“My Nissan Pathfinder has served its purpose as a daily commuter. I like having the 3rd row because I have 5 children. I am concerned about the reputation of the CVT transmission.”
2018 Nissan Pathfinder: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a light-update model, led by standard automatic emergency braking on every trim. Rear Door Alert and six USB ports also become standard across the lineup, while the SL gains key equipment.
About the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder
4th generation (2013-2020), second year after the 2017 refresh.
Nissan positioned the 2018 Pathfinder as a family-focused three-row crossover with enough strength for road trips, towing, and light bad-weather use. The core appeal was flexible seating, easy access to the third row, a strong V6, and available 4WD, rather than hard-core off-road hardware. Against rivals, it leaned on towing capability, roomy everyday usability, and a straightforward, feature-rich cabin, with the Platinum trim pushing the model toward near-luxury territory.
The 2018 Pathfinder is a seven-seat family SUV with a 3.5-liter V6, an automatic transmission, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The SV adds useful everyday comforts such as remote start and a power driver's seat, while the SL steps up to leather seating, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera. The Platinum tops the range with a panoramic moonroof, Bose audio, climate-controlled front seats, and a factory tow hitch.
What changed, by category
Safety
Automatic emergency braking and Rear Door Alert become standard on every trim. The SL also gains standard adaptive cruise control.
Tech
The lineup expands from two USB ports to six. Navigation becomes standard on the SL.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 284 hp | 284 hp | 284 hp | 284 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 79.8 cu-ft | 79.8 cu-ft | 79.8 cu-ft | 79.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.7 in | 30.7 in | 30.7 in | 30.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder?
The biggest change is standard automatic emergency braking on every 2018 Pathfinder trim. Rear Door Alert and six USB ports also become standard across the lineup.
Is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder a redesign?
No, the 2018 Pathfinder is not a redesign. It remains part of the fourth generation and carries over the styling update introduced for 2017.
What changed on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder SL?
The 2018 Pathfinder SL gains standard navigation and adaptive cruise control. It also receives the lineup-wide additions of automatic emergency braking, Rear Door Alert, and six USB ports.
Did the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder's engine or transmission change?
No, the 2018 Pathfinder carries over its 3.5-liter V6 and automatic transmission. Its three-row cabin and basic mechanical layout also remain unchanged.
Is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
Yes, but the differences are mostly safety and equipment upgrades rather than a major redesign. The 2018 model makes automatic emergency braking and Rear Door Alert standard, adds four USB ports for six total, and gives the SL standard navigation and adaptive cruise control.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder.
4.1
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
(263 reviews)
“2018 Nissan Pathfinder, for the money is the best mid sized SUV. Plenty of room, sturdy, dependable, reliable. Again, you cannot beat the price!!”
“My Nissan Pathfinder creates total safety around me through utilizing the latest technology. 360 cameras, lane assist, assisted braking.”