What Are the Main Differences Between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S and SV Trim Levels?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S and SV trim levels share the same engine, 8-passenger baseline, and core safety tech, but the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder SV adds significant comfort, convenience, and driver-assist upgrades. Moving to the SV trim adds ProPILOT Assist 1.0, an 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar, heated front seats, remote engine start with Intelligent Climate Control, roof rails, and a power liftgate, alongside access to the optional SV Premium Package.

Both trim levels seat up to eight passengers across three spacious rows and come equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Inside the cabin, the Pathfinder S features cloth seating, manual front-seat adjustments, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The SV trim elevates daily driving comfort by adding heated front seats and replacing manual driver seat controls with an 8-way power driver seat including 2-way power lumbar support.

Driver assist technology also takes a major leap forward on the Pathfinder SV. While the base S trim comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, the SV adds ProPILOT Assist 1.0, combining Intelligent Cruise Control with steering assistance to manage highway cruising, speed adjustments, and lane centering. Convenience is further enhanced on the SV trim through a power liftgate, remote engine start, heated outside mirrors, and integrated roof rails for extra cargo carrying flexibility.

For drivers planning a visit to our Gallatin dealership location to explore both models in person, our team is ready to walk you through the key cabin upgrades. Give our sales specialists a quick call at (615) 442-3090 to check current floor availability or schedule a comparative test drive today.

Table of Contents

• Do the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S and SV Have the Same Engine, Fuel Economy, and Towing?
• What Safety and Driver Assist Technology Is Standard on the Pathfinder S vs SV?
• What Interior Comfort, Connectivity, and Package Upgrades Set the Pathfinder SV Apart?
• How Does the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder SV Compare to the Toyota Highlander LE and Honda Pilot LX?
• Is the Price Upgrade From the Pathfinder S to SV Worth It for Families?
• Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S and SV Trims
• Test Drive and Compare 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Trims at Newton Nissan

Do the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S and SV Have the Same Engine, Fuel Economy, and Towing?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S and SV trims feature the exact same powertrain, delivering identical engine output and fuel economy ratings across both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. Every 2025 Pathfinder S and SV comes equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 284 hp at 6,400 rpm and 259 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, managed by a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.

EPA fuel economy estimates remain identical across both trim levels. In front-wheel drive, both the Pathfinder S and SV achieve 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined. Equipping either trim with four-wheel drive yields 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined. Both configurations run on regular unleaded fuel and feature an 18.5-gallon fuel tank capacity, offering a highway driving range of over 490 miles between fill-ups. The rolling farmland routes around Portland highlight how smoothly the 3.5L V6 delivers passing power without searching for gears on mild grade changes.

Standard towing performance is consistent between the entry-level trims at 3,500 lbs maximum towing capacity. However, a major capability distinction emerges with package options. The Pathfinder S does not support factory tow upgrades beyond its standard capacity. The Pathfinder SV can be outfitted with the optional SV Premium Package, which adds a transmission cooler and factory hitch receiver to boost maximum towing capacity up to 6,000 lbs.

• 3.5L V6 engine producing 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque on both trims
• 9-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• EPA ratings of 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined (2WD) or 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined (4WD)
• 3,500-lb max towing capacity standard on S and SV
• 6,000-lb max towing capacity available on SV with the SV Premium Package

Shoppers considering pre-owned 3-row SUVs can also browse our current pre-owned vehicle inventory to compare low-mileage Pathfinder models alongside our new inventory.

Engine & Performance

Powertrain specs by trim

Engine & Performance (continued)

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy and range by trim

What Safety and Driver Assist Technology Is Standard on the Pathfinder S vs SV?

Both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S and SV feature an extensive suite of active safety technologies, but the SV trim introduces advanced semi-autonomous highway driving aids. The base 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive driver-assist suite designed to monitor front, side, and rear vehicle perimeters.

Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 features on both S and SV trims include:
– Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
– Rear Automatic Braking
– Blind Spot Warning
– Rear Cross Traffic Alert
– Lane Departure Warning
– High Beam Assist

Beyond the core safety suite, both trims include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, and Rear Door Alert. Safety confidence is backed by top industry scores, as the 2025 Pathfinder earned the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Pathfinder SV expands on this safety baseline by adding ProPILOT Assist 1.0. This hands-on highway driver-assist system integrates Intelligent Cruise Control with Full Speed Range and Hold with steering assistance to keep the vehicle centered in its lane and maintain a preset distance from traffic ahead. Additionally, the SV trim incorporates Intelligent Lane Intervention and Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention, which actively apply subtle braking pressure to help guide the vehicle back into its lane if a drift or unsafe lane change is detected.

Families looking to secure flexible monthly terms on a safety-focused 3-row SUV can complete our secure online auto financing application to get pre-approved before visiting our showroom.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety and driver-assistance features by trim

All trims, including Platinum 2WD, Platinum 4WD, Rock Creek 4WD, S 2WD, S 4WD, SL 2WD, SL 4WD, SV 2WD, and SV 4WD, come standard with anti-lock braking system (ABS), Isofix preparation for child seats, front and rear seat height-adjustable head restraints, and pre-tensioners with height adjustment on both driver and passenger front seat belts. Additionally, the third row for all trims includes three height-adjustable head restraints and standard three-point seat belts for the center, driver, and passenger seating positions.

The rear seats in all trims except Rock Creek 4WD feature three height-adjustable head restraints and three-point center seat belts; Rock Creek 4WD differs with two rear seat head restraints and no rear center three-point seat belt indicated. Rear seat belts for driver and passenger positions in all trims are height adjustable.

Emergency call and accident data recorder systems are standard across all trims, with an anti-collision system that activates brake lights also included as standard equipment. This comprehensive suite ensures consistent foundational safety and driver assistance features throughout the model range.

What Interior Comfort, Connectivity, and Package Upgrades Set the Pathfinder SV Apart?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder SV upgrades everyday driving convenience through expanded seating adjustments, cold-weather comfort features, and factory package options unavailable on the base S trim. While the Pathfinder S uses manual cloth seating, the SV trim equips an 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar support, heated front seats, and TailorFit leatherette trim availability.

Technological convenience on the Pathfinder SV includes remote engine start with Intelligent Climate Control, allowing drivers to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin before stepping inside. Daily commutes down Shackle Island Road heading toward Nashville showcase how much fatigue ProPILOT Assist 1.0 and heated front seating relieve during stop-and-go traffic.

Both the S and SV trims feature an 8-inch NissanConnect touch-screen display with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto integration via USB connections. Wireless Apple CarPlay is not offered on either the S or SV trim; it becomes standard starting on the higher SL trim level, which features a larger 9-inch touch-screen display and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

New for the 2025 model year, a power liftgate is now standard equipment on the Pathfinder SV. The SV trim also unlocks the optional SV Premium Package, which adds:
– Panoramic moonroof with power sunshade
– Power liftgate with position memory
– 2nd-row captain’s chairs with removable center console (reducing seating from 8 to 7)
– Transmission cooler increasing towing capacity up to 6,000 lbs
– Black roof rails and wireless front charging pad capability

Drivers planning to trade in their current vehicle can utilize our online trade-in valuation tool to estimate their trade equity. If you ever need cargo accessories or all-weather floor mats for your SUV, our team can help you submit an online parts order form directly through our service center.

How Does the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder SV Compare to the Toyota Highlander LE and Honda Pilot LX?

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder SV delivers competitive performance, towing muscle, and standard comfort equipment when measured against entry-level 3-row rivals like the Toyota Highlander LE and Honda Pilot LX. Under the hood, the Pathfinder SV features a 3.5L V6 engine producing 284 hp, compared to the Toyota Highlander LE’s 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine rated at 265 hp and the Honda Pilot LX’s 3.5L V6 producing 285 hp.

Towing capability represents a clear area of strength for the Pathfinder SV. While the Honda Pilot LX maxes out at 3,500 lbs for front-wheel-drive models and the Toyota Highlander LE tops out at 5,000 lbs, the Pathfinder SV achieves up to 6,000 lbs maximum towing when equipped with the SV Premium Package. This extra 1,000-lb towing threshold gives families greater freedom when pulling medium campers or utility trailers.

In terms of interior equipment, the Pathfinder SV includes standard heated front seats and ProPILOT Assist 1.0 driver assist technology. By comparison, the base Honda Pilot LX lacks standard heated front seats and power driver seat adjustments. While the Toyota Highlander LE offers comparable driver-assist technology via Toyota Safety Sense, the Pathfinder’s EZ Flex 2nd-row seats tilt and slide forward with a single touch—even with a child safety seat installed—providing easier third-row passenger access than both competitors.

Is the Price Upgrade From the Pathfinder S to SV Worth It for Families?

Families comparing these two trims on our showroom floor usually ask whether the comfort features on the SV justify the price step over the S before they look at warranty details. The financial step between the two trims represents a practical upgrade when weighing added equipment against overall value.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD starts at a Base MSRP of $36,400 (or $38,400 with four-wheel drive), plus a $1,495 destination charge. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder SV 2WD carries a Base MSRP of $39,390 (or $41,390 with four-wheel drive), plus the same $1,495 destination charge. This creates an MSRP difference of $2,990 between equivalent drivetrains.

For that price difference, the Pathfinder SV adds ProPILOT Assist 1.0, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver seat, remote engine start, a power liftgate, and roof rails. Adding those features individually through aftermarket channels is either impossible or far more expensive. Furthermore, the SV trim unlocks access to the SV Premium Package and its 6,000-lb towing capability, making the Pathfinder SV the value sweet spot of the entire lineup for active suburban families.

Pricing

Pricing by trim

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder S and SV Trims

Q: Does either the Pathfinder S or SV offer wireless Apple CarPlay?

Neither the Pathfinder S nor the SV trim offers wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless Android Auto. Both trims feature an 8-inch touch-screen display that requires a wired USB connection for smartphone mirroring. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto become available starting on the SL trim, which upgrades to a 9-inch touch-screen display.

Q: What is the towing capacity difference between the Pathfinder S and SV?

The Pathfinder S and base SV both feature a standard maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. However, the Pathfinder SV can be equipped with the optional SV Premium Package, which includes a factory transmission cooler that increases maximum towing capacity up to 6,000 lbs. The S trim does not offer a factory 6,000-lb towing upgrade.

Q: Does the 2025 Pathfinder S come with heated seats or remote start?

No, heated front seats and remote engine start with Intelligent Climate Control are not available on the base Pathfinder S trim. Both features come standard starting on the Pathfinder SV trim, along with an 8-way power driver seat with 2-way power lumbar support.

Q: What features are included in the 2025 Pathfinder SV Premium Package?

The SV Premium Package adds a panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, 2nd-row captain’s chairs with a removable center console, a power liftgate with position memory, black roof rails, a wireless front charging pad, and a transmission cooler that boosts maximum towing capacity up to 6,000 lbs.

Q: What warranty coverage comes with a new 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?

Every new 2025 Nissan Pathfinder comes backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. Corrosion coverage is provided for 5 years/unlimited miles. Buyers exploring late-model options can also check out our Newton Certified Pre-Owned program for extended coverage benefits, or streamline their purchase online through the Newton Fastpass online buying process.

Test Drive and Compare 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Trims at Newton Nissan

Newton Nissan in Massachusetts offers both the 2025 Pathfinder S and SV trims for test drives, helping families find the perfect balance of features and price. Whether you prefer the straightforward value of the Pathfinder S or the added refinement, ProPILOT Assist 1.0, and 6,000-lb tow rating capability of the Pathfinder SV, our team is here to help you test drive both models back-to-back.

Explore our current new Nissan Pathfinder inventory online to see available colors and option packages. When you are ready for a test drive, visit our showroom address at 1461 Nashville Pike in Gallatin or give our sales desk a call at (615) 442-3090 to schedule your visit today.