2011 Nissan Pathfinder: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is the new 25th-anniversary Silver Edition. Otherwise, this is a light trim-update year rather than a redesign, with the new SV replacing SE and no major mechanical, safety, or structural changes.
About the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
3rd generation (2005-2012), second-to-last year before the all-new 2013 redesign.
The 2011 Pathfinder is Nissan’s rugged three-row SUV for buyers who wanted real towing strength and off-pavement ability, not just crossover-style family duty. Nissan marketed it as authentic and adventure-ready but civilized enough for daily use, pairing a fully boxed steel truck frame, available V8 power, and available 4WD systems with seven-passenger seating and a more upscale cabin on higher trims. Its main appeal versus softer rivals was capability first, then comfort.
The 2011 Pathfinder remains a truck-based, seven-seat SUV focused on towing and utility. The S is the basic workhorse, while SV adds family-friendly conveniences such as dual-zone climate control and a rearview camera. Silver Edition brings heated leather seats and Bose audio, while LE is the premium model and includes the V8-powered version at the top of the range.
What changed, by category
2011 Nissan Pathfinder specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter / V8, 5.6 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 13–14 mpg | 15 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 266 hp | 266–310 hp | 266 hp | 266 hp |
| Torque | 288 lb-ft | 288–388 lb-ft | 288 lb-ft | 288 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 79.2 cu-ft | 79.2 cu-ft | 79.2 cu-ft | 79.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 28.1 in | 28.1 in | 28.1 in | 28.1 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder?
The biggest change is the new Silver Edition, created to mark the Pathfinder’s 25th anniversary. It combines heated leather seats, Bose audio, Bluetooth, keyless entry and ignition, a power front-passenger seat, and unique 17-inch wheels.
Was the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder redesigned?
No, the 2011 Pathfinder was not redesigned. It remained part of the third generation introduced for 2005, with its truck-based construction, seven-seat cabin, and V6 and V8 engine choices carried forward.
How is the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder different from the 2010 model?
The 2011 Pathfinder added the Silver Edition and SV trims, while S FE+ and SE were dropped. The SV took the SE’s place in the lineup, and there were no major mechanical, safety, or structural updates.
Did the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder get a new engine?
No, the 2011 Pathfinder did not receive a major engine change. It continued with V6 and V8 choices, with the V8 version positioned at the top of the LE range.
What replaced the SE trim on the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder?
The SV replaced the SE for 2011. It paired the V6 with convenience features including dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, automatic headlights, fog lights, and a rearview camera.