Nissan is marking the Pathfinder’s 40th anniversary with a 2027 Special Edition, while reports point to a potentially more significant return to the SUV’s rugged origins for 2029.

The 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition remains based on the current three-row SUV introduced for the 2022 model year. Its main retro reference is inside the cabin, where black and burgundy upholstery draws inspiration from the burgundy cloth interior used in the 1987 Pathfinder.

2027 Pathfinder Special Edition equipment

The anniversary model also includes black 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, second-row captain’s chairs, a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a tow hitch receiver. With the hitch receiver, the Pathfinder’s maximum towing capacity rises to 6,000 pounds.

Despite its anniversary theme, the exterior equipment does not heavily imitate the original SUV. Under the hood, however, the Pathfinder retains a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing starts at $48,965 for the front-wheel-drive Special Edition, including a $1,575 destination charge. All-wheel drive raises the total to $50,985, placing the model below the $51,465 Pathfinder Platinum. The range starts with the front-wheel-drive Pathfinder SV at $41,565.

Rock Creek provides a more rugged alternative

The Pathfinder Rock Creek may offer a closer visual connection to the original model. Priced at $46,985, it features all-terrain tires, off-road wheels and LED lighting intended to support a trail-focused appearance.

The original Pathfinder arrived in 1986 as a two-door, body-on-frame utility vehicle based on Nissan’s Hardbody pickup. Its design and positioning placed it against models such as the Ford Bronco II and Toyota 4Runner.

Reports point to two Pathfinder models for 2029

Rumors suggest Nissan could introduce a new body-on-frame Pathfinder for 2029. The reported model would target the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, potentially use Pro-4X badging and possibly offer a hybrid powertrain at a later date.

Reports also indicate that Nissan could sell the rugged Pathfinder alongside a softer and more affordable unibody version similar to the current SUV. The entry-level model could be a heavily updated version of today’s Pathfinder, while the body-on-frame vehicle is expected to share ladder-frame technology with the revived Xterra and next-generation Frontier pickup.

The reported rugged Pathfinder would be produced at Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi, plant. Nissan has not confirmed these plans, and the reports do not point to a return of the original two-door configuration. If the rumored 2029 strategy materializes, the 2027 Special Edition would represent an initial tribute to the Pathfinder’s early identity rather than a full return to it.