Today, we are talking about one of the most underrated family SUVs out there — the Nissan Pathfinder. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this car does not get the credit it deserves. It’s stylish, comfortable, and super practical for families.

Dare I say that the Pathfinder is a near-perfect family car? It really has it all.

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Kelly, The Car Mom. I’m a mom of four and a Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech, and I review cars for moms and families. Today, we’re checking out the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum, which has an MSRP of around $52,000. I’ll be breaking down what makes this car special, especially when it comes to the Platinum trim and three-across setups.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ve probably seen me review the Pathfinder before on different trim levels, but this one feels extra special. The Platinum trim is the top of the lineup with all the bells and whistles Nissan has to offer. If you want to check out the Pathfinder from other points of view, you can find them here:

What Stands Out on the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum has so much to unpack that I’m excited about, so let’s jump right into some highlights:

One of the best parts about the Pathfinder is its car seat setup. You can get a bench seat on every trim, even the Platinum, which is a huge win for families. I wouldn’t call it a full-on three-across machine, but there are definitely some combinations that work depending on your seats and your kids’ ages. Here’s how the hardware breaks down:

Second row:

You’ve got two full sets of lower anchors on the outboard seats.
There’s also a fifth “bonus” anchor that lets you install a car seat with LATCH in the middle. It basically shares one anchor from either side.
Three tether anchors across the row, which I love to see.

Third row:

You get one set of lower anchors behind the driver’s side seat.
The exterior styling is stunning. I think it’s the best-looking of the Nissan lineup because it feels fresh, sporty, and even a little bit luxurious.
The interior materials feel premium. The cognac leather is beautiful, but the piano-black trim shows every fingerprint and makes the car look messy. I’d rather see a matte finish that stays looking clean longer.
I love that Nissan added a heads-up display and a full digital dash, but the infotainment system looks a little outdated, and the screen feels small compared to its competitors.
There's a lot of storage to go around. The door cubbies are huge and can easily fit a Stanley tumbler or two, and the center console and cupholders are well placed for everyday use.

Curious why I tend to prefer a bench seat? See my full thoughts here!

Inside the Nissan Pathfinder

Once you sit inside the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum trim, you’ll see that the cognac leather interior immediately stands out. It’s beautiful and feels high-end for the price point. I love the soft-touch materials on the doors and dashboard, but the piano black trim is definitely one of my cons. It looks sleek at first, but it shows every fingerprint and smudge. With little kids traveling around with you, you’re better off with a matte finish that doesn’t highlight messes as much.

The heads-up display is a really nice touch that projects navigation and speed right onto the windshield. That’s something that you could previously only find in luxury cars. You’ll also get a digital gauge cluster, three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Storage-wise, the Pathfinder delivers!! The door cubbies are large enough for my Stanleys, and there’s a good amount of storage in the center console and throughout the cabin. The first row also comes with other features like:

USB-A and USB-C ports
Wireless charger
Auto hold (allows you to take your foot off the brake after you come to a complete stop)
Panoramic sunroof that brightens up both the first and second rows

The infotainment system, however, could use some updating.

The screens feel a little small and dated compared to what we’re seeing from other brands, like the Chevy Traverse. But I do love that the volume knobs and climate controls are all pulled out. Everything is easy to reach, and you don’t have to dig through the screen just to turn on the air. We all know how much I love digging through screens just to do simple tasks.

Three Across in the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder? It’s Possible.

I love that the bench seats are available on all trims, even the Platinum. That’s a huge win for families.

While I wouldn’t call the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum a “three-across machine,” it definitely is three-across friendly. Some combinations won’t work, but some absolutely will.

For example, I tested three Graco SlimFit3 LX convertible seats forward-facing, and they fit. You could even do a mix of rear- and forward-facing setups depending on your family’s needs.

Here’s what to know about the hardware:

Five lower anchors total (two full sets plus one additional anchor that allows for a middle LATCH install).
Three tether anchors across the second row.
One set of lower anchors is in the third row (behind the driver).
Three tether anchors in the third row.
The third row has non-removable headrests, which could interfere with some car seats.

I like this setup a lot, but just a note: the single “bonus” anchor in the middle second row doesn’t allow for three LATCH installs on its own. It’s just an option for flexibility, using one of the other LATCHES.

If you want a personalized three-across setup, our ChatCPST service can help. ChatCPST allows you to connect with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Tech to get a personalized car seat set up for your family. Simply email us your car and car seat info, and within 48 hours, we’ll send back a recipe that takes the guesswork out and makes choosing a car seat setup easier for you!

Try ChatCPST

2025 Nissan Pathfinder Second Row Features

The second row slides on tracks, which gives more flexibility for both the second and third rows.

Ceiling vents for both the second and third rows.
Built-in sunshades on the doors.
Two cupholders in each door plus extra cubbies for phones and drinks.
Heated seats on the Platinum trim.
Leather seatbacks and great storage pockets.
60/40 split bench with car seat tilt access to the third row.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder Third Row Features

The third row in the Pathfinder is small but smart. Because the second row slides on tracks, you can adjust legroom depending on who needs the space. With the second row pushed all the way back, legroom in the third row gets tight, which isn’t great, but when you move it up, it feels much more comfortable.

Here’s what stood out in the third row:

Ceiling vents and good airflow (something a lot of manufacturers forget).
Two cupholders and charging ports on both sides.
Room for two passengers to fit comfortably.
The non-removable headrests may be comfortable for adults, but they may also interfere with some car seats.

Overall, the Pathfinder uses its interior space well. It’s not the biggest SUV in its class, but it’s flexible enough and offers thoughtful details that make a difference for everyday life.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder Car Seat Trunk Space

Let’s talk about the trunk because that’s a big factor for most families. The Pathfinder has a power tailgate, which makes loading and unloading super easy. The cargo area isn’t the biggest around, but it’s definitely practical for everyday life.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum also has an underfloor storage compartment that’s actually pretty deep. You can take out the dividers to make the space bigger, which is great for things like grocery bags or sports gear. When you fold the third row flat, you get a big, wide space that’s stroller- and wagon-friendly.

I’m Rooting for the Underdog

I hate that the Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is one of the most underrated family SUVs out there. I think it looks great, drives comfortably, and has so many features that make daily life with kids easier. I do love that you can still get a bench seat on every trim, even the Platinum, and that it actually works for some three-across setups.

The interior feels premium without being over the top, and the mix of comfort, tech, and practicality is just really solid for this price point. Sure, I wish the infotainment screen were a little bigger and the visibility was better, but those aren’t dealbreakers for me.

If you’re a family that wants something stylish, functional, and flexible, the Pathfinder deserves a spot on your test drive list. It’s a great all-around SUV that gives you a lot of value for the money.

What are you most excited about with the Nissan Pathfinder? Let me know in the comments! And for more family SUV reviews, check out these blogs:

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