Nissan · 1985–present
Nissan Terrano
The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1985. Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan's compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier. The Pathfinder was marketed as the Nissan Terrano (Japanese: 日産・テラノ, Hepburn: Nissan Terano) outside North America. Beginning in 2004, the vehicles were marketed globally as the Pathfinder. In 2012, the R52 series Pathfinder was released as a three-row crossover SUV based on the unibody Nissan D platform, moving away from the body-on-frame chassis format. The role of a mid-size body-on-frame SUV in Nissan's global lineup was passed to the Terra/X-Terra, which was released in 2018 and based on the D23 series Navara.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Successor: Nissan Pathfinder
All Nissan Terrano data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →
First generation (YD21/WD21; 1985)
The first generation Pathfinder was unveiled in May 1985 and was later introduced in July 1986 as a two-door body-on-frame SUV, for the 1987 model year in the United States. It shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody Truck. Built on a ladder-type frame, the Pathfinder was Nissan's response to the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco II, Jeep Cherokee, and non-American SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, and the Isuzu MU. Before the Pathfinder there was the Nissan Bushmaster (an aftermarket conversion of the Datsun Truck). Its optional 4WD system that could be engaged electronically while the vehicle was moving was unique at the time. All YD21 Pathfinders were available in both 2WD and manually engaged 4WD configurations, with base models installed with a 2.4 L four-cylinder engine. In certain countries, this generation also came with a 2.7-litre I4 diesel engine known as the TD27 with the option of a turbocharger installed later in November 1988. In Japan, it was exclusive to Nissan Shop locations, where it was called the Terrano and served as a smaller companion to the larger Nissan Safari. While the Pathfinder/Terrano was essentially based on the newly introduced Hardbody truck, the rear five-link coil suspension was borrowed from the Safari to enhance its off-road abilities. In addition to the Station Wagon version (two or later four doors), the home market also received a version intended for commercial use called the "Estate Van" (chassis codes beginning with the letter "V"). The two-door version was available with the Nissan VG30i V6, which produces 140 PS (103 kW) at 4800 rpm in Japanese market specifications. As the Japanese market Terrano was regarded as a luxury vehicle, with an emphasis on outdoor leisure activities, the Terrano was int
Second generation (R50; 1995)
The second generation Pathfinder was introduced in late 1995 with revised styling. The engine was upgraded to the VG33E, with 168 hp (125 kW) and 196 lb⋅ft (266 N⋅m) torque. For the 19991⁄2 model year, the Pathfinder was freshened. In the year 2000 for the 2001 model year brought a new 240 hp (179 kW) V6 engine (for the automatic transmission models). The manual transmission models boasted 250 hp (186 kW) and 240-lbft of torque. This engine was the VQ35DE. The 4-cylinder engine option was no longer available, and diesel engines continued to be used in Japanese and European models. As of the 2002 model year, the Terrano / Pathfinder was no longer marketed in Japan, and was available in North America, Europe and the Middle East. The market position held by the Terrano in Japan was replaced by the Nissan Murano in 2002. The Japanese market Terrano and luxurious Terrano Regulus saw demand drop significantly due to the hard economic times felt in Japan, known as the Lost Decade. Nissan offered a smaller, off-road vehicle to its Japanese customer base who enjoyed the Pathfinder when it introduced the Nissan X-Trail in 2000. Facelifts. The Pathfinder received a facelift in 1998 for the 1999.5 model year with a revised front fascia, rear fascia, and interior — followed by another facelift occurred in 2001 for the 2002 model year, receiving the updated Nissan logo, a revised grille, as well as a new steering wheel, different rims and radio display. In 2002 for the 2003 model year, the Pathfinder again received a new steering wheel. Infiniti QX4/Terrano Regulus. The Infiniti QX4 is a mid-size luxury SUV introduced in September 1996 and based on the Nissan Pathfinder. It was released following Acura's introduction of the SLX and Lexus's larger LX 450. The QX4 was Infiniti's first
Third generation (R51; 2004)
In August 2003, Nissan unveiled Dunehawk Concept and showcased it at the IAA 2003 in Frankfurt (R51 design patents filed 8 September 2003), previewing the next Pathfinder's design. At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled a completely redesigned Pathfinder for the 2005 model year. The new R51 Pathfinder uses the Nissan F-Alpha platform. It is powered by a 4.0 L V6 engine VQ40DE (266 hp (198 kW), 288 lb⋅ft (390 N⋅m)) or a 2.5 L YD25DDT (126 kW (171 PS; 169 hp), 403 N⋅m (297 lb⋅ft)) turbodiesel. The larger Pathfinder Armada debuted in late 2003, but was based on the Titan full-sized pickup truck and dropped the "Pathfinder" prefix in 2005. The 2005 model introduced a third row of seats to the Pathfinder line for the first time. 2008 facelift (US and Middle East). The facelifted 2008 Pathfinder debuted at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. Some of the badge positions on the rear liftgate were tweaked, and this version also received the Titan's 5.6-litre V8 engine rated at 310 hp (231 kW) and 388 lb⋅ft (526 N⋅m). 2010 facelift (Europe, South America, Asia/Oceania, Caribbean). An updated version debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010, was available with the Nissan V9X Engine 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel producing 170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp) and 550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) at 1,750 – 2,500 rpm while the upgraded YD25DDTi turbodiesel also available produces 140 kW (190 PS; 188 hp) – up 14 kW (19 PS; 19 hp) – while torque increased by 47 N⋅m (35 lb⋅ft) to 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft). Over the combined cycle manual versions use 8.4 L/100 km – an improvement of 1.4 L/100 km – while CO2 emissions have fallen by 40g/km to 224 g/km. Both figures were class competitive at the time. A version of the engine with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) was also available in certain markets. The
Fourth generation (R52; 2012)
A redesigned Pathfinder went on sale in late October 2012 as a 2013 model. It moved away from a body-on-frame, truck-based SUV and adopted a unibody design. It rides on the same platform as the Infiniti QX60, Altima, Maxima, Murano and Quest. This generation Pathfinder has an interior similar to the second generation Murano, the Infiniti QX60, and some more SUVs and sedans. The third row has more leg room than the Nissan Rogue. A concept, nearly identical to the eventual production model, was first revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. Retail availability was scheduled for September 2012. The new Pathfinder is only available with a VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 260 hp (194 kW) and 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m) of torque. City, highway and combined average fuel economy numbers are 20 (City), 26 (Highway) and 22 (Combined) mpg for the FWD version and 19 (City), 25 (Highway) and 21 (Combined) mpg for the 4WD version. The Pathfinder is significantly lighter than the previous generation, with the FWD model weighing 4149 pounds, while the 4WD Pathfinder weighs 4290 pounds. This generation also abandons having the rear door handles hidden on the C pillar, a design feature of the first three generations of Pathfinders. As of 2015, the R52 series is only available in North America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and the Middle East. It is not produced or sold in Japan. 2014 model year update. Changes to the US 2014 model include: New SL Tech Package, featuring Bose Premium Audio System, Nissan Navigation System, voice recognition, XM NavTraffic and NavWeather capability (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Restaurant Survey, Bluetooth Streaming Audio and 8.0-inch colour touchscreen monitor Offered in four models: S, SV, SL a
Fifth generation (R53; 2021)
=== Global version (2021) === The fifth-generation Pathfinder was unveiled on 4 February 2021. Nissan has preferred to be scheduled for a debut in the middle of 2020 as a 2021 model but later, it was scheduled debut as a 2022 model while the 2021 model year was entirely skipped since the fifth generation Pathfinder began the production in May 2021, then taking tests in July 2021 and began commercialization in August 2021. The model remains a unibody crossover, riding on the same platform as the previous generation, though it gains a more squared-off look with styling cues from previous Pathfinders along with the Rogue and Armada. Its dimensions are 1.5 in (3.8 cm) longer, 0.6 in (1.5 cm) wider, and 0.5 in (1.3 cm) taller. Engine power remains the same, at 284 hp (212 kW; 288 PS) and 259 lb⋅ft (351 N⋅m) of torque, though the CVT is replaced with an all-new 9-speed automatic from ZF. The fifth-generation Pathfinder also receives a new terrain-management system, dubbed Intelligent 4x4, featuring seven management settings. Trailer sway control is also included as standard, in addition to Safety Shield 360, Nissan's active safety suite. The interior also receives a redesign, featuring a squared-off, trucklike appearance mirroring the overall theme set by the exterior. The new interior also gains the "floating bridge" and electronic shifter seen in the smaller Rogue. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, while upper trims use a 9-inch unit, with wireless Apple CarPlay capability. The top-spec Platinum model gains a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.8-inch heads-up display in addition to the 9-inch screen. The fifth-generation Pathfinder comes standard as an 8-seater, with second-row bucket seats, a first for the Pathfinder
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Manufacturer
- Nissan
- aka
- Nissan Terrano (1985–2004)
- Production
- 1985–present
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1985–2014), Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2012–present), Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1985–present)
- Predecessor
- Nissan Bushmaster, Nissan Terrano II (Europe)
- Successor
- Nissan Xterra (for WD21 model, as a compact SUV), Nissan Terra (for R51 model, as a body-on-frame SUV)
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q452035CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_PathfinderCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1375225469 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nissan_Terrano_(first_generation)_(front),_Batu_Caves.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: User:Two hundred percent. · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.
