to do everything short of babysitting your kids, there’s plenty to praise—and a few quirks you’ll want to know about before handing over a down payment.
So, in the grand Test Miles tradition of no-nonsense motoring journalism, here are five things to love—and three you probably won’t—about the 2025 Pathfinder.
1. It Still Packs a Proper V6
While everyone else is busy turbocharging lawnmower engines or hybridizing the joy out of driving, Nissan stuck with the 3.5L V6. It’s smooth, torquey, and delivers 284 horsepower (or 295 hp in the Rock Creek trim). No turbos to wait for. No weird CVT drone—because Nissan mercifully gave that the boot in favor of a 9-speed automatic. It’s power the old-fashioned way: linear, confident, and refreshingly honest.
2. Rock Creek Trim Actually Delivers
This isn’t just badging and some contrast stitching. The Rock Creek edition gets its own off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and beefier power. Even the roof rails are upgraded to handle a real payload. Whether you’re escaping for the weekend or just pretending you do, Rock Creek adds grit without turning the Pathfinder into a poser.
3. Interior Comfort Hits the Sweet Spot
This SUV was clearly designed by someone who’s actually endured a long family road trip. USB ports in all three rows, tri-zone climate control, and available captain’s chairs in the second row make life easier for everyone from toddlers to in-laws. You even get EZ-Flex seating that tilts and slides—even with a car seat still latched in. Genius.
4. Big on Space, Small on Fuss
The Pathfinder boasts 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space when you flatten everything behind the front seats. But it’s the little things that impress—like the underfloor storage compartment and cubbies designed for real life. Nothing flashy, just function-forward design. A rare feat in an era where everyone’s chasing “minimalist luxury” and giving you fewer buttons than a pair of Crocs.
5. Tech That’s Actually Useful
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The optional 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster looks sharp without overcomplicating things. And NissanConnect with Wi-Fi hotspot makes life easier for digitally dependent passengers. Add ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link, and the Pathfinder practically reads your mind in highway traffic.
1. The Third Row is a Bit of a Stretch
Yes, it’s there. No, adults won’t thank you for putting them in it. It’s strictly a kids-only zone—like the back row at the family reunion. Compared to the likes of the Kia Telluride or Toyota Grand Highlander, the third-row legroom feels more “emergency overflow” than everyday usable.
2. MPG Is Stuck in the Past
At 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (slightly less with AWD), the Pathfinder isn’t winning any fuel economy awards. In a market where hybrid competitors are sipping fuel like it’s fine wine, the Pathfinder gulps it like a rugby team at happy hour. It’s the tradeoff for that trusty V6, but still—worth a raised eyebrow.
3. Style Still Plays It Safe
It’s handsome, yes—but hardly jaw-dropping. The squared-off front fascia and rugged stance are upgrades over older models, but it doesn’t exactly scream for attention. If you want curb appeal or something to flex at the school pickup line, there are flashier options out there.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Pathfinder isn’t chasing trends. It’s not reinventing the wheel. It’s just a smart, honest, and capable SUV that does its job—without apology. It’s built for the family who values dependability over drama and practicality over PR.
If that sounds boring to you, then perhaps the Pathfinder isn’t your ride. But for the rest of us, it’s proof that being quietly competent is still worth something in the automotive world.
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