The Nissan Pathfinder was introduced into Nissan’s lineup as an SUV in 2001 and remains available through the present. The Pathfinder is known for its performance and for having the features consumers expect from today’s SUVs, including towing. But what is the towing capacity of a Nissan Pathfinder?
The Nissan Pathfinder has a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds depending on the year, engine type, and if it has a tow package installed.
There’s a bit more to know about Nissan Pathfinder towing capabilities which we’ll cover in today’s guide.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds to 6,000 pounds depending on if it has a tow package installed.
A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder S without a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder S with a tow package can pull 6,000 pounds.
A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SV without a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SV with a tow package can pull 6,000 pounds.
A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL without a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL with a tow package can pull 6,000 pounds.
A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum without a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum with a tow package can pull 6,000 pounds.
Nissan PathfinderModel Type | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Package |
S | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | No |
S | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | Yes |
SV | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | No |
SV | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | Yes |
SL | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | No |
SL | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | Yes |
Platinum | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | No |
Platinum | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | Yes |
You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.
Here’s a video showing the Nissan Pathfinder being put to a real-world towing test:
Nissan Pathfinder Braked Vs. Unbraked Towing Capacity
All vehicles have different towing capacities based on whether or not you’re towing a trailer that has trailer brakes installed.
Trailer brakes allow the trailer to stop faster than if only the vehicle is using its brakes, allowing the vehicle to tow more weight, so braked towing capacity will always be higher than unbraked towing capacity.
Nissan Pathfinder Braked Towing Capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs.
Nissan Pathfinder Unbraked Towing Capacity: 1,500 lbs.
Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity Factors
There are a few factors that affect the Nissan Pathfinder tow capacity.
Model Year
The Pathfinder’s tow capability varied a bit by year and generation.
The early model years had a starting towing capability of 1,000 pounds, which increased to 1,500 pounds in later years.
Also, for many years the tow rating for a higher-spec engine without a tow package was 2,000 pounds, but for some years this wasn’t an option at all.
Trim Level
Some trim levels have access to the higher engine specs, while others do not.
If your engine spec is lower due to trim level, your Nissan Pathfinder will not be able to tow as much weight.
Towing Package
For the majority of Nissan Pathfinder model years, you could only achieve the max towing of 6,000 pounds if you had the Class III Trailer Towing package installed.
If you don’t have that trailer towing package installed, don’t worry: for all the research we did, we only found that the towing package included simply a hitch and wiring harness which can both easily be installed after the fact.
Number of Passengers
A big factor in calculating your vehicle’s towing capacity is how many passengers you’re carrying, which directly calculates into the vehicle’s GCWR.
This is true of all vehicles, not just the Nissan Pathfinder, so always take into consideration the total load of your passengers and gear in addition to what you’re towing.
Nissan Pathfinder Engine Specs
There is only one engine option for the most recent generation Nissan Pathfinder.
Nissan Pathfinder 3.5 Liter V6 Engine
The Nissan Pathfinder engine is a 3.5 Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 direct fuel injection gasoline engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
This engine produces 284 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft of torque.
Nissan Pathfinder Tow Package Info
Does The Nissan Pathfinder Have A Tow Package?
Nissan offers a Class III Trailer Tow package on all trim levels of the Nissan Pathfinder.
The Nissan Pathfinder Class III Trailer Tow Package includes the following:
- Class III Receiver Hitch
- 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Harness
Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Nissan Pathfinder?
If you plan on towing anything with your Nissan Pathfinder, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.
Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.
Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.
Nissan Pathfinder Tow Hitch
Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.
The Nissan Pathfinder uses a Class 3 hitch.
Here’s a great option for a Class III Nissan Pathfinder trailer hitch:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. This trailer hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs. gross trailer weight, 500 lbs. tongue weight, 6,000 lbs. weight distribution capacity and 600 lbs. weight distribution tongue weight (limited to lowest-rated towing component)
- VERSATILE DESIGN. This class 3 hitch equips your vehicle with a standard 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver, allowing for a wide variety of towing options. It can accept a ball mount, cargo carrier, bike rack, tow hook and much more
- FULLY TESTED. Every CURT class 3 trailer hitch design is tested in real-world, on-vehicle conditions at our Detroit engineering facility. Aftermarket hitches are tested according to SAE J684 standards for the utmost safety while hauling
- RUST, CHIP, UV-RESISTANT. This tow hitch is protected with a unique dual-coat finish of rust-resistant liquid A-coat and highly durable black powder coat. The two finishes are co-cured together for exceptional resistance to rust, chipping and UV rays
- EASY TO INSTALL. This hitch offers a custom, factory fit on select model years of the Nissan Pathfinder
Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Pathfinder:
- DEPENDABLE STRENGTH. Rated to tow 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight, this ball hitch offers dependability for your towing setup (weight capacity may change if trailer ball is removed)
- VERSATILE USE. This trailer hitch ball mount comes with a 1-1/4-inch shank to fit virtually any industry-standard 1-1/4-inch receiver. The ball mount has a 3-1/4-inch drop, 2-inch diameter ball, 1/2-inch hitch pin hole and 7-1/4-inch overall length
- READY TO TOW. Hitching up your trailer is easy with this ready-to-use trailer hitch ball mount. It comes with a pre-attached tow ball for ready coupling and a trailer hitch pin to securely mount onto your hitch receiver
- CORROSION-RESISTANT. For long-lasting use, this ball hitch is protected with a durable black powder coat finish, and the trailer ball has a polished chrome plating. These finishes resist damage from rain, dirt, road salt and other corrosive threats
- EASY TO INSTALL. To install the trailer hitch ball mount on your vehicle, simply insert the shank into your vehicle's 1-1/4-inch hitch receiver. The rounded shank makes installation easy
Nissan Pathfinder Trailer Hitch Installation
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Nissan Pathfinder trailer hitch installation:
Nissan Pathfinder Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Pathfinder, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Hitch Receiver Vs Rear Step Bumper Towing
Some vehicles allow for bumper towing, which means you can mount a tow hitch ball directly on the bumper instead of installing a tow hitch to the vehicle’s frame.
Can I Bumper Tow With a Nissan Pathfinder?
The Nissan Pathfinder is not rated for bumper towing, so you’ll need to install a frame-mounted hitch like the one we listed earlier in this guide.
How Do I Know If My Nissan Pathfinder Has A Tow Package?
You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Pathfinder to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.
That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Pathfinder.
Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.
Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your vehicle has any towing packages or features installed on it.
2022 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds to 6,000 pounds depending on if it has a tow package installed.
A 2022 Nissan Pathfinder S without a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2022 Nissan Pathfinder S with a tow package can pull 6,000 pounds.
A 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SV without a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SV with a tow package can pull 6,000 pounds.
A 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SL without a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2022 Nissan Pathfinder SL with a tow package can pull 6,000 pounds.
A 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum without a tow package can pull 3,500 pounds.
A 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum with a tow package can pull 6,000 pounds.
Nissan PathfinderModel Type | Towing Capacity | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Towing Package |
S | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | No |
S | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | Yes |
SV | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | No |
SV | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | Yes |
SL | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | No |
SL | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | Yes |
Platinum | 3,500 lbs / 1,587 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | No |
Platinum | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg | 3.5L V6 | 284 hp | 259 lb.-ft | Yes |
2021 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2021 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2020 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2018 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2016 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 5,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg |
2015 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 5,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg |
2014 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2014 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 5,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg |
2013 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 5,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 5,000 lbs / 2,267 kg |
2012 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2012 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 6,000 lbs and 7,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2012 Nissan Pathfinder with a V6 engine can pull 6,000 lbs.
A 2012 Nissan Pathfinder with a V8 engine can pull 7,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Engine Size | Towing Capacity |
All | V6 | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
All | V8 | 7,000 lbs / 3,175 kg |
2011 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2011 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 6,000 lbs and 7,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2011 Nissan Pathfinder with a V6 engine can pull 6,000 lbs.
A 2011 Nissan Pathfinder with a V8 engine can pull 7,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Engine Size | Towing Capacity |
All | V6 | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
All | V8 | 7,000 lbs / 3,175 kg |
2010 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2010 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 6,000 lbs and 7,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2010 Nissan Pathfinder with a V6 engine can pull 6,000 lbs.
A 2010 Nissan Pathfinder with a V8 engine can pull 7,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Engine Size | Towing Capacity |
All | V6 | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
All | V8 | 7,000 lbs / 3,175 kg |
2009 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2009 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 6,000 lbs and 7,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with a V6 engine can pull 6,000 lbs.
A 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with a V8 engine can pull 7,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Engine Size | Towing Capacity |
All | V6 | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
All | V8 | 7,000 lbs / 3,175 kg |
2008 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2008 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 6,000 lbs and 7,000 lbs depending on the engine size.
A 2008 Nissan Pathfinder with a V6 engine can pull 6,000 lbs.
A 2008 Nissan Pathfinder with a V8 engine can pull 7,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Engine Size | Towing Capacity |
All | V6 | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
All | V8 | 7,000 lbs / 3,175 kg |
2007 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2007 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2006 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2006 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2005 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6,000 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 6,000 lbs / 2,721 kg |
2004 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2004 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 3,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type.
A 2004 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 2004 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2003 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2003 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 3,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type.
A 2003 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 2003 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2002 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2002 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 3,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type.
A 2002 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 2002 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2001 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2001 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 3,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type.
A 2001 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 2001 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
2000 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 2000 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 3,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type.
A 2000 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 2000 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
1999 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1999 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 3,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type.
A 1999 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 1999 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
1998 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1998 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 3,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type.
A 1998 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 1998 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg |
1997 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1997 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 2,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type and if it has an oil cooler installed.
A 1997 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 1997 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission without an oil cooler can pull 2,500 lbs.
A 1997 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission with an oil cooler can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity | Oil Cooler |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | N/A |
All | Automatic | 2,500 lbs / 2,268 kg | No |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Yes |
1996 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1996 Nissan Pathfinder can tow between 2,500 pounds up to 5,000 pounds depending on the transmission type and if it has an oil cooler installed.
A 1996 Nissan Pathfinder with a manual transmission can pull 3,500 lbs.
A 1996 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission without an oil cooler can pull 2,500 lbs.
A 1996 Nissan Pathfinder with an automatic transmission with an oil cooler can pull 5,000 lbs.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Transmission Type | Towing Capacity | Oil Cooler |
All | Manual | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg | N/A |
All | Automatic | 2,500 lbs / 2,268 kg | No |
All | Automatic | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg | Yes |
1995 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1995 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1994 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1994 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1993 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1993 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1992 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1992 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1991 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1991 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1990 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1990 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1989 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1989 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1988 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1988 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1987 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1987 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1986 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1986 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |
1985 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The 1985 Nissan Pathfinder can tow 3,500 pounds across all trim levels and configurations.
Nissan PathfinderTrim Level | Towing Capacity |
All | 3,500 lbs / 1,588 kg |