2024 Nissan Pathfinder Configurations: Trims, Powertrain, and Features Explained

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row midsize SUV offered in multiple trim levels, each targeting a different buyer profile and budget. Understanding how those configurations stack up — and what actually changes between them — helps you evaluate what you're paying for at any point on the lineup.

How the 2024 Pathfinder Lineup Is Structured

Nissan organizes the 2024 Pathfinder into six trim levels, listed from base to top:

This structure means there are effectively two tracks: a comfort-oriented path (S → SV → SL → Platinum) and a more capability-focused path (Rock Creek, XE). Those two tracks overlap in price in the middle of the range.

Powertrain: What's Under the Hood Across All Trims

Every 2024 Pathfinder — regardless of trim — uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission. There is no turbocharged option, no hybrid variant, and no diesel in this generation.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is available on S, SV, SL, and Platinum. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available across most trims and comes standard on Rock Creek and XE.

The Pathfinder's AWD system includes Nissan's Intelligent 4WD with multiple selectable modes — including a dedicated Snow mode and a Lock mode for low-speed off-road crawling. The Rock Creek and XE trims take this further with additional off-road tuning, increased ground clearance, and specific terrain management settings.

Fuel economy figures from EPA testing generally fall in the range of 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway for FWD models, with AWD versions slightly lower — though real-world numbers vary based on driving habits, load, terrain, and conditions.

What Changes Trim to Trim 🔍

Understanding what you're actually gaining as you move up the ladder is the most practical part of trim research.

S (Base) The entry point includes a 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three-zone automatic climate control, and Nissan's Safety Shield 360 — a suite of standard driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

SV Adds features like a larger 12.3-inch dual-panel digital cockpit display, wireless phone charging, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a remote engine start. This is often considered the first trim where daily usability meaningfully improves.

SL Steps up interior materials with leather-appointed seating, heated front and second-row seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a more advanced Bose audio system. Navigation is also added here.

Rock Creek Branches off the mainstream comfort path. It uses AWD exclusively, adds specific off-road tuning to the suspension, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain-style tires, and Rock Creek badging. Interior gets some darkened trim elements. This trim exists for buyers who want more trail capability without going to a dedicated off-road vehicle.

Platinum The comfort peak of the lineup. Adds a 12.3-inch navigation display, quilted semi-aniline leather seating, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and ProPilot Assist — Nissan's hands-on highway driving assistance system that combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

XE The most off-road-capable configuration. AWD is standard, and it includes terrain management, lifted ride height, skid plates, and all-terrain tires from the factory. The XE trades some of the Platinum's interior luxury for purpose-built trail hardware.

Seating and Passenger Capacity

All 2024 Pathfinder configurations seat 7 or 8 passengers, depending on whether the second row is configured with a bench seat or captain's chairs. Captain's chairs come standard on some higher trims and are optional on others, reducing capacity from 8 to 7 but improving access to the third row.

Third-row seating is accessible via Nissan's Divide-N-Hide cargo system, which allows the second row to slide forward without removing car seats, a practical feature for families with mixed seating needs.

Towing and Payload

The Pathfinder is rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds when properly equipped with the available Tow Package, which includes a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and trailer sway control. Not all trims include this package by default — it's either standard or an add-on depending on the trim level. Buyers who plan to tow should verify whether the Tow Package is included in a specific configuration or needs to be added.

Variables That Shape the Right Configuration for Any Buyer

A few factors tend to drive which trim makes sense:

• Drivetrain need — FWD vs. AWD affects both capability and price, and AWD is the only option on Rock Creek and XE
• Technology priorities — the jump from S to SV is largely about digital displays; the jump to Platinum is about driver assistance and seat comfort
• Off-road intent — Rock Creek and XE exist specifically for buyers who plan to use those capabilities; they trade some interior refinement for it
• Towing — whether the Tow Package is standard or optional depends on trim
• Third-row access patterns — captain's chairs vs. bench affects both capacity and convenience depending on who's using the vehicle

The 2024 Pathfinder's configuration spread is wide enough that two buyers in the same price range could end up in very different vehicles depending on what they prioritize — and what options were installed on a specific build. 🚙