2027 Nissan Pathfinder Pickup: CGI Sparks Titan Hope

From LA Auto Show Star to Pickup Concept

Nissan's mid-cycle refresh of the 2026 Pathfinder three-row crossover stole attention at the 2025 Los Angeles Auto Show, and not just from rival SUVs. The sharper styling, rugged cues, and a thoroughly updated interior have inspired digital artists to imagine a bold next step for Nissan — a 2027 Pathfinder pickup. One creative CGI project has already given fans a clear look at how a Pathfinder-derived mid-size pickup could shake up the market.

CGI Vision: Pathfinder Becomes a Mid-Size Pickup

The concept comes from Indonesian digital artist Dimas Ramadhan, who runs the Digimods DESIGN channel. Ramadhan grafted the refreshed 2026 Pathfinder's front end onto a conventional pickup rear, producing a mid-size truck that looks sportier and more refined than Nissan's current Frontier. It’s a visually compelling exercise that asks a simple question: should Nissan turn the Pathfinder’s newfound style and cabin tech into a real pickup?

Why the idea resonates

There are several reasons this CGI concept caught on. The current D41 Frontier is praised for its rugged, no-nonsense character, but it trails competitors in interior refinement and infotainment. The 2026 Pathfinder’s cockpit, by contrast, is a clear leap forward — a modern, premium-feeling space with tech that includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering standard wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

Combine that cabin with the Pathfinder’s exterior updates and you get a mid-size pickup that could offer buyers both style and substance. It might also serve as a spiritual successor to the slow-selling Nissan Titan or even replace the current Frontier on dealer lots.

Imagined specs and features

While the CGI truck is speculative, here are logical specs and selling points Nissan could pursue if it green-lit a Pathfinder-based pickup:

• Powertrain: existing 3.5L V6 with 284 hp, with potential hybrid or turbo options later
• Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, OTA updates
• Driver tech: digital cluster, advanced driver assists, ProPILOT evolution possible
• Platform: could be offered as unibody (for ride comfort) or switched to body-on-frame for towing — strategic choice for market positioning
• Configurations: crew cab, mid-size bed, off-road trims

"A Pathfinder pickup could bridge the gap between premium crossover comfort and traditional pickup capability."

Platform trade-offs: unibody vs body-on-frame

One key decision for Nissan would be the platform. Using the Pathfinder’s unibody architecture would keep ride quality and on-road comfort high — ideal for buyers who prioritize daily driving refinement. A body-on-frame design would boost towing and payload capacity, appealing to traditional truck buyers and fleet customers. The CGI concept hints at a classic pickup silhouette, but the real-world choice would be driven by sales strategy and engineering cost.

Market positioning and rivalry

If Nissan launched a Pathfinder pickup, it would take aim at the saturated but lucrative mid-size truck segment — competing with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado and the revived Honda Ridgeline (if Honda pivots). Nissan’s advantage could be the Pathfinder’s cabin tech and styling, modernizing the brand’s truck portfolio.

So, should Nissan replace the Frontier with a stylish Pathfinder truck? The CGI proves the idea is attractive; whether it’s practical depends on Nissan’s long-term product and platform plans. For enthusiasts and buyers who want crossover comfort in a pickup package, a Pathfinder pickup would be an exciting proposition.

What do you think — would you buy a Pathfinder pickup if Nissan built it?