NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Nissan Pathfinder
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row midsize SUV that has long targeted family buyers who need genuine passenger capacity without stepping into full-size truck territory. Now in its fifth generation for the covered model years, it competes in one of the most hotly contested segments in America, going up against the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Ford Explorer. Safety is a legitimate selling point here, but the full picture deserves a careful look.
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. No vehicle recalls are on file for this model year.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Pathfinder as a practical, family-friendly three-row SUV with a comfortable interior and straightforward driving character. Most find it a competent if not segment-defining choice, praising its usable third row and ease of daily operation while noting it faces stiff competition from more dynamically polished rivals in the midsize SUV class.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21066
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
6 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.