Nissan looks like it’s preparing to give the Pathfinder nameplate a bit of a split personality. According to a new report from Automotive News, the brand is exploring a plan to keep selling the current unibody Pathfinder, while also launching a second Pathfinder that goes back to a more traditional body-on-frame layout for shoppers who want something tougher and more trail-ready.
If this strategy moves forward, the updated unibody Pathfinder would remain the more mainstream, road-focused family SUV and would be positioned as the entry-level option. The report suggests Nissan could refresh that model around 2028 or 2029, stretching the life of the current generation well beyond what we’re used to seeing. It’s a move that makes sense if Nissan wants to keep an affordable three-row SUV in the showroom while it builds something more specialized next to it.
The bigger headline is the truck-like Pathfinder that could arrive as early as 2029. Car and Driver notes Nissan isn’t confirming specifics yet, but the company also isn’t shutting the door on the idea, especially as it continues talking up a return to body-on-frame products on an all-new platform. That body-on-frame architecture is expected to underpin multiple future vehicles, and the new Pathfinder would reportedly follow the revived Xterra, which Nissan has already teased as a potential return as early as 2028.
Where things get interesting is how Nissan might keep the two Pathfinders from stepping on each other’s toes. Automotive News points to pricing and positioning as the main separating factor: the unibody stays cheaper and more practical, while the body-on-frame version goes after buyers shopping the off-road-lux and adventure space with a higher sticker and a tougher image. There’s even talk that the rugged model could wear Nissan’s Pro-4X badge, which would instantly tell enthusiasts what it’s aiming for.
Powertrains could be another clear divider. The unibody Pathfinder is expected to stick with internal combustion, while the body-on-frame version would reportedly launch with a gas setup and add a hybrid option later. Nissan could also tweak the packaging to match each mission, since the current Pathfinder’s third row is more kid-friendly than adult-friendly, and a more off-road-focused model might trade that back row for extra cargo room and better approach-and-departure-friendly proportions.
One last piece of the puzzle is where these future frame-based SUVs would be built. The report says the new body-on-frame family, including the expected Xterra and other related models, is slated for Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant. If Nissan pulls this off, it could be a smart way to keep the Pathfinder relevant to two very different audiences, one that wants an everyday family hauler and another that wants a square-shouldered SUV that looks ready to get dirty.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
