The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder lasts around 200,000 miles, with some relatively minor transmission software and stereo system issues reported. At $23,550 to $34,850, it’s a good value for a midsize SUV with decent reliability ratings and good practicality.
Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a decent year for the Nissan Pathfinder since it offers plenty of passenger room and advanced safety features. Owner reviews praise the roomy third row, smooth suspension, along with the low maintenance costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice for a midsize SUV in its price range, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also excellent.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Pathfinder. Avoid models from 2013–2017 which have a lot of transmission failures, while 2018–2022 are more reliable options.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is decent from the standard V6 engine, but it’s not as powerful as some of the other midsize SUVs available.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Pathfinder is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at up to 23 MPG, giving 448 miles of range out of the 19.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $32 cheaper than average at $252 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is less expensive than other midsize SUVs, but higher depreciation rates lowers its overall value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Pathfinder?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder offers a very roomy interior for its size, while getting good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Nissan Pathfinder at 4/5, enjoying the easy third-row access, but doesn’t like the lower cargo capacity than some other midsize SUVs.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Pathfinder a 4/5, praising the strong standard V6 engine, but owners don’t like the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder include delayed gear changes, a frozen stereo system, along with excessive brake wear. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs, leading to average repair costs as a Pathfinder ages.
Delayed gear changes are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Pathfinder owners, showing up at around 2,500 miles. There are software updates available for the transmission control module, which improves gear change times. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while others charge around $100 for the labor associated with it.
A frozen stereo system has also been mentioned by some 2020 Pathfinder owners at around 1,000 miles. Restarting the car usually fixes the stereo system, but there are also software updates for it. Most dealerships will install these updates during normal servicing, while others charge around $50.
Excessive brake wear is another problem found on some Pathfinder models at roughly 10,000 miles. The front brakes tend to wear down quicker than on other SUVs. Replacing the brake pads costs around $150, while new rotors cost an additional $300.
There are no recalls on the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, which is better than some other midsize SUVs. Since there are no recalls, it just means that there have not been any widespread issues which affect the safety or reliability of the vehicle.
How Long Will the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder Last?
A well-maintained 2020 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 slightly higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $515 per year.
As a used 2020 Pathfinder reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the u-joint for $150, a track bar costing $350, along with the brake booster, which costs around $650.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, although it doesn’t have the latest technology like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system and rear-seat entertainment system.
Standard safety technology is similar to other SUVs and includes:
- Forward collision warning
- Rearview camera
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rear parking sensors
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
Is the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is a great value since it offers reasonable ownership costs, and decent practicality ratings. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $23,550 to $34,850, making it less than a Honda Pilot or Jeep Grand Cherokee. When new, the price range was $31,980 to $44,910. Depreciation is worse than some other SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Pathfinder?
There are four main models of the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder offered from the entry-level S through to the more luxurious Platinum. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Pathfinder S is the entry-level model with:
- Roof rails
- Three-zone climate control
- Sliding/reclining second-row seat
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 8-inch touchscreen interface
- Six-speaker sound system with CD/HD radio/satellite radio
- Dual USB ports (one Type A and one Type C) for front passengers
- Dual USB ports (one Type A and one Type C) for rear passengers
- Automatic emergency braking
- Reverse parking sensors
Pathfinder SV is a step up, adding:
- All features of the S trim
- Blind-spot warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Optional Rock Creek Edition with blacked-out exterior trim and towing capabilities
- Optional additional packages for Rock Creek Edition, including panoramic sunroof and heated front cloth seats
Pathfinder SL has more items, including:
- All features of the SV trim
- Hands-free liftgate
- Heated front and rear seats
- Leather upholstery
- Navigation system
- Optional Rock Creek Edition with blacked-out exterior trim and towing capabilities
- Optional additional packages for Rock Creek Edition, including Bose audio system
Pathfinder Platinum is the flagship model, which has:
- All features of the SL trim
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- Power-adjustable steering wheel
- Premium Bose audio system
- Optional rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch headrest displays
What Engines Come In the Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a single engine option across all of its trims:
The 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 284 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft of torque. This powertrain is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) which provides smooth gear transitions and optimal fuel efficiency. In terms of performance, the Pathfinder achieves a combined fuel economy of 23 MPG and can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in around 7.4 seconds. Furthermore, with this engine, the 2020 Pathfinder boasts a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, making it quite capable for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy equipment.
What Colors Does the Nissan Pathfinder Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is designed with passenger comfort in mind, making it suitable for both short city drives and longer road trips. The cabin is spacious, allowing for ample headroom and legroom across all three rows, ensuring that passengers, even those seated in the third row, have a comfortable experience. The seats are upholstered with quality materials, with higher trims offering plush leather seating surfaces, providing both support and cushioning for extended periods of travel.
The suspension in the Pathfinder efficiently absorbs most road irregularities, delivering a smooth and stable ride. Additionally, the vehicle’s acoustic insulation does a commendable job of keeping out external noises, allowing for a quiet interior atmosphere. Added features like tri-zone climate control in certain trims further elevate the comfort level, letting passengers tailor the cabin environment to their liking. Overall, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder emphasizes comfort, ensuring a pleasant journey for all occupants.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Pathfinder Have?
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder offers a versatile and spacious storage solution suitable for a range of needs. Within its three-row seating layout, when all the seats are in use, the Pathfinder provides a decent 16.2 cubic feet of space behind the third row. This is ample room to accommodate items like grocery bags, backpacks, or a couple of small suitcases.
For larger cargo needs, folding down the third-row seats expands the storage space to a substantial 47.4 cubic feet, enough to fit larger luggage, sports equipment, or a stroller. And for those who need maximum cargo capacity, laying both the second and third rows flat opens up a cavernous 79.5 cubic feet of space, making it practical for transporting large items such as furniture or camping gear. Additionally, the Pathfinder offers a variety of small interior storage spaces, including door pockets, a spacious center console, cupholders, and under-floor storage compartments, perfect for organizing and securing smaller items.
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 have added more safety features, and equipment packages have been shuffled.
2016: SV models now have an optional cold weather package.
2017: More powerful engine choices available, increased towing capacity, small exterior styling changes, and an upgraded touchscreen.
2018: Standard automatic emergency braking on all models, more USB ports added, and adaptive cruise control is available.
2019: Rock Creek Edition styling package offered, and more driver aids across the models.
2020: No major changes from earlier years.
2022: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation after being out of production for the 2021 model year with new engine, styling, and technology features.
How Does the Nissan Pathfinder Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is a decent midsize SUV offering a good mix of practicality and reasonable reliability ratings.
The Honda Pilot is another midsize SUV, which costs about $2,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Honda Pilot, while the Nissan Pathfinder offers a more powerful engine. We recommend the Honda Pilot since the long-term ownership costs are lower.
The Kia Sorento is a popular competitor, which can be found in the same price range. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Kia Sorento, while off-road performance is better in the Nissan Pathfinder. We recommend the Nissan Pathfinder, although both are very similar in terms of reliability.
