CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder — 1987–1995, 2-door suv (1985–1990); 4-door suv (1989–1995), '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Z24i'' I4; 2.4 L ''KA24E'' I4; 3.0 L ''VG30i/VG30E'' V6 (HYD21); '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27'' I4 (BYD21); 2.7 L ''TD27T2/T4'' turbo I4 (BYD21). Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine'''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Z24i'' I4; 2.4 L ''KA24E'' I4; 3.0 L ''VG30i/VG30E'' V6 (HYD21); '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27'' I4 (BYD21); 2.7 L ''TD27T2/T4'' turbo I4 (BYD21)

Transmission3-speed ''3N71'' automatic (1985–1987); 4-speed ''4N71'' automatic; 4-speed ''RL4R01A'' automatic; 4-speed ''RE4R01A'' automatic; 5-speed manual

About the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder is a 2-door SUV (1985–1990); 4-door SUV (1989–1995) in the compact suv class, with source data covering 1987–1995. The available vehicle data lists '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Z24i'' I4; 2.4 L ''KA24E'' I4; 3.0 L ''VG30i/VG30E'' V6 (HYD21); '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27'' I4 (BYD21); 2.7 L ''TD27T2/T4'' turbo I4 (BYD21) as an engine configuration, paired with 3-speed ''3N71'' automatic (1985–1987); 4-speed ''4N71'' automatic; 4-speed ''RL4R01A'' automatic; 4-speed ''RE4R01A'' automatic; 5-speed manual and a Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1985–2014); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2012–present); Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1985–present) layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Nissan Pathfinder guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Z24i'' I4; 2.4 L ''KA24E'' I4; 3.0 L ''VG30i/VG30E'' V6 (HYD21); '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27'' I4 (BYD21); 2.7 L ''TD27T2/T4'' turbo I4 (BYD21) and 3-speed ''3N71'' automatic (1985–1987); 4-speed ''4N71'' automatic; 4-speed ''RL4R01A'' automatic; 4-speed ''RE4R01A'' automatic; 5-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Nissan Pathfinder specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Nissan
Model	Pathfinder
Model years	1987–1995
Body style	2-door SUV (1985–1990); 4-door SUV (1989–1995)
Vehicle class	Compact SUV
Manufacturer	Nissan
Production	1985–present
Market / country	CA, ES, FI, GB, LU, NL, NZ, UA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Nissan Pathfinder includes '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Z24i'' I4; 2.4 L ''KA24E'' I4; 3.0 L ''VG30i/VG30E'' V6 (HYD21); '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27'' I4 (BYD21); 2.7 L ''TD27T2/T4'' turbo I4 (BYD21).. Transmission information includes 3-speed ''3N71'' automatic (1985–1987); 4-speed ''4N71'' automatic; 4-speed ''RL4R01A'' automatic; 4-speed ''RE4R01A'' automatic; 5-speed manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1985–2014); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2012–present); Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1985–present).

Engine	'''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Z24i'' I4; 2.4 L ''KA24E'' I4; 3.0 L ''VG30i/VG30E'' V6 (HYD21); '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27'' I4 (BYD21); 2.7 L ''TD27T2/T4'' turbo I4 (BYD21)
Transmission	3-speed ''3N71'' automatic (1985–1987); 4-speed ''4N71'' automatic; 4-speed ''RL4R01A'' automatic; 4-speed ''RE4R01A'' automatic; 5-speed manual
Drivetrain / layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1985–2014); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2012–present); Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1985–present)

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2650 mm (104 in)
Length	4365 mm (172 in) (early); 4510 mm (178 in) (late); 4715 mm (186 in) (Wide)
Width	1690 mm (66.5 in); 1795 mm (70.7 in) (Wide)
Height	XE: 65.7 in (1,669 mm); 1985–89 SE & LE: 66.1 in (1,679 mm); 1990–95 SE: 66.7 in (1,694 mm)

Nissan Pathfinder chassis and equipment

Chassis	Body-on-frame (1985–1995, 2005–2014); Unibody (1995–2004, 2012–present)

Nissan Pathfinder other specifications

Name	Nissan Pathfinder
Image	2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD in Baja Storm Metallic, front left.jpg
Caption	2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD (R53, US)
Aka	Nissan Terrano (1985–2004)
Model Code	YD21 WD21

Nissan Pathfinder generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Nissan Pathfinder	1985–present	Not specified	Not specified	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1985–2014); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2012–present); Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1985–present)
First generation	1987–1995	'''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Z24i'' I4; 2.4 L ''KA24E'' I4; 3.0 L ''VG30i/VG30E'' V6 (HYD21); '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27'' I4 (BYD21); 2.7 L ''TD27T2/T4'' turbo I4 (BYD21)	3-speed ''3N71'' automatic (1985–1987); 4-speed ''4N71'' automatic; 4-speed ''RL4R01A'' automatic; 4-speed ''RE4R01A'' automatic; 5-speed manual	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive; Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Second generation	1996–2004	'''Petrol:'''; 3.3 L ''VG33E'' V6; 3.5 L ''VQ35DE'' DOHC 24V V6; '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27ETi'' OHV turbo I4; 3.0 L ''ZD30DDTi'' DOHC 16V turbo I4; 3.2 L ''QD32ETi'' OHV turbo I4	4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive; Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Third generation	2005–2012 (North America)	'''Petrol:'''; 4.0 L ''VQ40DE'' V6; 5.6 L ''VK56DE'' V8; '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''YD25DDT/DDTi'' turbo I4; 3.0 L ''V9X'' turbo V6	5-speed ''RE5R05A'' automatic; 7-speed ''RE7R01B'' automatic (V9X only); 6-speed ''FS6R31A'' manual	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive; Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Fourth generation	2013–2020	'''Petrol:'''; 2.5 L ''QR25DER'' I4 mild hybrid (2013–2014); 3.5 L ''VQ35DE'' V6 (2013–2016); 3.5 L ''VQ35DD'' V6 (2017–2020); '''Diesel:'''; 2.5 L ''YD25DDTi'' I4 turbo	Jatco ''Xtronic'' CVT	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive; Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Fifth generation	2022–present	'''Petrol:'''; 3.5 L ''VQ35DD'' V6	9-speed ZF ''9HP'' automatic	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive; Front-engine, all-wheel-drive

Nissan Pathfinder features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓The Pathfinder Hybrid also has hybrid emblems and hybrid LED taillights versus the non-hybrid model

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Nissan Pathfinder

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Nissan Pathfinder

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Nissan Pathfinder have?

The available source data lists the Nissan Pathfinder engine as '''Petrol:'''; 2.4 L ''Z24i'' I4; 2.4 L ''KA24E'' I4; 3.0 L ''VG30i/VG30E'' V6 (HYD21); '''Diesel:'''; 2.7 L ''TD27'' I4 (BYD21); 2.7 L ''TD27T2/T4'' turbo I4 (BYD21). Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Nissan Pathfinder?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Nissan Pathfinder?

There is no single best engine oil for every Nissan Pathfinder configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Nissan Pathfinder?

The Nissan Pathfinder is classified as a 2-door SUV (1985–1990); 4-door SUV (1989–1995).

What years was the Nissan Pathfinder produced?

The available vehicle record places the Nissan Pathfinder in the 1987–1995 period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the Nissan Pathfinder?

The available source data lists length 4365 mm (172 in) (early); 4510 mm (178 in) (late); 4715 mm (186 in) (Wide), width 1690 mm (66.5 in); 1795 mm (70.7 in) (Wide), height XE: 65.7 in (1,669 mm); 1985–89 SE & LE: 66.1 in (1,679 mm); 1990–95 SE: 66.7 in (1,694 mm), and wheelbase 2650 mm (104 in).

What transmission does the Nissan Pathfinder have?

The available source data lists 3-speed ''3N71'' automatic (1985–1987); 4-speed ''4N71'' automatic; 4-speed ''RL4R01A'' automatic; 4-speed ''RE4R01A'' automatic; 5-speed manual transmission options for the Nissan Pathfinder.

Is the Nissan Pathfinder FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Nissan Pathfinder is Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1985–2014); Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2012–present); Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1985–present).

Who makes the Nissan Pathfinder?

The manufacturer listed for the Nissan Pathfinder is Nissan.

When was the Nissan Pathfinder produced?

The available source data describes production as 1985–present.

Where was the Nissan Pathfinder built?

The available source record lists assembly information as Japan: Kanda, Fukuoka (Nissan Shatai); Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (Tan Chong Motor Assemblies); Indonesia: Jakarta (Indomobil); Purwakarta (NMI).

What class of car is the Nissan Pathfinder?

The Nissan Pathfinder is listed in the Compact SUV class.

What platform does the Nissan Pathfinder use?

The available source data lists the platform/chassis as WD21.

Which markets or countries sold the Nissan Pathfinder?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Nissan Pathfinder with CA, ES, FI, GB, LU, NL, NZ, UA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Nissan Pathfinder?

The available vehicle data lists Nissan Xterra (for WD21 model, as a compact SUV); Nissan Terra (for R51 model, as a body-on-frame SUV) as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Nissan Pathfinder?

The available vehicle data lists Nissan Xterra (for WD21 model, as a compact SUV); Nissan Terra (for R51 model, as a body-on-frame SUV) as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Nissan Pathfinder?

The available source data identifies related models as Nissan D21 Pickup. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Nissan Pathfinder?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Nissan Pathfinder?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Nissan Pathfinder is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Nissan Pathfinder images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.