Nissan has introduced the 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition, a new three-row SUV that celebrates the nameplate’s 40th anniversary with a burgundy-accented interior, upgraded features and distinctive styling. Positioned near the top of the Pathfinder lineup, the new edition costs significantly more than the entry-level model, while retaining the same standard V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission that have drawn criticism in the past.
2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition: What’s New?
The centerpiece of the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition is its two-tone interior, designed to evoke the burgundy cabin of the original 1987 Pathfinder. The cabin features black and burgundy TailorFit materials, with the red accents extending across the seats, upper door panels and dashboard.
Burgundy stitching and matching floor mats complete the anniversary-inspired design. Beyond the refreshed interior, the Special Edition adds several features intended to enhance comfort, convenience and the overall driving experience.
Key features of the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition include:
- Black 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic moonroof
- Second-row captain’s chairs
- Rear door sunshades
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
The Special Edition combines these upgrades with the Pathfinder’s familiar three-row SUV configuration, while paying tribute to the original model that arrived 40 years ago.
Engine and Performance Remain Unchanged
The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine found in other Pathfinder models. The engine produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard, while four-wheel drive is available as an option. The rugged Pathfinder Rock Creek is the exception to the standard engine output, producing 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
Despite the Special Edition’s additional equipment and anniversary-themed styling, Nissan has not changed the standard powertrain specifications.
Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition Pricing
The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition sits near the top of the model lineup, below only the Platinum trim. Its starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $47,390 with front-wheel drive and $49,390 with four-wheel drive.
The full Pathfinder lineup and pricing are listed below. All prices exclude Nissan’s $1,575 destination and handling fee.
- Pathfinder SV FWD: $39,990
- Pathfinder SL FWD: $42,790
- Pathfinder Special Edition FWD: $47,390
- Pathfinder Platinum FWD: $49,890
- Pathfinder SV 4WD: $41,990
- Pathfinder SL 4WD: $44,790
- Pathfinder Rock Creek 4WD: $45,390
- Pathfinder Special Edition 4WD: $49,390
- Pathfinder Platinum 4WD: $51,890
Several existing trims also receive price increases for the 2027 model year. The SL is $200 more expensive, the Platinum costs an additional $100, and the Rock Creek’s MSRP has increased by $300.
The Special Edition’s pricing places it above the SV, SL and Rock Creek trims, making it one of the more expensive options in the Pathfinder range.
Nissan Celebrates 40 Years of the Pathfinder
Nissan is positioning the Special Edition as a tribute to four decades of the Pathfinder, a model the company says has balanced everyday family needs with the rugged character of the original SUV.
“The Nissan Pathfinder has challenged preconceptions of SUVs for 40 years, giving families more of what they need for the everyday while retaining the rugged confidence that made the original an instant hit,” said Marco Fioravanti, vice president, product planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada.
“The Pathfinder Special Edition celebrates that legacy by connecting one of our most beloved nameplates with the customers and adventures that shaped its story.”
The anniversary edition arrives as the Pathfinder reaches a significant sales milestone. Nissan sold its 2 millionth Pathfinder in September, and the SUV recorded its best-ever quarterly sales in Q2 2026.
Sales declined by 9.5% in Q3, although the Pathfinder’s overall sales for 2026 remain healthy.
The Pathfinder’s Biggest Weakness Remains
The new Special Edition adds distinctive styling and desirable equipment, but it does not address one of the Pathfinder’s main weaknesses: its nine-speed automatic transmission.
In a 2026 drive of the SUV, the Pathfinder was found to be good rather than great in an increasingly competitive segment. The transmission was a particular concern, as it frequently selected the wrong gear and sometimes made the paddle shifters preferable to relying on automatic operation.
That shortcoming is especially noticeable in a family SUV, where a transmission that consistently selects the appropriate gear is an important part of the driving experience. The Special Edition’s additional features do not change this underlying issue.
The lack of a hybrid option also remains a disadvantage, while competition from the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride makes the segment particularly challenging.
Is the 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition Worth Considering?
The 2027 Nissan Pathfinder Special Edition is a welcome addition to the lineup, particularly for drivers who appreciate the original Pathfinder and its distinctive burgundy interior. Its additional equipment, anniversary-inspired cabin and three-row configuration give it a clear place in the range.
However, the new edition does not resolve the transmission concerns or introduce a hybrid powertrain. Those limitations, combined with strong competition from other three-row SUVs, keep the Pathfinder from standing out as a class leader.
For Nissan fans who need more space and power than the Rogue offers, the Pathfinder remains an appealing three-row SUV, with the Special Edition adding a nostalgic design and extra features to the lineup.
