2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition: A 40th Anniversary Three-Row SUV for the High Desert

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder adds a Special Edition that celebrates 40 years of the nameplate. It builds on the three-row Pathfinder with a distinct look and heritage-inspired content, while keeping the 3.5-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic. Here is what Nissan’s press kit says about it, with the limits to keep in mind.

• Power: 3.5L V6 and 9-speed automatic, rated at 284 hp and 259 lb-ft
• Seating: seven passengers with second-row captain’s chairs
• Towing: up to 6,000 lbs as standard on the Special Edition, varying by configuration, per Nissan

What Is the Pathfinder Special Edition?

Nissan is adding a Special Edition to the 2027 Pathfinder lineup to mark four decades of the nameplate, and its press kit lists it as what’s new for the model year. The look nods to the original 1987 Pathfinder: Nissan says the two-tone burgundy seats reference that first model, and the Special Edition rides on black 20-inch painted aluminum-alloy wheels with 255/50R20 tires.

Inside, the Special Edition also carries a panoramic moonroof, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, second-row window sunshades and Gun Metallic brushed interior trim as standard. If you read our earlier look at the family-hauling side of this SUV, see The Nissan Pathfinder: The Three-Row SUV for High Desert Families. This post focuses on what the Special Edition adds for 2027.

Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain

Every 2027 Pathfinder uses a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection, paired with a 9-speed automatic that has paddle shifters and an electronic shift-by-wire selector. Nissan rates it at 284 hp at 6,400 rpm and 259 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm. The Rock Creek trim is rated higher, at 295 hp and 270 lb-ft, and calls for premium unleaded.

The Special Edition is offered with front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Nissan’s four-wheel-drive system is called Intelligent 4×4 and includes seven selectable driving modes. For drivers who head to Big Bear or Mammoth, that is the version to ask about.

Towing: Read the Qualifiers

Nissan lists the Special Edition, along with Rock Creek and Platinum, at up to 6,000 lbs of towing as standard. The SV and SL are rated at 3,500 lbs, with 6,000 lbs optional when equipped with a tow hitch. Nissan notes that towing capacity varies by configuration.

That is a solid number for a small camper trailer, a pair of off-road motorcycles or a boat for a weekend at Lake Havasu, but it is not a full-size truck rating. Always confirm the capacity of the exact vehicle, and add up passengers, cargo and tongue weight before you hitch up.

Seating and Cargo

The Special Edition is a seven-passenger SUV with captain’s chairs in the second row. Nissan says Pathfinder’s second-row seats tilt and slide for third-row access, and its LATCH AND GLIDE technology is designed so that access works even with a child seat installed.

Cargo volume is listed at 16.6 cu ft behind the third row, 45.0 cu ft behind the second row and 80.5 cu ft behind the first row. With the third row up, that is room for groceries and a few bags, and folding it down opens up the space for gear.

Technology and Safety

A 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, and Nissan lists up to five USB-C ports. The 12-speaker Bose system is standard on the Special Edition.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and Nissan lists ProPILOT Assist as standard on all Pathfinder trims. Nissan’s press kit also cites a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating and an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating for the Pathfinder. Driver-assistance features do not replace attentive driving and have limits.

Where It Fits, and Where Another Vehicle Might

The Pathfinder Special Edition suits families who want three-row seating, a V6 and a distinct look without moving to a larger vehicle. It is a good fit for daily driving around Victorville, Apple Valley and Hesperia, with room to take longer trips on the 15.

There are trade-offs. The EPA estimates of 20/27/23 mpg (two-wheel drive) and 21/27/23 mpg (four-wheel drive) are worth weighing against your daily mileage, the Special Edition seats seven rather than eight, and the 6,000 lb tow rating will not cover heavier trailers. If you need more towing or maximum seating, compare other configurations in the Pathfinder lineup.

Common Questions

How much can the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition tow?

Nissan lists the Special Edition at up to 6,000 lbs of towing capacity as standard. Nissan also states that towing capacity varies by configuration, so check the rating for the exact vehicle and your trailer before you tow.

How many people does the 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition seat?

Nissan lists the Special Edition as a seven-passenger SUV with second-row captain’s chairs. Other Pathfinder trims can be configured differently, and some seat eight.

What engine does the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder have?

It uses a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection and a 9-speed automatic transmission, rated at 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. Nissan lists the Rock Creek trim separately at 295 hp and 270 lb-ft.

What is new on the 2027 Pathfinder?

Nissan’s press kit lists the Special Edition as what’s new for 2027. It marks 40 years of the Pathfinder nameplate with black 20-inch wheels, two-tone burgundy seats, a panoramic moonroof and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.

What fuel economy does the 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition get?

The EPA estimates for the Special Edition are 20/27/23 mpg city/highway/combined with two-wheel drive and 21/27/23 mpg with four-wheel drive. Actual mileage may vary.

See the Pathfinder in Person

Ask us about 2027 Pathfinder availability and timing. Want to see the Pathfinder’s second row, cargo area and Special Edition details for yourself? Check current Pathfinder inventory or browse all new SUVs and crossovers. Valley Hi Nissan is at 15722 Valley Park Ln, Victorville, CA 92394. Call (760) 241-1700. Sales hours are Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM.