Is the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Built for Your Next Costco Run?

Wrestling oversized packages through a cramped cargo area or shuffling groceries in the back of your SUV? Bulk shopping trips demand serious space—and the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder delivers. With three rows of seating, flexible cargo configurations, and thoughtful technology, this SUV transforms the weekly Costco run from a logistical challenge into a manageable task.

For families in Mount Pearl and across Newfoundland and Labrador hauling a month's worth of paper towels, a flat of bottled water, or that impulse-buy patio set, the Pathfinder's cargo versatility makes it a practical choice. Here's what makes this three-row SUV a strong contender for bulk shopping duty.

Cargo Space That Actually Fits Your Haul

The 2026 Pathfinder offers 470 litres of cargo space behind the third row—enough for a solid grocery run without folding any seats. Need more room for that bulk cereal purchase or the giant bag of dog food? Fold the third row flat, and you unlock 1,274 litres. Drop both the second and third rows, and the Pathfinder opens up to a cavernous 2,280 litres of cargo capacity.

To put that in perspective, you can fit roughly 45 cases of 24-pack bottled water with all seats folded, or about 15 cases with the third row up. The flat load floor makes sliding heavy items in and out straightforward, and the motion-activated power liftgate means you can pop the hatch open even when your hands are full of shopping bags.

Quick Cargo Facts:

• 470 litres behind third row
• 1,274 litres behind second row
• 2,280 litres with all rear seats folded
• Motion-activated liftgate for hands-free access

Seating Flexibility for Real-World Needs

The Pathfinder seats up to eight passengers in its standard three-row configuration (or seven with available second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum grade). The second-row bench splits 60/40 and folds flat, giving you the option to carry both people and cargo.

Nissan's LATCH AND GLIDE technology proves useful: the second-row seats tip and slide forward to provide third-row access—even with a child safety seat installed. No need to remove the car seat every time someone needs to climb into the back. For families juggling kids, groceries, and gear, this feature eliminates a common frustration.

The third row also folds flat with a 60/40 split, so you can configure the space based on what you're hauling. Bringing home a few passengers and a cart full of bulk snacks? Keep one side of the third row up and fold the other for extra cargo length.

Power and Capability for Heavy Loads

Cargo space means little if the vehicle can't handle the weight. The 2026 Pathfinder Rock Creek is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Platinum grade delivers 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Both setups provide confident acceleration even when the cargo area is fully loaded.

Standard Intelligent 4WD with seven selectable drive modes (Auto, Eco, Tow, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Rut) ensures capable handling in varied weather conditions—important for drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador who face unpredictable winter roads. The Pathfinder also offers a maximum towing capacity of 2,722 kg (6,000 lbs), so you can haul a trailer if needed.

Fuel economy sits at 11.1 L/100 km combined for the Rock Creek grade and 10.6 L/100 km for the Platinum, which is competitive for a three-row SUV with this much capability.

Technology That Simplifies Parking and Loading

Manoeuvring a full-size SUV through a crowded Costco parking lot requires confidence—and the Pathfinder delivers with its standard HD Enhanced Intelligent Around View Monitor. This system includes Front Wide View, which provides a 180-degree view to the front and sides, helping you see past parked vehicles or navigate tight spots.

The Invisible Hood View feature offers a virtual view "through" the hood and engine bay, making it easier to position the vehicle precisely when pulling up to curbs or loading zones. Combined with front and rear parking sensors, these tools take the guesswork out of parking a larger vehicle.

Inside, the newly standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto keeps you connected without fumbling with cables. The upgraded wireless charging pad delivers up to 15 watts of power (up from five watts) and includes a cooling fan to prevent overheating during longer drives.

Which Pathfinder Grade Fits Your Needs?

The 2026 Pathfinder is offered in two grades: Rock Creek and Platinum. Both provide the same cargo capacity and seating flexibility, but they differ in features and style.

Rock Creek is designed for drivers who prioritize rugged capability. It includes all-terrain tyres, an off-road-tuned suspension, and a lifted ride height. For 2026, Rock Creek adds a panoramic moonroof, wireless phone charger, and a 12-volt power outlet in the cargo area—useful for powering a cooler or other accessories during long hauls.

Platinum focuses on refinement, with semi-aniline leather-appointed seats featuring quilting, heated and cooled front seats, wood-toned interior trim, and a Bose premium audio system. The Platinum grade also offers optional second-row captain's chairs, which reduce seating capacity to seven but add extra comfort for long trips.

Your Next Costco Run Starts Here

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder combines practical cargo space, flexible seating, and thoughtful technology to handle bulk shopping trips with ease. From stocking up on essentials to hauling gear for a weekend adventure, this three-row SUV delivers the versatility families in Mount Pearl need.