2016 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is offered at a starting MSRP of $29,830, and offers immense value in terms of practicality, reliability, and technology. The Nissan Pathfinder faces competition from rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. 

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder comes in four trims, the base S trim starts at $29,830 with FWD configuration and $1,690 extra will get you AWD, regardless of the trim. Above the S there is the SV trim which starts at $33,150. The next trim is the SL, which starts at $36,410 and at the top of the line sits the Platinum trim which starts at $41,610 with FWD configuration.

We Recommend

The basic S trim is the way to go as there are better vehicles available if you really want the luxury features. The S trim has ample features at a very affordable price like tri-zone climate control and a six-speaker audio system along with the massive cabin and cargo space.

The 2016 model year Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5L V6 that puts out 260 horsepower along with 240 foot pounds of torque through a CVT unit which also helps the pathfinder to get better fuel efficiency along with smooth and refined ride quality. The Pathfinder’s engine feels punchy and responsive, and puts down enough grunt for powerful highway cruising. However, for a 260-horsepower SUV, the acceleration is lack-luster and same goes with the braking performance as well, where the pathfinder takes 125 feet to stop from a speed of 60 miles per hour.

Comparing the competition, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee makes the most power among the rivals, while the Chevrolet Traverse has the highest torque output on offer. The Toyota Highlander is the quickest to 60 mph, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the best braking performance. All four SUVs in this comparison have different things to offer, with none being the clear winner in this front. 

Because of the efficient motor and CVT transmission, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder has the best fuel economy amongst its competitors. According to the EPA it does 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG combined primarily owing to the CVT transmission. Additionally, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder comes with a 19.5 gallon fuel tank, which helps the SUV deliver appreciable driving range figures. 

Among the competition, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder clearly emerges as the undisputed winner in the fuel economy department. With 27 MPG on the highway and 23 MPG combined, the Pathfinder outperforms the closest rival, the Jeep Grand Cherokee by a significant margin. On the other hand, the Chevrolet Traverse has the least fuel economy on offer, barely managing 15 MPG in the city. 

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder’s interior does not seem as impressive when compared to its more modern rivals like the Honda Pilot, but still offer great space and comfort. However, the second row seats may feel not as comfortable as the first row, and the third row seats are slightly cramped as well. If both the second and third row seats are folded, the cargo space increases to 79.8 cubic feet which is a lot, but not as much as its competitors have on offer. 

The overall cabin ambience of the Nissan Pathfinder feels nice and expensive, and there’s a good deal of high-quality materials employed in the interior. While the 2016 model year Pathfinder loses points in terms of cabin room, it sure makes up for the same with a compelling cabin environment. 

Comparing the competition, the Nissan Pathfinder has the most headroom to offer in the front row, while the Toyota Highlander comes with the most legroom. In the second row, the facts reverse, with the latter offering more headroom and the Pathfinder having more legroom on offer. The Chevrolet Traverse offers the most spacious third row. In terms of cargo space, the 2016 Jeep Grand Chrokee stands as the undisputed winner. Some highlight interior features offered with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder include:

• Standard Cloth Seats. 
• Leather Upholstery. 
• Power-Adjustable Seats. 
• Lumbar Support. 
• Leather Steering Wheel. 
• Polished Wood Inserts. 
• Tri-Zone Climate Control. 

2016 Nissan Pathfinder Infotainment

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder comes with some compelling infotainment features as standard. Even on the base trim, the Nissan Pathfinder gets an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, featuring a vivid display and useful apps. As standard, you get a pretty decent 6-speaker sound system, but you always have the option to upgrade to a compelling 13-Speaker Bose sound system. Bluetooth Audio Streaming is on offer, while you have the flexibility of plugging your device in through USB or Aux. Some other key infotainment features offered with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder include: 

• 8-inch Infotainment Screen. 
• Bluetooth Audio Streaming. 
• USB and Aux Support. 
• 6-Speaker Sound System.
• Optional Bose Audio. 
• Rear-Seat Entertainment.
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio. 
• In-Built Navigation.

The Nissan Pathfinder is surely not a car that was designed to look good, it's a purpose built vehicle that serves its utilitarian purpose quite well. But to describe its exterior design it looks like a beefed up wagon with generic Nissan' look. Before crossover-SUV obsession began, the Pathfinder used to be a truck-based rugged looking SUV, but now it seems subdued at best and it also lacks the tough off-road worthy nature of the original as well.

Among the competition, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse stands as the heaviest vehicle. The Traverse also measures the longest in the lot, while also boasting the greatest width. The Nissan Pathfinder stands the tallest in this comparison, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee offering the greatest ground clearance on offer. The Chevrolet Traverse also offers the longest wheelbase, while that offered by the Toyota Highlander is the shortest. Some highlight exterior features offered by the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder include:

• Chrome Grille Surrounds. 
• Integrated Fog Lights. 
• Metallic Assist Steps.
• 18-inch Alloy Wheels. 
• Optional Privacy Glass.
• Power Liftgate. 
• Rear Windshield Wiper. 

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder comes with some impressive safety features, which helps it rank well among some of the safest vehicles in the market. The 2016 model year Pathfinder has been awarded with a flawless 5-Star Safety Rating by the NHTSA, which speaks volumes about Nissan’s commitment to safety. Additionally, the IIHS has awarded the Pathfinder with an impressive “Good” score under most safety categories. Some key safety features offered with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder include:

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
• Vehicle Dynamics Control.
• Traction Control System.
• LATCH Anchors. 
• Dual-Stage Frontal Airbags. 
• Side Curtain Airbags. 
• Forward Collision Warning. 
• Blind-Spot Monitoring. 
• Cross-Traffic Alert. 

Other than the fuel efficiency and the affordable price there isn’t much impressive about the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. It seems bland both from the inside and outside, and lacks many modern features otherwise offered with the competition at this price point. But what it does offer is a no-nonsense attitude with great performance capability, that can be a great daily driver for any large family because of the impressive reliability and high fuel efficiency.