Nissan Pathfinder trim comparison
2026 Nissan Pathfinder S vs SL
The Pathfinder S starts at $37,500 while the SL is $42,500. That $5,000 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
$5,000 more is ~$88/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The S is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $88/month in your budget matters. The SL earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $88/month more over 60 months, or roughly $5,280 extra all-in once interest is included.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The S and SL are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $5,000 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $5,000 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 2 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | S | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $37,500 | $42,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.5L V6 |
| Horsepower | 284 hp | 284 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,900/yr | $1,900/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,334 lbs | 4,359 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 114.2" |
| Length | 197.7" | 197.7" |
| Width | 77.9" | 77.9" |
| Height | 70.9" | 70.7" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Nissan Pathfinder S vs SL Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Nissan Pathfinder lineup, the Nissan brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Pathfinder SL cost than the S?
The SL starts at $42,500 compared to $37,500 for the S. That is a $5,000 difference, or approximately $88/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder S and SL have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.5L V6 producing 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do both the 2026 Pathfinder S and SL come in AWD?
Both trims start with FWD as standard. AWD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current AWD pricing. This comparison uses the base FWD configuration.
Is the 2026 Pathfinder S or SL safer?
Both share the same Nissan Pathfinder platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder come with?
All 2026 Nissan Pathfinder trims, including both the S and SL, come with Nissan's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Pathfinder SL Worth $5,000 More?
Same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy, $5,000 more. The Pathfinder SL adds minor equipment upgrades over the S, but the core driving experience is identical.
What Both Trims Share
The Pathfinder S and SL share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $5,000 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Bottom Line
The Pathfinder SL costs $5,000 more than the S (about $88/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 1 meaningful change at $5,000 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Nissan Pathfinder S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Nissan Pathfinder SL
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SL when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Nissan or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.