One Nissan Pathfinder Is A 501-HP Street Machine, The Other Is A V8-Powered Off-Roader

The Nissan Pathfinder spent years building a reputation as a practical family SUV. Nicholas Scherr, better known as Nismo Nick, has other plans for it. For SEMA 2026, he's taking an older Pathfinder and splitting its personality in two: one version gets sports-car attitude, while the other is ready to tackle the wilderness.

The projects are called Trackfinder and Trailfinder, and both celebrate 40 years of the Pathfinder nameplate. Scherr picked the R51 generation because it still has the body-on-frame construction that made earlier Pathfinders capable off-roaders. The newer models moved to a more car-like platform, so the R51 offered a better foundation for these builds.

Both SUVs receive a major dose of modern Nissan Frontier hardware. The current pickup donates its grille, headlights, taillights, body panels, and much of the interior. They also share Ruby Slate Pearl paint, originally offered on the 2021 Maxima 40th Anniversary edition.

The Trackfinder is the one that belongs on a winding road. Its lowered stance, black 20-inch forged wheels, carbon-fiber hood, rear spoiler, and four exhaust tips give it a proper performance look. Under the hood, a supercharger transforms the 4.0-liter V6 into a 501-hp machine. Even better, an Xterra-sourced six-speed manual handles the power.

The Trailfinder trades speed for serious off-road equipment. Its lifted suspension and 35-inch Hankook tires provide extra clearance, while steel bumpers, rock sliders, a winch, roof tent, and a swing-out spare carrier prepare it for remote adventures. Its engine is a 5.6-liter V8 fitted with an upgraded intake and snorkel.

The interiors follow the same split personality. Both use Frontier components, but the Trailfinder gets red dashboard trim and leather seats with tartan inserts.

Built with support from Pinnacle Nissan in Arizona, the pair will appear at SEMA 2026 in Las Vegas. Two Pathfinders, two completely different ideas of fun.