Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan's compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier.

In 2012, the R52 series Pathfinder was released as a three-row crossover SUV based on the unibody Nissan D platform, moving away from the body-on-frame chassis format.

The role of a mid-size body-on-frame SUV in Nissan's global lineup was passed to the Terra/X-Terra, which was released in 2018 and based on the D23 series Navara.

The first generation Pathfinder was unveiled in May 1985 and was later introduced in July 1986 as a two-door body-on-frame SUV, for the 1987 model year in the United States.

Built on a ladder-type frame, the Pathfinder was Nissan's response to the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco II, Jeep Cherokee, and non-American SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, and the Isuzu MU.

All YD21 Pathfinders were available in both 2WD and manually engaged 4WD configurations, with base models installed with a 2.4 L four-cylinder engine.

While the Pathfinder/Terrano was essentially based on the newly introduced Hardbody truck, the rear five-link coil suspension was borrowed from the Safari to enhance its off-road abilities.

The two-door version was available with the Nissan VG30i V6, which produces 140 PS (103 kW) at 4800 rpm in Japanese market specifications.

[citation needed] To emphasize this marketing approach, the Terrano was available with options not normally found on other budget-minded vehicles.

Nissan's sports division Autech added special equipment packages, introducing the "Wide R3M Urban" and the "AJ Limited".

As of the 2002 model year, the Terrano / Pathfinder was no longer marketed in Japan, and was available in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

The Pathfinder received a facelift in 1998 for the 1999.5 model year with a revised front fascia, rear fascia, and interior — followed by another facelift occurred in 2001 for the 2002 model year, receiving the updated Nissan logo, a revised grille, as well as a new steering wheel, different rims and radio display.

Marketed as a luxury vehicle, The Terrano Regulus offered off-road capability with a low-range four-wheel-drive system and 8.3 inches (211 mm) of ground clearance.

[7] This facelift also gave the QX4 an updated exterior and interior body style, including a new grille and bumpers, reworked Xenon HID headlamps and redesigned taillights, a new dash with integrated analog clock, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The Terrano Regulus continued to use the VG33E engine (and the 3-liter turbodiesel inline-four), although the short-lived V6 2WD option was discontinued again in September 2001, along with some minor changes.

2002 Infiniti QX: Cruise control designed to maintain a set distance from other traffic was the main addition for 2002.

Employing laser sensors, the system was designed to automatically speed or slow the QX4 to keep it a constant distance from cars ahead.

2003 Infiniti QX: Additional standard equipment for 2003 included curtain-type side airbags, available for the first time.

At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Nissan unveiled a completely redesigned Pathfinder for the 2005 model year.

Some of the badge positions on the rear liftgate were tweaked, and this version also received the Titan's 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 310 hp (231 kW) and 388 lb⋅ft (526 N⋅m).

Adding 80 mm to the length of both models, the bumper is more rounded and lends a more sporting touch to the cars.

A concept, nearly identical to the eventual production model, was first revealed at the 2012 North American International Auto Show.

As of 2015, the R52 series is only available in North America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and the Middle East.

Nissan discontinued the Pathfinder Hybrid after the 2014 model year due to owner reviews and complaints that they could not get gas milage that was anywhere close to the advertised 25 to 28 mpg and limited availability and poor sales in the United States (discontinued after the 2015 model year in Canada and in other global markets except Australia and New Zealand).

[citation needed] For model year 2017, the Nissan Pathfinder received an exterior update which includes a new fascia with restyled headlights and tail lights and a new direct-injected V6 engine with CVT—outputting 284 hp (212 kW) and 259 lb⋅ft (351 N⋅m).

Restyled tail lights will be standard on Platinum trim levels, and all 2017 Pathfinders will also have new exterior colors added.

Engine power remains the same, at 284 hp (212 kW; 288 PS) and 259 lb⋅ft (351 N⋅m) of torque, though the CVT is replaced with an all-new 9-speed automatic from ZF.

The interior also receives a redesign, featuring a squared-off, trucklike appearance mirroring the overall theme set by the exterior.

The top-spec Platinum model gains a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.8-inch heads-up display in addition to the 9.0-inch screen.

[28] In 2022, for the 2023 model year, the new Rock Creek Edition is available with black wheels, and off-road suspension and a new Baja Storm exterior color is also available and the wireless smartphone charging pad is now standard on the SL grade while the Platinum trim level comes standard with second-row bucket seats.