What is the Nissan Pathfinder?
The Pathfinder is Nissan’s family-sized SUV. Its character changed over time: early generations had a more rugged, truck-related design, while later versions placed greater emphasis on family space and road use. The shift was especially clear with the fourth generation, which returned to unibody construction and adopted a more refined SUV layout.
The model has five generations in the years covered here: first generation (1987–1995), second (1996–2004), third (2005–2012), fourth (2013–2020) and fifth (2022–2026). The first was listed for the US; the second and third were sold in the US, Canada and Europe, including the UK. The fourth and fifth were listed for the US and Canada.
Engines and power
The range of engines depended on place and generation. EU registration figures from 2010 to 2023 cover 2.5- to 3.0-litre engines, with power from 140 kW (190 PS) to 170 kW (231 PS). Diesel versions feature prominently in those figures. In the UK, the listings span 2.5- to 4.0-litre petrol and diesel engines; the stated power is 140 kW (190 PS).
US listings cover 2.4- to 5.6-litre petrol and hybrid engines, while Canadian listings span 2.5 to 5.6 litres and are petrol. These broad ranges reflect the Pathfinder’s long history and different market line-ups.
Fuel consumption and emissions
The lowest listed consumption is 8.5 L/100 km on the NEDC test in the UK and France. The US EPA listing gives 9 L/100 km and 26 MPG combined; Canada’s lowest listed figure is 8.8 L/100 km on the NRCan 5-cycle test. The figures should be read within their own markets because NEDC, EPA and 5-cycle testing use different procedures.
The fourth-generation change brought a stronger focus on efficiency alongside family utility.
Where was it sold?
Pathfinder listings cover the US from 1987 to 2026 and Canada from 1995 to 2026. In Europe, EU registration figures run from 2010 to 2023, while UK figures cover 2006 to 2015 and French figures 2012 to 2014. The availability of generations and engines varied by market.
Questions and answers
How many Pathfinder generations are listed?
Five: first generation (1987–1995), second (1996–2004), third (2005–2012), fourth (2013–2020) and fifth (2022–2026).
What engine was prominent in European registration figures?
A 2.5-litre diesel rated at 140 kW (190 PS) was among the leading EU choices.
What is the lowest listed consumption?
The lowest figure is 8.5 L/100 km on the NEDC test in the UK and France.
