Lizz’s Nissan Pathfinder: A 2 Under 2 Machine
Looking to find the right family car for two kids? The Nissan Pathfinder might be the perfect choice.
It’s Lizz behind the wheel today (literally and figuratively) and while my sister, Kelly The Car Mom, loves her Ford Expedition, I want to share my top pick for a family that checks all of the boxes and is a bit smaller in size. I am due with my second, a girl, in September which means I am officially a mom with 2 under 2.
The Expedition gets A LOT of love around here and to be honest, so do many of the mid-size SUVs that I’ve enjoyed driving. But my favorite in the mid-size category just doesn’t seem to get the airtime it deserves for being such a great car to me over the years! I'm here to change that! Today, we are talking about the Nissan Pathfinder and why I love this car so, so much.
If your family is like mine and wants a car with space, amenities, and a third row, there are excellent SUV options that don’t make you have to jump up to a full-size SUV.
Without any further introduction, let’s dive into what makes the Pathfinder stand out for my family of four and why it might be the right choice for your family too.
Nissan Pathfinder Overview
The Nissan Pathfinder is categorized as a mid-size SUV. The mid-size category is HUGE, but I’d classify it as a a true mid-size SUV. It’s not as large as the Toyota Grand Highlander or Chevrolet Traverse, but still offers a solid amount of space.
The Pathfinder is not nearly as big as Kelly's family car—a full-size Ford Expedition, which is one of the reasons it works for our family right now. With (almost) two kids in tow, the Pathfinder has all of the room I need!
If you’re debating whether a mid-size or full-size SUV would be best for your family, check out the post: Mid-Size vs. Full-Size SUVs: How To Choose What's Right For YOUR Family.
Lizz, What Is The Drive Like?
The drive in this car is effortless. I know we talk a lot about what goes into a car, but I wanted to share that every time I get into my Pathfinder, I feel really comfortable. Most of this is because there are so many tech features that make it safe.
In the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, the following safety features are available:
Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Warning
Blind Spot Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
RearView Monitor
Rear Automatic Braking
High Beam Assist
Intelligent Driver Alertness
My Favorite First Row Features
Yes, the second and third rows are what we focus on the most for their family-friendliness, but I wanted to mention what I like about the first row from a driver’s perspective. Depending on the trim level you choose, there are a lot of gorgeous faux leather options available. While I just have the standard black leather, Kelly toured a demo car with a saddle brown interior and I LOVED IT.
In terms of storage, you have it all in this first row. The side cubbies are A+, offering plenty of room for a large cup and more. The cubbies under the touch screen have wireless phone charging, a USB charger, and a USB-C with a 12 volt. The center console has 2 good-sized cup holders and an average-sized storage compartment. What I’m most excited about is the storage space under the shifter. There is space for my purse and soon-to-be diaper bag.
What Other Family Cars Are Like The Nissan Pathfinder?
When it comes to mid-size SUVs that are family-friendly, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are often in the same conversation as the Nissan Pathfinder. They’re all excellent options with impressive features (and I often see a lot of families wanting the Palisade), but I believe the Nissan Pathfinder deserves to be mentioned as well.
Kelly and I have toured all three SUVs, and in terms of driver comfort and basic features, they’re quite comparable. The main difference, however, is how the second-row functions, especially for those with young children. We both agree that the Pathfinder’s second-row space and amenities make it the best option for families of four.
That being said, I do want to point out that neither the Palisade nor Telluride have car seat tilt, but the Pathfinder DOES! This is a huge win for families needing frequent access to the third row without having to rearrange their car seat set up.
If you’re interested in one of these three, I recommend doing a thorough test drive of each option. I’m talking about car seat installation, driving it home to park in the garage, and whatever else you need to do to see which option fits best with your lifestyle. I’ll bet the Nissan Pathfinder will at least be in your top two.
Features That Make the Pathfinder Stand Out
If I haven’t convinced you to test drive the Nissan Pathfinder yet, I want to specifically mention a few of my favorite features as a mom that I use every day. After Kelly and I have walked through countless family vehicles, these are the standouts we don’t see all the time that make a world of a difference.
Top family features in the Nissan Pathfinder:
Ceiling vents
Built-in sunshades
Second-row door cup holders
Car seat tilt!!
Ceiling Vents
One feature Kelly preaches about and I’ve come to appreciate greatly is ceiling vents. Ceiling vents in the second row are a crucial feature for any family that has kids in car seats, especially if they are rear-facing. Unfortunately, a lot of manufacturers skip out on this and instead choose the cheaper option of installing them on the back of the center console.
Fortunately, the Nissan Pathfinder has ceiling vents, regardless of the trim level you choose. My son is currently rear-facing, along with my daughter in a month, and in the Missouri heat, having proper airflow is crucial. While this feature seems small, I cannot say enough good things about it.
Built-In Sunshades
Built-in sunshades in the second row are another fantastic feature. They help block out the harsh sun and keep the backseat passengers comfortable. This is especially important for young children who are sensitive to the sun’s glare.
It’s shocking to both Kelly and myself that more family cars don’t put built-in sunshades into their second row. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about it (unlike Kelly’s Explorer she had to get tinted to reduce the glare).
Second-Row Door Cup Holders
If you’re a parent, you understand the importance of having accessible storage. The Pathfinder’s second row features built-in door cup holders that might seem like a minor detail, but they’re incredibly practical.
Whether I’m loading my son into his car seat or juggling various items, these cupholders are a lifesaver. I can keep my phone, his bottle, my water bottle, or my keys within easy reach, making the process smoother and less stressful.
Car Seat Tilt
Even though we’re not yet at the stage where we need frequent access to the third row, the ability to tilt the second-row seats for easier access is a major bonus. It’s a thoughtful feature that will become increasingly useful as our family grows and we need to make use of the third-row seating.
For those of you who would prefer a second-row bench over captain’s chairs, the Pathfinder’s car seat tilt works great and I’ve never had an issue using it.
Since car seat tilt is a HUGE make or break for a lot of families and this is one of the features that makes the Pathfinder stand out in its class.
While the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade are always in the same conversation as the Pathfinder, I wanted to point out again Nissan included this feature and the two other manufacturers did not. Why Kia and Hyundai haven’t jumped in on the bandwagon yet? I’m not sure.
Lizz’s Take: Why the Pathfinder is Perfect for My Family
For families of three, four, or maybe even five, the Nissan Pathfinder is definitely worth a look. It’s kept up with everything I’ve thrown at it, providing the right mix of space, features, and practicality without being too much.
Choosing the right SUV means looking at what you need now and what you might need down the road. For us, the Pathfinder strikes the perfect balance. It’s roomy enough to handle our family as it grows, yet still manageable and practical for our current needs.
Honestly, I’m not sure why the Pathfinder isn’t on more top lists for mid-size SUVs. Every time Kelly mentions she recommends one in her consults, I feel like I’ve done my job right. In the end, picking the right SUV is all about finding what fits your family best at any given time. The Pathfinder has been a great fit for us, meeting our needs efficiently and comfortably as our family continues to expand.
Do you have a family car that you absolutely love? Kelly and I both do, and we'd love to hear about yours in the comments! Also, for the latest on car buying for families, be sure to check out Kelly’s recent posts below!
