beebs

2016 Nissan Pathfinder review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Nissan Pathfinder highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Seating for seven
  • Towing capabilities
  • Comfortable ride

Cons

  • Small cargo space behind third-row
  • Base model lacks a USB port
  • Bulky to drive

Mileage (EPA estimate)

19 city, 26 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Comfortable crossover SUV with a V6

If you're shopping for a daily driver that can do it all — from carpooling the neighbor kids and your own to school to hauling a small camper for weekend getaways — take a closer look at the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. This seven-seat crossover SUV has folding second- and third-row seating that opens up cargo room when needed. In addition to its utility, this vehicle features ample modern tech and offers a comfortable ride. New for 2016, a Cold package for the SV trim with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel debuted.

All Nissan Pathfinder years

What is new for the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder?

  • Pathfinder trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s) and Skylight(s) as standard equipment this year.
  • The SL trim now comes with Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder

1. A powerful engine 

All four trims (S, SV, SL, and Platinum) of the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder run on a 3.5L V6 engine with 260 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard or there's optional all-wheel drive. If you live in a climate with snow or in an area with steep gravel roads, AWD models have hill-descent control and a locking center differential feature that redistributes power to the wheels, making your drives easier. 

2. A hybrid option 

The 2015 Nissan Pathfinder SV, SL, and Platinum trims also have a hybrid option featuring a supercharged 2.5L four-cylinder engine mated to a 15-kilowatt electric motor and compact lithium-ion battery pack. This engine choice also has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The towing capacity for the hybrid is an estimated 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.

This ride could easily haul a small utility trailer. 

3. Room for cargo 

Inside the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder, you'll find 16 cu-ft of storage space behind the third-row seats. If you fold the second and third-row seats down, you have 79.8 cu ft to work with. Do you need to haul people and supplies? The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs when properly equipped.

So, go ahead and pack up that trailer to haul the team's supplies for away meets. 

4. Ample modern tech 

If you love to crank the tunes on your morning drive or use Bluetooth® to sync your phone to your car's audio system, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder SV trim can deliver.  You'll also enjoy a seven-inch infotainment display, a rearview camera, available satellite radio, and a USB input.

Choose the SL trim with the SL Tech package to get an upgraded eight-inch touchscreen display, 360-degree parking camera, a navigation system with voice controls, and a 13-speaker Bose® audio system. 

5. Helper driving features 

In addition to the connectivity tech, you'll find handy driving aids on the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder. On all trims, you'll enjoy stability control and traction control. Choose an SL or Platinum trim to get a blind-spot warning system and rear-cross traffic alerts. These prove especially helpful when backing out of parking spaces or changing lanes on the highway. 

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.1 out of 5

9 customer reviews
Based on customer reviews, the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is a great SUV. Customers like the driver-assistance features and the gas mileage.
3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Nissan Pathfinder an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Nissan Pathfinder 18th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder features and specs

Platinum 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • BOSE Sound System
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Skylight(s)
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Third Row Seat
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Running Boards

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

260

Torque (ft-lbs)

240

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

19.5

Wheelbase

114.2"

Overall length

197.2"

Width

77.2"

Height

69.6"

Leg room

F 42.3"/M 41.7"/R 30.7"

Head room

F 41.1"/M 38.5"/R 36.5"

Front tires

P235/55SR20

Rear tires

P235/55SR20

Seating capacity

7

Max towing capacity

500/5000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Nissan Pathfinder FAQ

Research other vehicles



* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.