New Nissan Pathfinder SUVs — Washington D.C. Area

New/Notable:

• 7-passenger SUV with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations
• Earned a fulln overall 5-star overall crash test safety rating from the NHTSA
• Easy-Fill Tire Alert System standard

The 2016 Nissan Pathfinder is mostly unchanged since last year. It is a versatile, 7-passenger sport utility vehicle with front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations. For 2016, the SV trim has a revised almond interior with black and beige materials and a new Cold Package.

The Pathfinder comes in 3 different trims: the S, SV, and SL.

On the outside, the Pathfinder remains is untouched. It is a long-bodied utility vehicle with minimal lines and forms, but has a distinctively large chrome grill and kite-shaped headlights. Its imposing size and black clad lower body trim makes it look rugged enough for off-road adventures with the family, but the Pathfinder is most at home on the street. Standard features include a spoiler and power side mirrors. A power liftgate, dual-panel moonroof, and heated side mirrors are also available.

The Pathfinder has one powertrain option – a 260-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 engine joined to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). When combined with front-wheel drive, the Pathfinder gets an EPA estimated 20/27 mpg city/highway and with 4WD, it gets 19/26 mpg.

On the inside, the Pathfinder offers 7-passenger seating across 3 rows. Cargo capacity measures at 16 cubic feet, but can be expanded to a maximum 79.8 cubic feet when the second- and third-row seats are folded down. Air conditioning, keyless entry, and push-button start come standard. The SV trim gains adds a Cold Package  that includes heated cloth front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. The SL trim gains a heated steering wheel. Leather seating, heated and cooled front seats, a rear entertainment system with two 7-inch screens, and a navigation system are also available.

The Pathfinder earned an overall full 5-star safety overall crash test rating from the NHTSA, their highest score. It features Nissan’s unique Easy-Fill Tire Alert System standard, which beeps when filling the tires to let you know that the correct air pressure has been reached. Standard safety features include three-row-side curtain airbags, front airbags, antilock brakes, and an electronic stability system. A backup camera, surround-view camera system, and blind spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert are also available.