carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $33,160–$43,125 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.7/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $33,160–$43,125, 21 MPG, seating 7, the Nissan Pathfinder sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.5/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $33,160 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 8%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $37,533 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $37,533 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.4/10 | $36,440 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $35,346 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $34,253 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $33,160 | |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $32,067 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $30,974 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $29,880 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $28,787 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $27,694 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $26,601 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Nissan Pathfinder's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder starts at $33,160 and ranges up to $43,125 across trims (MSRP when new). At 21 MPG, expect roughly $2,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
