Report Suggests a Rugged New Pathfinder for 2029

Daily Car

28/02/2026

Recent industry reports indicate that Nissan is planning a significant shift for its Pathfinder lineup. By the 2029 model year, the company may introduce a new Pathfinder built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis, which would be sold alongside the existing unibody version. This move signals a potential return to the model's more rugged roots.

A Two-Model Strategy

According to a report from Automotive News, the current unibody Pathfinder, known for its comfortable on-road manners, will not be discontinued immediately. Instead, it would be positioned as a more affordable, family-oriented option. The new body-on-frame variant would cater to a different buyer, offering enhanced off-road capability and a more robust design, likely carrying the "Pro4X" designation.

This dual-model approach is not new for Nissan. In 2004, the company briefly sold two distinct versions of the Pathfinder. The proposed strategy would see the new, tougher Pathfinder sharing its underlying platform with the upcoming Nissan Xterra, which is expected to return by 2028. Both vehicles are slated for production at Nissan's facility in Canton, Mississippi.

Understanding Body-on-Frame vs. Unibody

For many drivers, the distinction between vehicle frames can be unclear. A body-on-frame (BOF) construction is what traditional trucks and heavy-duty SUVs use. The vehicle's body is mounted onto a separate, rigid steel frame. This design provides superior strength for towing, hauling, and handling rough terrain. In contrast, a unibody vehicle, like the current Pathfinder, integrates the frame and body into a single structure. This method reduces weight and typically improves ride comfort and fuel efficiency on paved roads.

Market Perspective and Powertrains

The potential introduction of a BOF Pathfinder aligns with a growing market trend toward more capable, off-road-ready SUVs. By offering both unibody and BOF versions, Nissan could cover a wider spectrum of the SUV market, from urban families to outdoor adventurers.

The new frame-based Pathfinder is expected to launch with a conventional internal combustion engine, with a hybrid powertrain option to follow later in its production cycle. The long-term plan for the two-Pathfinder lineup remains uncertain and will likely depend on consumer demand and sales performance.

Nissan has not officially confirmed the BOF Pathfinder. In a statement, the company acknowledged its plans to bring back the Xterra and launch four other frame-based vehicles on a new platform but stated that no final decisions have been made regarding other future product programs.

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