Nissan has officially pulled the wraps off the 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition, a birthday present to celebrate forty years of the nameplate. It’s built on the Pathfinder SL trim, slotting neatly between the SL and the range-topping Platinum.
This marks the first time Nissan has ever rolled out an anniversary edition for the Pathfinder. Production is set to begin in summer 2026 at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant, with trucks arriving at dealerships that fall.
Exclusive Looks Inside and Out
The Special Edition comes standard with 20-inch dark alloy wheels, black mirror caps and black roof rails. You’ll spot a “40th Anniversary” badge just below the front doors. Four paint colors are on offer, including an exclusive two-tone scheme.
Inside, you get chestnut and black two-tone leather seats with the 40th Anniversary logo embossed into the headrests. The second row features captain chairs — a setup that’s usually an extra-cost option on the SL trim.
On the features front, the Special Edition builds on the SL with a panoramic sunroof, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. Driver-assist tech carries over unchanged from the 2026 Pathfinder, including ProPILOT Assist.
Powertrain and Pricing
The powertrain is untouched. Under the hood sits a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 pumping out 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option.
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L V6, 284 hp / 259 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (standard) / AWD (optional) |
| Wheels | 20-inch dark alloy (standard) |
| Audio | Bose 13-speaker |
| Starting price (incl. destination) | Approx. $46,000 (FWD) |
| AWD premium | $1,600 |
Pricing hasn’t been locked in just yet. Nissan says the full price sheet will drop closer to launch. For reference, the 2026 Pathfinder SL front-drive starts around $43,000, so expect the Special Edition to command a premium of roughly $3,000.
The Pathfinder first launched back in 1986 and has racked up more than 2 million sales worldwide since. The current fifth-generation model arrived in 2021, with a mid-cycle refresh completed in 2024.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What’s the difference between the 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition and the regular SL?
- A: The Special Edition adds 20-inch dark alloy wheels, black mirror caps, black roof rails, 40th Anniversary badges, chestnut/black two-tone leather seats, second-row captain chairs, a panoramic sunroof, a 13-speaker Bose audio system, a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats on top of the SL.
- Q: Does the 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition get a different powertrain?
- A: Nope, it’s carryover. You still get the 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 making 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic. FWD is standard and AWD is optional.
- Q: What’s the price and launch timing for the 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition?
- A: The FWD version starts around $46,000 including destination, with AWD adding $1,600. Final pricing isn’t confirmed yet, but expect roughly a $3,000 premium over the 2026 SL FWD. Production begins summer 2026 at the Smyrna, Tennessee plant, with dealer arrivals in fall.
Further Reading
Pudiu notes that Nissan North America’s official press release confirms the 2027 Pathfinder Special Edition will be built at the Smyrna, Tennessee assembly plant, which also produces models like the Rogue and Murano. Nissan hasn’t disclosed planned production volumes for the Special Edition. Reports from Car and Driver and MotorTrend both point out that the Special Edition involves no powertrain or chassis changes — it’s purely a commemorative package focused on looks and features.