What You Get in Each 2025 Pathfinder Trim Level

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder comes in five trim levels: S, SV, SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve. Each step up adds comfort features, safety technology, and interior materials rather than changing the core vehicle. The S is the base model with cloth seats, a 7-inch touchscreen, and standard safety features. The SV adds heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, and remote start. The SL brings leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a Bose audio system. Platinum adds a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Platinum Reserve tops the line with semi-aniline leather, a power steering wheel, and upgraded ambient lighting.

All trims seat eight passengers across three rows, though the third row is tight for adults on longer drives. Cargo space behind the third row is 16.6 cubic feet; fold the third row and you get 47.9 cubic feet; fold both rear rows and capacity reaches 95.1 cubic feet. The difference between trims is mostly what surrounds you while you drive, not how much space you have or how the engine performs.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Pathfinder uses one engine across all trims: a 3.5-liter V6 with 284 horsepower, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
  • Trim levels (S, SV, SL, Platinum, Platinum Reserve) differ in interior materials, technology screens, and comfort features, not in performance or capability.
  • All models seat eight and offer the same cargo space; the third row is best for children or occasional use by adults.
  • The SV trim offers the best balance of features and price for most buyers; the S works if you want the lowest entry cost and don't need leather or premium audio.
  • Nissan offers all-wheel drive standard on every 2025 Pathfinder; there is no front-wheel-drive option.

Engine, Transmission, and Drivetrain Options

Every 2025 Pathfinder has the same powertrain: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Nissan does not offer a smaller engine, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid option for this generation. All-wheel drive is standard on every trim; you cannot order a front-wheel-drive Pathfinder.

The V6 is adequate for highway driving and moderate towing. Nissan rates the Pathfinder to tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. Fuel economy is estimated at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway for all-wheel-drive models, according to EPA ratings. Real-world numbers vary based on driving habits and road conditions, but most owners report figures close to those estimates.

The 9-speed automatic is smooth in normal driving and handles the V6's power without strain. There is no manual transmission option, and Nissan has not announced plans to offer one for future model years.

Interior Technology and Infotainment Differences

The touchscreen size and features change with each trim. The S model includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV upgrades to an 8-inch screen. The SL adds a Bose premium audio system with nine speakers and moves to an 8-inch screen as well. Platinum and Platinum Reserve both get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on Platinum Reserve.

Navigation is not standard on any trim; you can add it as an option on SV and higher. The S does not offer factory navigation at all. All trims include a backup camera as standard. SL and higher add a 360-degree camera system that shows a bird's-eye view when you shift into reverse or park.

Climate control is dual-zone on S and SV, and tri-zone on SL and higher. Heated front seats come on SV and up; heated rear seats are Platinum and above only. Ventilated seats are not offered on any 2025 Pathfinder trim.

Seating, Materials, and Comfort Features by Trim

The S and SV use cloth upholstery throughout. The SL moves to leather on the front seats and steering wheel, with cloth on the second and third rows. Platinum and Platinum Reserve offer leather on all three rows. Platinum Reserve uses semi-aniline leather, which is softer and more durable than standard leather but requires more care.

Power adjustments for the driver's seat are standard on SL and higher; the S and SV have manual adjustment. A power steering wheel (tilt and telescope) comes on Platinum Reserve only. Lumbar support for the driver is available on SL and above. A panoramic sunroof is Platinum and above; the S, SV, and SL do not offer one.

The second row has a 60/40 split-folding bench seat on all trims. It does not slide or recline. The third row is a bench that folds flat into the floor; it is tight for adults but works for children. No trim offers captain's chairs in the second row.

Safety Technology Across All Trims

Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite is standard on every 2025 Pathfinder. This includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep information. A backup camera is standard on all trims. The 360-degree camera system (mentioned above) is SL and higher only.

Adaptive cruise control is standard on SL and higher; S and SV do not include it. All trims have stability control, traction control, and hill-start information. Nissan does not offer a surround-view monitor on any trim, though the 360-degree camera on SL and up provides similar functionality when parking.

Crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) explore to the entire Pathfinder lineup, not individual trims. The 2025 model has not yet completed all IIHS testing, but the 2024 model scored well in most categories.

Exterior Design and Wheel Options

The 2025 Pathfinder has a redesigned front grille and LED headlights on SL and higher; S and SV use halogen headlights. LED daytime running lights are standard on all trims. The body is the same across all trims; there are no special exterior packages or styling options that change the look significantly.

Wheel sizes vary by trim. The S and SV come with 18-inch wheels as standard. The SL, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve use 20-inch wheels. All-terrain or off-road tires are not offered; all trims use highway-rated all-season tires. You can purchase different wheels and tires separately, but Nissan does not offer them as factory options.

The roof is body-color on all trims. A roof rack is standard on SL and higher; S and SV do not include one. Towing mirrors are not available as an option; the standard mirrors are adequate for the Pathfinder's towing capacity.

Warranty, Maintenance, and Long-Term Costs

All 2025 Pathfinder trims carry the same warranty: three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain. Roadside information is included for three years or 36,000 miles. The warranty does not vary by trim level.

Maintenance costs are the same across all trims because the engine, transmission, and drivetrain are identical. Oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks follow the same schedule. Leather seats on higher trims may require professional cleaning, which is an added expense not present on cloth-seat models.

Resale value typically favors SL and higher because they have more features and appeal to a broader buyer pool. S and SV models may depreciate slightly faster, though this varies by market and condition. Insurance rates do not differ by trim; they depend on the vehicle's age, mileage, and your driving history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 2025 Pathfinder with front-wheel drive?

No. All-wheel drive is standard and mandatory on every 2025 Pathfinder trim. Nissan does not offer a front-wheel-drive option for this generation. If you need front-wheel drive, you would need to look at a different vehicle or consider a used model from an earlier generation.

Is the third row suitable for adults on long trips?

The third row is tight for adults. It works best for children or for occasional use by adults on short drives. Legroom is limited, and the seat does not recline. If you regularly carry six or more adults, the Pathfinder may not be the best fit.

What is the difference between the Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims?

The Platinum Reserve adds semi-aniline leather (softer than standard leather), a power steering wheel, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Platinum has standard leather, manual steering wheel adjustment, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both have the same engine, transmission, and safety features.

Does the S trim have navigation?

No. The S does not offer factory navigation. You can add navigation to SV and higher trims as an option. If navigation is important to you, the SV is the lowest trim that offers it, or you can use your smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on any trim.

Are there any special editions or packages for 2025?

Nissan has not announced special editions for the 2025 Pathfinder. The five standard trims (S, SV, SL, Platinum, Platinum Reserve) are the only configurations available. Some dealers may offer packages or bundles, but these are dealer-specific and not official Nissan offerings.