While everyone else is going down the small turbo or hybrid route, Nissan has kept things simple offering the 2026 Pathfinder with 7 seats and a naturally aspirated V6 in 2026. To see if it’s any good, Liam loaded one up with a few kids and took it on a 300km road trip to Ashurst.

What We Like and Dislike About The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder T-iL

What we likeWhat we don’t like
Design
Driveability
Seats
Interior space		Price
Range
Haptic steering wheel controls

What’s In The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder range?

The Pathfinder Ti

The Ti serves as the entry point for the range, though it is far from a “base” model in terms of luxury. It is configured as an 8-seater, utilizing a 2:3:3 bench seat arrangement. Key features include leather-accented seat trim for the first two rows, a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system, and 18-inch alloy wheels. It also comes standard with a comprehensive safety suite, including Intelligent Emergency Braking and a 360-degree Around View Monitor.

The Pathfinder Ti-L

The Ti-L is the top-spec variant, trading one seat for significantly enhanced middle-row comfort. It features a 7-seater configuration (2:2:3) by replacing the second-row bench with luxury captain’s chairs that slide, recline, and fold.

Beyond the seating, the Ti-L adds several premium technical and aesthetic touches. Drivers get a larger 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster (compared to the standard analog/digital mix in the Ti) and an Intelligent Rear View Mirror that uses a camera to provide an unobstructed view behind the vehicle. Exterior upgrades include 20-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic electric sunroof that spans the first and second rows.

How Does The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder T-iL Compare To Its Competition?

Make / ModelEngine CapacityPower / Torque0-100km/hRange (WLTP) / Fuel EconBoot Space (All/Rear Folded)Price NZD
Hyundai Palisade Limited2.2L Diesel147kW / 440Nm10.5s8.2L / 100km311 / 704 L$109,990
Mazda CX-80 Takami3.3L Petrol Hyb209kW / 450Nm7.6s8.4L / 100km258 / 687 L$93,419
Ford Everest Platinum3.0L V6 Diesel184kW / 600Nm8.1s9.7L / 100km259 / 898 L$87,990
Kia Sorento Water (PHEV)1.6L Petrol Hyb195kW / 350Nm8.4s57km (EV) / 1.6L175 / 604 L$86,990
Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L3.5L V6 Petrol202kW / 340Nm8.2s11.7L / 100km205 / 782 L$85,990
Toyota Highlander Limited ZR2.5L Hybrid184kW / 242Nm8.5s5.6L / 100km241 / 658 L$80,990
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland3.6L V6 Petrol210kW / 344Nm8.3s10.6L / 100km490 / 1328 L$80,450
GWM Tank 500 Ultra2.0L Hybrid255kW / 648Nm8.3s8.5L / 100km120 / 793 L$74,990

2026 Nissan Pathfinder T-iL – Car Review

2026 Nissan Pathfinder T-iL – Specifications

SpecificationDetails
Starting Price$85,990
Engine Type3.5L V6 Petrol
Engine Power/Torque kW/Nm202 / 340
Transmission Type9-Speed Automatic
Spare Wheel configurationTemporary Space Saver
Kerb Weight Kg2,118
Length x Width x Height mm5,004 x 1,978 x 1,802
Boot Space / Cargo Capacity Litres (seats up/seats down)205 / 782
Fuel tank capacity litres71
Fuel Economy L/100km11.7
Energy Economy kWh/100kmN/A (Internal Combustion Engine)
Towing Capacity Kg unbraked/braked750 / 2,700
Turning circle metres11.8
Warranty10 years / 300,000 km

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REVIEW OVERVIEW
Driver Technology
7
Economy
4
Handling
7
Infotainment
7
Interior
8
Performance
8
Ride
9
Safety
8
Styling
8
Value
7
SUMMARY
Overall the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L proved to be exceptionally comfortable and easy to live with over long distances. The V6 engine delivered plenty of power, making highway driving effortless, while the ride quality and quietness kept everyone relaxed. Inside, the captain’s chairs, heated seats and panoramic sunroof were a real hit. It's a well designed car with families in mind, and an easy-to-use control layout.

That said, it’s not without its drawbacks. The infotainment system felt a little behind the times with dated graphics and a laggy interface which stood out in an otherwise modern cabin. Fuel consumption was also on the higher side, especially compared with the hybrid competition. And while the third row is useful, folding it down to gain boot space effectively turns the Pathfinder into a very large four-seater car.

The Pathfinder is a capable and comfortable SUV that excels at moving families with a good array of creature comforts, just with a few compromises along the way.
7.3
OVERALL SCORE
Previous article2026 MG4 and MG4 Urban – launch
Next article2026 Ford Ranger and Everest arriving
LIam Kendrew
LIam Kendrew
2026-nissan-pathfinder-car-reviewOverall the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L proved to be exceptionally comfortable and easy to live with over long distances. The V6 engine delivered plenty of power, making highway driving effortless, while the ride quality and quietness kept everyone relaxed. Inside, the captain’s chairs, heated seats and panoramic sunroof were a real hit. It's a well designed car with families in mind, and an easy-to-use control layout. <br><br> That said, it’s not without its drawbacks. The infotainment system felt a little behind the times with dated graphics and a laggy interface which stood out in an otherwise modern cabin. Fuel consumption was also on the higher side, especially compared with the hybrid competition. And while the third row is useful, folding it down to gain boot space effectively turns the Pathfinder into a very large four-seater car. <br><br> The Pathfinder is a capable and comfortable SUV that excels at moving families with a good array of creature comforts, just with a few compromises along the way.

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