The Pathfinder was transformed three years ago when it entered the current generation. This transformation took the vehicle from a truck based SUV to one that is a crossover that drives much more like a sedan than a truck. As one of our favorites the Pathfinder offers a roomy interior for up to seven to sit comfortably and a set of driving manners that makes it a fantastic choice on the road. Even though it’s not an off roading giant anymore, this SUV does offer AWD and the towing capacity to haul up to 5,000 pounds.

You can sit up to seven in the Pathfinder, which is hopefully plenty for your to take where you need to go. As a great choice in SUVs, the Pathfinder offers the driving you want to enjoy and the size you need to go along with a great power output. The third row is easy to get into, which is a real problem in many other SUVs. For 2016 this SUV adds a Cold Package to the SV trim and adds a standard heated steering wheel for the SL trim level.

The drive of the Pathfinder is one that you will love and want to experience on a daily basis. This SUV is used often as a daily driver and makes for one of the most popular choices for commuting, running errands and for soccer parents to enjoy the versatility of the vehicle. You will find a smooth drive that is provided by a fantastic suspension that has been upgraded to give you a ride that keeps the babies sleeping and offers the control you want on the road. With the AWD aboard the Pathfinder is a competent ride in foul weather to be the right choice when the winder months arrive.

Under the hood, giving you the power you want to be able to hand the this SUV with up to seven aboard and 5,000 pounds of towing, we find a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gives us 260 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is attached to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that has the enhanced D-Step Shift Logic to give it the feeling of a traditional transmission. The fuel mileage return for this powertrain comes in at 20 city/27 hwy mpg for the FWD model and 19 city/26 hwy mpg for the AWD version as this wonderful ride does operate perfectly well on regular grade fuel.

As for the features of this popular SUV the standard features we find come across four trim levels, S, SV, SL and Platinum. At the base S model the features include tri-zone climate controls, push button starting, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and an audio system but no Bluetooth. The SV brings in the Bluetooth, a rearview camera, rear parking assistance, a power adjustable driver’s seat, an improved audio system with a USB input and satellite radio. This upgraded model brings in more of what you want to enjoy from the Pathfinder and still keeps this an affordable vehicle to enjoy.

Going to the higher trim levels, the SL will give you a power liftgate, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a power adjustable front passenger seat, blind spot monitoring and a 120-volc power outlet for the second row. The Platinum model brings in the navigation system, a panoramic moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, the Around View monitor, a Bose premium audio system, 20-inch wheels and a power adjustable steering wheel. The AWD is offered for all the trims and there are some stand-alone package offerings you can choose from which include a rear-seat entertainment system, a hatch tent or other cool features.

For the Pathfinder there are two features that stand out above any others, the Around View Monitor and the EZ Flex Latch & Glide System. The Around View Monitor uses four cameras to create a full 360-degree image that allows you to see what is going on around the vehicle. The latch system allows you to have a child seat latched in the second row while the seat is slid forward to allow access to the third row of seats, which means you can latch the seat in and leave it there.

On the inside the Pathfinder is spacious and offers upgraded materials while giving you plenty of room for seven people to sit comfortably. Even though the last row is tighter, older children can still make use of this row and feel they have enough space. There is a generous amount of cargo space to be enjoyed. The Pathfinder gives you a contrasting look with charcoal colored seats and white stitching to be a great look for you to enjoy. The infotainment system is more comfortable to use as it’s not the touch screen one, which is more familiar to most of us.

On the outside you can find a vehicle that is easy to admire. With excellent curves and an athletic stance the Pathfinder is certainly an SUV you will look at and enjoy in your driveway. The front has a stylish and improved look with the upward sloping grill and the gorgeous headlights that give this SUV the style that makes for a great feel. When you add the roof rails on top you have a great place to add more cargo and equipment to enjoy at the destination, making this one of the most useful vehicles on the market.

When it comes to pricing the Pathfinder starts out at $30,680 for the base S model but the SV is the model you want to choose if you need to prowl the lower price ranges as it comes in at $34,000. The fully loaded AWD Platinum version shows up around $45,000 which is not a bad price at all for a fully loaded model that gives you everything you can imagine on this vehicle. The Pathfinder continues to be one of the most impressive vehicles on the market for you to choose and can be the right choice as your next great crossover SUV. Come find the one you want at your nearby Nissan dealers.