2026 Nissan Pathfinder: Towing Your Boat or Camper Across Newfoundland’s Rugged Terrain

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder is a three-row SUV built to carry the family and pull a load at the same time. With a strong V6, a four-wheel-drive system, and towing gear fitted from the factory, it is set up for the kind of trips where the boat or camper comes along. That makes it a practical pick for families who want one vehicle to handle both the daily routine and the weekend haul.

This guide focuses on what matters most when you tow: how much the Pathfinder can pull, the equipment that supports it, and the power and space behind the numbers. Here is what to know before you hitch up.

How Much the Pathfinder Can Tow

When properly equipped, the 2026 Pathfinder tows up to 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg). That rating covers a wide range of recreational loads, from a fishing or ski boat to a smaller camper or travel trailer. It is enough capability to bring the gear that turns a drive into a getaway.

Just as important, the Pathfinder is engineered to tow without drama. A transmission oil cooler is standard to help manage heat on longer pulls, and Trailer Sway Control works in the background to keep the trailer steady behind you.

Towing Equipment That Comes Standard

Nissan builds the towing hardware into the Pathfinder rather than leaving it as an afterthought. The essentials are in place from the start, which keeps setup simple when you are ready to connect a trailer.

• Maximum towing of 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) when properly equipped
• Class III tow hitch with trailer harness
• 7-inch trailer pre-wiring and plug
• Standard transmission oil cooler for towing
• Trailer Sway Control

Power and Drivetrain for Pulling a Load

Doing the work is a 3.5L V6 engine, tuned to 295 hp in the Rock Creek grade and 284 hp in the Platinum. Torque lands at 270 lb-ft and 259 lb-ft respectively, and both grades use a 9-speed automatic transmission. That spread of power gives the Pathfinder the muscle to get a loaded trailer moving and hold speed on grades.

Intelligent 4WD sends power where it is needed for traction, and a 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector lets you adjust the setup for different surfaces. Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are on board to help on inclines, which is useful when a trailer adds weight to the equation.

Room for Passengers and Gear

Towing is only half the job. The Pathfinder seats up to eight passengers as standard, with a seven-seat layout available for buyers who prefer second-row captain’s chairs. That leaves room for the whole group while the trailer follows behind.

Cargo space scales with your needs, from 470 litres behind the third row to 1,274 litres behind the second row and 2,279 litres behind the first. Coolers, tackle, and camping gear all have a place before you even reach the trailer.

Pathfinder Grades at a Glance

The 2026 Pathfinder comes in Rock Creek and Platinum grades. Both tow the same 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg), so the choice comes down to how you want the rest of the SUV set up.

Which Setup Suits Your Towing?

If your trips lean toward rougher roads and boat launches off the beaten path, the Rock Creek grade adds all-terrain tires and off-road tuning on top of the same towing rating. If you spend more time on the highway and want a plusher, quieter cabin for long hauls, the Platinum is the more refined choice.

Either way, the towing capability, the standard hitch, and the family-sized cabin carry across the lineup. The right grade is the one that matches how and where you like to travel with your gear.

Tow Smarter With O’Neill Nissan

Choosing a tow vehicle is easier when you can see the hitch, check the cargo area, and talk through your trailer weight with someone who knows the numbers. A short visit answers a lot of questions.

Book a test drive at O’Neill Nissan in Mount Pearl to go over the 2026 Pathfinder’s towing setup and find the grade that fits your adventures.