We loaded the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder with two ISOFIX/LATCH child seats and a center booster to evaluate anchor access, belt routing, rear-door angles, and everyday usability. Our test car had the second-row bench and AWD.
The current Pathfinder rides on a stiffened unibody with a 3.5-liter V6 (284 hp, 259 lb-ft) and 9‑speed automatic, but what matters here is the second row. The bench offers LATCH pairs on both outboard positions and three top tether anchors across the row, with clearly marked tags. The third row also has top tethers, but no lower anchors. We focused on fitting two outboard LATCH seats plus a center booster in the second row.
Testing took place over two days on level pavement, installing two convertible seats via lower anchors (forward-facing on the driver side, rear-facing on the passenger side) and a narrow high-back booster in the center using the seatbelt. We verified seat movement to under 1 inch at the belt path and used the vehicle’s built-in locking retractors for the booster. Rear doors open very wide—Nissan quotes 85 degrees—and the tall roofline keeps heads clear during loading. Anchor access is excellent.
The lower anchors sit just inside the seat bight behind small fabric slits; no fishing required, and the angle of approach is straight enough that rigid ISOFIX connectors click in cleanly. Outboard top tethers are on the seatback and easy to see and tighten. With both LATCH seats installed, the center seat base remains mostly flat, so the booster sits square without riding up on a buckle or plastic trim. Belt routing for the center booster is straightforward.
The shoulder belt anchors from the pillar at a suitable height, and with the head restraint raised one notch (or removed, per the manual), the belt lays flat across the collarbone with no forward-of-shoulder issue. Buckle stalks are semi-rigid and tall enough for kids to reach, but close proximity to a wide convertible seat can cause “buckle crunch.” Our narrow booster avoided this; broader cupholder-style boosters may intrude on the buckle. Pro tip: seat the booster first, then snug the outboard LATCH seats to preserve buckle access. Rear-door usability is a highlight.
The near-85-degree opening makes it easy to swing infant carriers in and gives room to push down on seats during installation. Step-in height is family friendly, and the door’s lower cut keeps shins clear. Nissan’s EZ FLEX LATCH-and-Glide feature still allows the passenger-side second-row to tilt and slide forward with a forward-facing LATCH seat installed (no occupant), enabling third-row access; it doesn’t work with a rear-facing seat or when that seat is installed with the belt and tethered. Overall, the Pathfinder’s bench handles two LATCH seats plus a center booster cleanly.
Anchor access is among the best in class, belt geometry is booster-friendly, and the wide-opening doors reduce the daily wrestling match. For long-term three-across, choose a narrow booster and avoid bulky armrests. Remember many LATCH systems have a combined child+seat limit around 65 lb—switch to seatbelt installs as needed—and always recheck tightness after any seat or headrest adjustment.
