The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is a functional full sized SUV, keeping its typical off-roading capabilities yet offering a versatile interior that’s perfect for families. Over the years, the Pathfinder has gradually departed from the rugged and aggressive exterior look it once possessed, and has transitioned to a smoother and sleeker design as seen on the 2016 model. Like many of its competitors, Nissan have decided to add a third row of seating to the Pathfinder to allow for more functional passenger transportation.
Engine and Drive
The Pathfinder has always prided itself on great fuel economy, and this continues to be the case with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. Equipped with a 3.5 litre V6 engine that creates 260hp and paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the 2016 Pathfinder is endowed with fluid acceleration and a consistently smooth drive. It should also be noted that courtesy of Nissan’s D-Step logic, the high-revving that drivers are weary of when at the wheel of a CVT is actually reduced.
Although front-wheel drive is standard, this seems to be the trend as the majority of buyers aren’t looking to take vehicles off-roading. I prefer this option because the price is lower and so is fuel consumption. The worst case fuel consumption comes with the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum V6 model as it’s equipped with 4wd and all the options making it the heaviest. The Platinum Pathfinder achieves 9.0 L/100km on the highway and 12.7 L/100km in the city which was slightly less than our 200km test drive yielding 13.5 L/100km although it was mostly city driving.
Despite the full size nature of the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, it’s quite fast clocking in around 7.2 seconds for a 0-60 sprint.
The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder handles excellently – one of the greatest improvements over the previous model. Hydraulic electric steering ensures that cornering is smooth and body sway is minimal. Most drivers will be surprised by the lightness of the Pathfinder, particularly compared with other SUV’s. The Pathfinder’s suspension was carefully designed to allow drivers a smooth and quiet ride on both city and bumpy roads.
Interior and Exterior
For such a bulky vehicle, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is genuinely attractive. While it won’t be winning any design awards for its rather plain looking exterior, it does still have some elegant curves giving it a modern look. Its stance is high and wide as expected, but not to an imposing extent. The smoother exterior design brings the Pathfinder to a more timely design than previous Pathfinders, but it may fair better in sales if it sported a bolder exterior similar to the 2016 Nissan Murano.
The exterior of the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder has a deceivingly compact look, where inside the vehicle lies plenty of room for seven passengers with ample leg and headroom. Versatility in cargo transportation lies with the fold flat second and third row seating to allow for tons of cargo storage. When the vehicle isn’t at full capacity the second row can be pushed back giving even more legroom to the second row passengers. As a bonus, the under-floor storage area can be utilized to hide valuables and thankfully, it’s accessible regardless of whether the third row is up or down.
Advanced Technology
The 2016 Pathfinder features driver selectable 2WD, 4WD and Auto mode to adapt to all possible terrains. This welcomed technology in the car proves that Nissan is not yet ready to dispose of all the features that initially brought the Pathfinder to life. Clearly the 2016 Pathfinder is a suitable choice for family adventure with a nice balance between performance and family versatility. This is further reflected through the 5,000 pound towing capacity which is top of its class versus the competition. With a large vehicle like the 2016 Pathfinder, Nissan provides the Around View monitor which displays a birds-eye view of front, sides and rear allowing drivers to maneuver in the tightest of spaces.
Final Thoughts
As time progresses, the Nissan Pathfinder grows more and more into a modernized, efficient and versatile vehicle. With a base price of only $31,198, it’s an affordable choice to get into full size SUV with three row seating for seven passengers. The top notch materials and functional interior makes the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder a quality choice for family adventures.
