By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Nissan US Media
Pathfinder, one of Nissan’s best known and most popular nameplates in its nearly 60-year history in the United States, is reborn for the 2017 model year with more adventure capability, a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology features.
Exterior
When the fourth-generation Pathfinder was introduced for the 2013 model year, its design represented a major step forward in refined styling and aerodynamic emphasis. For 2017, the refreshed exterior, provides a stronger sense of adventure character and presence by adding Nissan signature design elements, such as the new V-Motion grille and boomerang-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights. Other exterior enhancements include new front bumper, fog lights, outside rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals and new 18-inch and 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheel designs. In the rear, changes include new taillight and bumper designs.
Other exterior details include recessed front windshield wipers, roof rails, chrome door handles and privacy glass. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof is standard on the Platinum grade. It includes a sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel, which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows.
Another significant addition for 2017 is the available Motion-Activated liftgate with liftgate position memory, which is standard on the Platinum grade. A simple wave of the foot under the center of the liftgate activates the power opening function. Completing the exterior makeover are two new exterior colors, Sandstone and Caspian Blue. Other available colors are Midnight Jade, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Cayenne Red, Pearl White and Glacier White.
Interior
Enhancements to the Pathfinder interior for 2017 focus on convenience and connectivity. For example, the cup-holders have been reshaped to accommodate mug handles and an illuminated front storage bin. There are now two USB ports inside the console versus the previous single port.
The biggest change, however, is the adoption of new-generation information technology. The standard Advanced Drive-Assist Display, located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features additional infotainment and driver assistance displays. Voice recognition has been enhanced with a new HD microphone.
The standard 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings, including the standard NissanConnectSM with Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth and vehicle information. In addition, the available NissanConnect Navigation system, offered as standard equipment on Pathfinder Platinum, includes Voice Recognition for navigation, including one-shot voice destination entry and three years of included SiriusXM Traffic.
As in previous years, the 3-row/7-passenger interior combines comfortable seating with the cargo capacity that families need every day. It offers the benefits of a mid-size crossover with the comfort of a larger SUV, including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility and ample space. Overall interior roominess is 173.8 cubic feet.
A wide range of seating and cargo carrying combinations are available with the 2nd row 60/40-split seat with manual slide/recline/fold flat and 3rd row 50/50-split seat with manual recline/flat fold. Leather-appointed seating is standard on the Platinum models.
Pathfinder also offers available Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection added for 2017. Other available technology includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and iPod integration. The tri-zone Family Entertainment system includes 2nd row head restraint-mounted DVD display screens. The rear displays are now 8-inch QHD designs and include auto brightness control and USB and HDMI rear source inputs. The rear display can be easily controlled from the front with a more user-friendly display.
Revised 3.5-liter V6 Engine
Pathfinder’s new 3.5-liter V6 engine features more power, torque and towing capacity. It utilizes more than 50 percent new or new-to-Pathfinder engine parts and components – including combustion chamber design, pistons, intake manifold and e-VTC. The compression ratio has also been raised to 11.0:1.
Horsepower increases to 284 hp and torque is now rated at 259 lb-ft. And, while adding more horsepower and torque, Pathfinder fuel economy remains 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined on 2WD models.
All 2017 Pathfinder are equipped with Nissan’s third-generation Xtronic Transmission. The Xtronic transmission includes DStep Logic Control, which simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling. The new powertrain helps provide real world driving benefits of more responsive acceleration and re-acceleration, such as when entering highways or passing.
Pathfinder remains the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4×4-i system. The system lets the driver choose fulltime 2WD for maximum fuel economy, Auto mode to automatically monitor conditions and adjust the balance of power between front and rear wheels for best traction, or 4WD Lock mode when full-time 4WD is desired.
Summary
The Nissan Pathfinder has an amazing heritage as one of the modern pioneers in the SUV segment, with more than 30 years in the marketplace. For 2017, Pathfinder receives much more than your typical facelift. It now offers more power, towing capability, improved driving dynamics and new available driver assistance features, more of what you need for safe, comfortable every day driving.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $43,560 for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD, the one I drove included Premium Paint and the Family Entertainment Package (Dual 8 Inch Head Restrain DVD, Wireless Remote Control, 1 HDMI, 1 USB and Rear Headphone Jacks with Volume Control), and it came in at $45,555.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carstravel.com
