2018 Nissan Pathfinder Review: Reasonably Dependable Midsize SUV With Average Running Costs

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder lasts around 200,000 miles with some cruise control and brake wear issues reported. At $17,350 to $35,250, it’s a decent value for a midsize SUV with a comfortable cabin and reliable engine.

Is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder a Good Used SUV?

• Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Nissan Pathfinder since it’s more reliable than earlier years and offers good features for the money. Owner reviews praise the safety features, smooth suspension, along with the spacious second row.
• Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for an SUV in its price range, the seats are comfortable and supportive, cargo space is also good.
• Reliability 7/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2018 Pathfinder. Avoid models from 2013–2017 which have transmission problems, while 2018–2022 are much better choices.
• Performance 7/10 – Performance is decent for a midsize SUV from the standard V6 engine, although it’s not the most powerful choice on the market.
• Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Pathfinder is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera along with brake assist, optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control as well as blind spot monitoring.
• Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 23 MPG, giving 448 miles of range from the 19.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $53 cheaper than average at $205 per month.
• Value 8/10 – The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs with reasonable depreciation rates, making it a good value for shoppers.

What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Pathfinder?

• Consumer Reports says the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder offers a good alternative to a minivan, with decent owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
• Edmunds rates the 2018 Pathfinder at 4.1/5, enjoying the strong V6 engine, but doesn’t like the limited legroom in the third row.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the 2018 Pathfinder a 4/5, praising the family-friendly technology features, but owners don’t like the lack of a hybrid engine.

What Common Problems Does the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Have?

Common problems found on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder include the cruise control system failing, premature brake wear, along with some delayed gear changes. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs on the market, leading to average repair bills as a Pathfinder ages.

The cruise control system failing is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, showing up at around 5,000 miles. There are software updates available for the cruise control which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100 for labor.

Premature brake wear has also been reported by some 2018 Pathfinder owners within the first 20,000 miles. The front brake pads in particular tend to wear down quickly. Replacing the brake pads costs around $150, although if you have damaged the rotors they are an additional $400 to change.

Delayed gear changes also happen on some Nissan Pathfinder models at roughly 10,000 miles. The transmission adjusts its gear change performance for each driver, and in some cases may need to be reset. Most dealerships will take care of these issues for free, while some charge roughly $100.

There are three recalls on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, which is similar to other midsize SUVs from the same year. The most serious recalls both cover brake fluid leaking into the ABS pump. Nissan will replace the ABS actuator on affected models for free. The other recall covers the backup camera image, which Nissan will also fix for free.

How Long Will the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder Last?

A well-maintained 2018 Nissan Pathfinder can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other midsize SUVs like the Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are in line with most of the competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $387 per year.

As a used 2018 Nissan Pathfinder reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the A/C drier assembly for $300, distributor assembly costing $500, along with the lower control arm which costs $650.

How Is the Technology?

Entertainment technology is great with a standard 8-inch touchscreen stereo system. Optional upgrades include a more powerful Bose audio system, as well as a rear seat entertainment system.

Standard safety technology is decent and features a rearview camera, forward collision warning with brake assist, along with rear door alert to remind you to check the back seat before exiting.

Optional driver assistance features include:

• Rear parking sensors
• Surround-view parking camera
• Blind spot monitoring
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear cross traffic alert

Is the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder a Good Value?

Yes, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a good value since it offers decent passenger room and improved reliability from earlier years. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,350 to $35,250, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Subaru Outback. When new, the price range was $31,040 to $44,260. Depreciation is similar to some other midsize SUVs, losing about 8% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Nissan Pathfinder?

There are four versions of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder offered, from the entry-level S, to the more luxurious Platinum. The Pathfinder comes standard with front-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.

S is the entry-level model with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Roof rails
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Rearview camera
• Keyless ignition and entry
• 60/40-split folding second-row seat (slides and reclines)
• Bluetooth
• 8-inch touchscreen interface
• Six-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio, CD player, and dual USB media inputs
• Two additional charge-only USB ports for rear passengers
• Automatic emergency braking

SV offers upgrades including:

• Includes all S features plus:
• Automatic headlights
• Fog lights
• Rear parking sensors
• Power-adjustable driver seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• All Weather package (optional): heated front seats, heated side mirrors, heated steering wheel
• Tech package (optional): navigation system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, Nissan telematics services, trailer hitch receiver

SL is a step up, adding:

• Includes all features from the SV’s All Weather and Tech packages plus:
• Leather upholstery
• Power liftgate
• Top-down 360-degree parking camera system
• Power-adjustable passenger seat
• Heated second-row seats
• Upgraded interior trim
• SL Premium package (optional): 20-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, 13-speaker Bose audio system, trailer hitch receiver
• Midnight Edition package (optional): blacked-out 20-inch wheels, side mirrors, roof rails, and other cosmetic elements

Platinum is the flagship model which has:

• Includes all options from previous trims plus:
• 20-inch wheels
• LED headlights
• Ventilated front seats
• Power-adjustable steering wheel
• Wood interior trim
• Rear seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch headrest displays (optional)

What Engines Come In the Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder has a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft of torque at up to 23 MPG. It’s mated to a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The Pathfinder stands out with its impressive towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. As for performance, it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.4 seconds.

What Colors Does the Nissan Pathfinder Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Nissan Pathfinder?

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder excels in providing a comfortable ride for both the driver and passengers. The vehicle comes with a three-row seating arrangement which accommodates up to seven people, guaranteeing that there is ample room for a family trip or a carpool. The seats themselves are designed to provide a balance of support and comfort for long rides, with the front seats offering good visibility, ample headroom, and optional heating and cooling features.

The second-row seats are adjustable, offering the flexibility to create more legroom for the third row if needed. Regarding ride quality, the Pathfinder’s suspension is designed to absorb most road imperfections, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride. Moreover, the cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise, adding to overall comfort.

How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Pathfinder Have?

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder offers a versatile interior space that is suitable for both passengers and cargo. It provides a substantial amount of storage room when you need to haul goods, making it a practical choice for families and adventure-seekers. The vehicle’s total cargo capacity stands at a generous 79.5 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded down. This is a large amount of space, capable of accommodating items such as a full-size bicycle, multiple suitcases, or outdoor camping equipment.

When the third-row seats are up, the cargo space behind these seats is 16.2 cubic feet, which can easily fit grocery bags, a stroller, or a couple of small suitcases. If more space is needed, but passenger seating is still required, folding down the third-row seats expands the space to 47.4 cubic feet. This added room can comfortably house larger items, such as a large cooler, multiple duffle bags, or even a small piece of furniture. This blend of passenger comfort and cargo utility makes the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder a well-rounded choice for those in need of a versatile SUV.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The fourth generation of the Nissan Pathfinder was launched for the 2013 model year.

2015: SL and Platinum models add blind-spot warning and rear cross traffic alert, standard equipment packages shuffled.

2016: SV model now has an optional cold weather package.

2017: More powerful engine available, increased towing capacity, larger touchscreen, and some small exterior styling changes.

2018: Additional USB ports and automatic emergency braking are standard, adaptive cruise control is now optional.

2019: New Rock Creek Edition styling package available, more standard driver aids found on many models.

2020: No major changes.

2022: Totally redesigned for the fifth generation after skipping the 2021 model year with new engine, styling, and technology features.

How Does the Nissan Pathfinder Compare to the Competition?

The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder is a decent midsize SUV offering plenty of passenger room along with some good technology, although it may not last as long as some of the competitors.

The Toyota Highlander is another midsize SUV which can be found for about $4,000 more. Standard safety technology is better in the Toyota Highlander, while the Nissan Pathfinder has a more user-friendly stereo system. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since it’s the longest-lasting midsize SUV on the market.

The Honda Pilot is a competitor which is available for roughly $2,500 more. Passenger room is better throughout the Pilot with more room in the third row, while the Nissan Pathfinder offers some nicer interior materials. We recommend the Honda Pilot, although both are very similar, making it worth test driving both to see which you prefer.

Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Pathfinder?