2027 Nissan Pathfinder revealed in China as revamped rival to Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Kluger, but it remains out of Aussie buyer's reach

This key Toyota Kluger rival has received a serious update.

The overhauled Nissan Pathfinder three-row SUV has been shown off as it looks to tackle the Chinese market. 

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There are no plans for this new Pathfinder to launch in Australia, with the X-Trail mid-size and Patrol large SUVs occupying the three-row space for Nissan.

The Pathfinder was discontinued in Australia earlier this year, with factors like declining sales and impending emissions penalties contributing factors.

This new version of the Pathfinder is built in China as part of Nissan’s partnership with Chinese carmaker Dongfeng. 

This new VC Turbo engine produces 185kW and 376Nm, and is designed to maximise high levels of performance and strong fuel efficiency for comparatively small size.

It represents only a subtle decrease in performance from the V6's 202kW/340Nm.

The new Pathfinder drinks fuel at a rate of as little as 8.65L/100km, which is considerably lower than the 10.0L-plus rating of the V6.

It has a nine-speed transmission and is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. 

The car’s interior features a 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital display, with an optional 10.8-inch head-up display.

The new Pathfinder will be available in both six- and seven-seat configurations, with some cabin innovations like reclining second-row seats specified to meet Chinese market preferences.

Nissan is currently facing the prospect of fines under Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which imposes a European-style emissions regime on cars sold here. 

Petrol models like the previous V6-powered Pathfinder would attract high penalties under the new laws.

The Pathfinder is currently only offered with petrol power, unlike rivals such as the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Palisade which are only offered as plugless hybrids in Australia.

The Pathfinder is not slated for a return to Australia, with our market much more likely to receive the upcoming NX8 in its place. The NX8 is also a Chinese-built model, and is joint-developed by Nissan and its Dongfeng partner.

While it has similar large SUV dimensions to the Pathfinder, for now it has only been revealed as a five-seater in either fully electric and range-extender hybrid forms.