2027 Nissan Pathfinder Trims Compared

The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder comes in five trims: SV, Rock Creek, SL, Special Edition and Platinum. They share one V6 and a nine-speed automatic, but they differ in towing, seating and capability. This guide walks through those differences so you know what to ask about when you visit.

• Power: 3.5L V6 at 284 hp and 259 lb-ft, or 295 hp and 270 lb-ft on Rock Creek (premium fuel)
• Towing: 3,500 lbs on SV and SL, 6,000 lbs on Rock Creek, Special Edition and Platinum, per Nissan
• Seating: eight passengers on most trims, seven on the Special Edition

What Every 2027 Pathfinder Shares

Every Pathfinder uses a 3.5-liter V6 with a nine-speed automatic. Nissan rates it at 284 hp and 259 lb-ft, and Rock Creek at 295 hp and 270 lb-ft with premium unleaded. You can choose front-wheel drive or Nissan’s Intelligent 4×4, and the 4×4 system includes a seven-position drive and terrain mode selector and Hill Descent Control. Nissan lists ProPILOT Assist, Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention and Intelligent Lane Intervention as standard on every trim, and says the Pathfinder carries a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating and an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating.

Nissan lists one set of cargo figures for the Pathfinder: 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. For the family-hauling side of the Pathfinder, see The Nissan Pathfinder: The Three-Row SUV for High Desert Families.

Towing by Trim

Nissan rates towing as maximum capacity when properly equipped. Here is how it breaks down:

• SV and SL: 3,500 lbs standard. Nissan lists 6,000 lbs as an option with the tow hitch, harness and enhanced transmission cooling, which come in the SV and SL Premium Packages.
• Rock Creek, Special Edition and Platinum: 6,000 lbs standard.

Nissan notes that towing capacity varies by configuration, so check the exact vehicle and your trailer before you tow. A 6,000 lb rating covers many small campers and boats but is not a full-size truck rating.

Seating by Trim

The SV, Rock Creek, SL and Platinum are listed as eight-passenger SUVs, and Rock Creek, SL and Platinum can be ordered with second-row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating. The Special Edition is listed as a seven-passenger SUV with captain’s chairs as standard. Third-row seats fold flat in a 60/40 split, and the SL and Platinum add a second-row bench with a center armrest and cupholders.

Trim by Trim

SV

The SV has cloth seats, 18-inch painted alloy wheels with all-season tires and heated front seats. Nissan lists the 3,500 lb tow rating as standard, with 6,000 lbs available through the SV Premium Package.

Rock Creek

Rock Creek is the off-road-tuned Pathfinder. Nissan lists a unique off-road-tuned suspension, 18-inch black machined alloy wheels with 265/60R18 all-terrain tires, rugged mesh grille styling, black badging and fixed roof cross bars rated for 220 lbs. It also carries the higher 295 hp and 270 lb-ft output and requires premium fuel.

Compared with the other trims, Nissan lists Rock Creek at 7.7 inches of ground clearance versus 7.1, an 18.8 degree approach angle versus 15.6, a 22.8 degree departure angle versus 20.9, and a 19.3 degree breakover angle versus 15.6. Rock Creek is listed with four-wheel drive only. It is a more capable Pathfinder, not a rock crawler.

SL

The SL adds TailorFit-appointed first and second rows, 18-inch machined alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch meter display, a wireless smartphone charging pad and Traffic Sign Recognition. A 20-inch wheel and Bose audio are available through the SL Premium Package.

Special Edition

The Special Edition marks 40 years of the Pathfinder with black 20-inch wheels, two-tone burgundy TailorFit seating, a panoramic moonroof, Bose Premium Audio with 12 speakers, second-row sunshades and Gun Metallic brushed interior trim. Our full write-up is in 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition. Ask us about 2027 Pathfinder availability and timing.

Platinum

The Platinum has semi-aniline leather on the first and second rows with quilting, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, wood-toned interior trim and 20-inch machined alloy wheels. It also adds a heated second row (outboard seats) and a 120-volt outlet in the second row.

Fuel Economy

Nissan lists EPA estimates of 20 city, 27 highway and 23 combined mpg with two-wheel drive on the SV, SL and Special Edition, and 21/27/23 with four-wheel drive. The Platinum is listed at 20/27/23 (two-wheel drive) and 20/25/22 (four-wheel drive), and the Rock Creek at 20/23/21 with four-wheel drive. Actual mileage may vary.

Where It Fits, and Where Another Vehicle Might

If you tow often, the standard 6,000 lb rating on Rock Creek, Special Edition and Platinum is the simplest path. If you need eight seats, look at the trims listed with eight-passenger seating. If you want the most trail-ready Pathfinder for trips toward Stoddard Valley or the Mojave National Preserve, Rock Creek is the one to ask about. For a bigger SUV, see our 2027 Nissan Armada guide.

Common Questions

Which 2027 Nissan Pathfinder trims have the highest towing capacity?

Nissan lists 6,000 lbs of towing as standard on the Rock Creek, Special Edition and Platinum. The SV and SL are rated at 3,500 lbs, with 6,000 lbs available as an option. Towing capacity varies by configuration.

How many people does the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder seat?

Nissan lists eight-passenger seating on the SV, Rock Creek, SL and Platinum, and seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs on the Special Edition. Rock Creek, SL and Platinum can also be configured with captain’s chairs for seven passengers.

What is different about the Pathfinder Rock Creek?

Rock Creek has an off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance at 7.7 inches, improved approach, departure and breakover angles, and a 295 hp V6 that requires premium fuel.

What engine does the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder have?

All trims use a 3.5-liter V6 with a nine-speed automatic transmission, rated at 284 hp and 259 lb-ft. Rock Creek is rated at 295 hp and 270 lb-ft.

Is the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder available at Valley Hi Nissan?

Availability changes often, so call Valley Hi Nissan at (760) 241-1700 to ask about 2027 Pathfinder timing and trims.

See the Pathfinder in Person

Want to compare the Pathfinder trims side by side? 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.