2019 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder competes in the midsize SUV segment. Three-row seating makes the Pathfinder a great alternative to the five-passenger Nissan Murano. Although there's only a single engine available for the Pathfinder, it develops good power while returning admirable fuel economy. A 6,000-pound towing capacity gives the Pathfinder a key advantage over some of today's other family vehicles. Strong safety scores add to the Pathfinder's appeal.

Although the new model may not be quite as rugged as the original Pathfinder, it's still more than capable of taking you down an off-road trail. Valuable features, such as hill descent control and a four-wheel locking function, help you to maintain good traction on slippery ground. The Pathfinder's seven inches of ground clearance also helps in the snow.

You should definitely check out the latest Pathfinder lineup. Nissan gives you four trims to choose from: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Let's see how the various trims differ from each other.

Compare the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder S vs SV Trims. What is the difference?

With an MSRP of $31,200, the base Pathfinder S is the most affordable trim in the lineup. Fortunately, it packs plenty of value. In terms of exterior styling, there's not a big difference between the base S model and the upper trims. Adventurous roof rails and Nissan's signature V-Motion grille come standard.

Motivating the Pathfinder S is Nissan's reputable 3.5-liter, V6 engine. The newest version develops a generous 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is offered as an optional on the FWD Pathfinder.

There are a lot of features on the base S model that your family will appreciate. Reclining and sliding second-row seats give your passengers the ability to unwind on long road trips. You will also appreciate the S trim's technology. Some of the highlights consist of an 8.0-inch touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, and two USB Type-C ports. Satellite and HD radio help satisfy music fans. If you need to regularly access the web, the optional Wi-Fi hot spot will prove to be well worth the extra cash. Wireless phone charging is optional as well.

There are some helpful safety features found on the S trim. If you fail to react to a potential road hazard, Nissan's forward collision warning system can automatically apply pressure to the brakes. Meanwhile, Rear Seat Alert makes you less likely to forget about children and pets sitting in the back. Rear parking sensors come standard as well.

Although the SV trim isn't much more luxurious than the S trim, it does come equipped with a power-adjustable driver's seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. You'll also benefit from some extra safety technologies. While blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert points out unseen vehicles, adaptive cruise control helps you to relax a bit on extended highway trips. Automatic headlights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also found on the Pathfinder SV.

By stepping up to the Pathfinder SV, you open the door for more options. Front-seat warmers, heated exterior mirrors, and a heated steering wheel come with the All Weather package. You can also get NissanConnect services with the optional Tech package, which can link you to emergency support. Unfortunately, the SV trim doesn't receive any appearance upgrades.

Compare the 2019 Pathfinder SV vs SL Trims. What is the difference?

If you desire more luxury, take a look at the SV trim. Some automotive gurus consider the Pathfinder SL to best value for your money. Unlike the lower trims, it comes lined with leather upholstery. The SV trim's optional Tech and All Weather packages come standard on the SL trim. Meanwhile, a top-down parking camera replaces the standard backup camera.

By choosing the SL trim, even your second-row passengers will be able to experience the warmth of heated seats. There's also upgraded upholstery inside the Pathfinder SL. When returning to your vehicle with an armful of shopping bags, you'll appreciate the Pathfinder SL's motion-activated tailgate. Upgraded LED headlights help further brighten the road at night.

For a little more than $2,600, you can add the Premium package. It gets you a 13-speaker Bose sound system and a panoramic sunroof. A trailer hitch receiver is included as well. Some buyers will be tempted by the Midnight Edition appearance package, which blacks out the SUV's exterior trim and adds an exclusive set of 20-inch black wheels.

Compare the Pathfinder SL vs Platinum Trims. What is the difference?

The Pathfinder Platinum is the only trim that surpasses the $40,000 mark. Nevertheless, it does come loaded with all the bells and whistles. Not only does the Platinum trim come standard with the previously mentioned options, but it also features wood interior trim. Ventilated seats give front passengers an extra degree of coolness on hot days. A power-adjustable steering wheel also comes in the range-topping Platinum trim.

While the Pathfinder Platinum is stuffed with niceties, some families may still want the optional rear entertainment system. It features twin display screens, which allow all-day movie watching and video gaming. This upgrade is bound to make kids happier on long-distance drives.

Final Thoughts

In contrast to some vehicles, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder keeps it simple by only offering a few trims. Before you spend the money on one of the upper trims, take a strong look at the base Pathfinder S. It comes standard with the features that today's drivers care about the most, including an 8.0-inch touch screen and automatic emergency braking. Don't hesitate to opt for the Wi-Fi hot spot. It's a feature your family will likely use on an every basis. You also won't have any complaints about the SUV's V6 engine.

The Pathfinder SV is worth some consideration as well. This trim's blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control systems are helpful. Nevertheless, it's not really luxurious enough to justify the extra cost. Adding the optional Tech and All Weather packages may push the Pathfinder SV over your budget. If you're going to get these options, you're better off stepping up to the mid-level SL trim.

For good reason, a lot of people consider the Pathfinder SL to be the sweetest deal in the lineup. Drivers who make music an important part of their day should opt from the SL trim's Premium package, which includes a great-sounding Bose audio system.

The priciest trim is the Pathfinder Platinum. When comparing the Pathfinder Platinum to the SV trim, you may find the Platinum trim to be less of a bargain. This is especially true if you can live without ventilated seats. Remember, only the range-topping Platinum trim can be outfitted with a rear-seat entertainment system.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Key Features

A lot of drivers consider the infotainment system to be the focal point of a vehicle's interior. Luckily, the standard NissanConnect touch screen is very easy to use. On the downside, this interface does not provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. IPhone users will have an especially difficult time accessing certain mobile apps. If you have a regular Android phone, you should be able to easily link your device via Bluetooth streaming. Also, the voice controls for the infotainment system are slow.

Unlike some SUVS, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with an automatic CVT. Although the CVT does not change gears like a traditional automatic transmission, it's smooth and efficient. Drivers can trust the Pathfinder to return up to 27 mpg. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better CVT in the segment.

When shopping for a new 2019 Nissan Pathfinder, you'll have access to two different stereo systems. Like the overwhelming majority of base sound systems, the Pathfinder's stereo system does not have much life to it. If you have some extra money to spend, go for the 13-speaker Bose sound system. You'll greatly appreciate the system's deeper base and better clarity.

Even the least expensive Pathfinder provides some helpful safety features. In real-world testing, the standard automatic emergency braking system proved to be very effective. It reacted very well to potential road hazards. While the standard rearview camera will assist you when backing up, Nissan's 360-degree Around View Monitor makes parking easy for everyone. This multi-camera system features Moving Object Detection, which enhances your ability to dodge parking lot obstructions. Unfortunately, lane-keep assist is still absent on the Pathfinder.

Heat-related deaths have recently become a big concern. This is why the Pathfinder's standard Rear Seat Reminder is so important. Parents truly love how the Rear Seat Reminder works. In the event that the system detects something in the backseat, it will alert you by beeping the horn. This means children and pets are far less likely to be left in a hot vehicle. Rear Seat Reminder technology also helps you to avoid leaving behind other items such as food.

Among the Pathfinder's best features is its strong V6 engine. Aside from confidently pulling you up hills and enabling you to easily merge with traffic, the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder is also a great towing machine. A 6,000-pound towing capacity enables you to easily attach a trailer with two personal watercrafts.