You will be surprised to learn that Nissan Pathfinder is one of the modern pioneers of the SUV segment. The model has been around for around 30 years. Over the last few years, demand of SUVs has particularly increased buoyed by a decline in fuel prices which has in turn led to increased competition. To retain its market share, Nissan is set to refresh the Pathfinder for the 2017 model year which doubles up as its 30th anniversary. The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder features more power, better driving dynamics, a revamped cabin and an improved towing capability. The SUV will still be offered in S, SV, SL and the range topping Platinum trim levels. Read along for more:
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Exterior
The exterior comes with subtle upgrades. At the front, the Pathfinder features a pronounced V-Motion grille which is flanked by LED headlights (halogens in lower trims) and boomerang-shaped LED DRLs which are standard in all 4 trims. A new front chin spoiler channels air downwards to help reduce coefficient of drag from 0.34 to 0.33.
At the rear, the automaker has added a new bumper cover and taillight housings. The vehicle also features a new lift-gate which is motion-activated by waving one’s foot under it. A dual-panorama moon-roof is offered as standard on the Platinum trim. The S, SV, and SL trims ride on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard while the Platinum rides on 20-inch wheels.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Interior
Buyers look for SUVs mostly for convenience purposes, a fact Nissan has taken into consideration for the new model. Interior redesign starts with a flat floor which adds flexibility to the cabin. It helps create a 173.8 cubic feet of cabin space. The model also features Nissan’s EZ Flex Seating System which allows the second row to tilt and glide to allow easy access to the rear seats.
Seats of the S and SV trims are wrapped in a quality cloth but buyers can upgrade for leather which is offered as standard in the SL and Platinum trims. Front seats are heated and cooled in the top trims while the second-row seats are also heated. The automaker has revised cupholders to hold cup handles and added illumination to front storage bins.
Nissan has also given more attention to technologies. The vehicle will now feature two USB ports while its multifunctional screen mounted on the center of the instrument cluster is now integrated with an infotainment system. Voice recognition has also been enhanced by addition of a new HD microphone. A navigation system comes as standard in the Platinum trim and as an option in other trims.
The model also features Nissan Connection Services which include emergency calling, stolen vehicle locator, dealer service scheduling and maintenance warning which are offered as standard on the Platinum and options on other trims. The SUV also features a 3-year free subscription to the SiriusXM Travel Link which keeps you updated on stock prices, sports, movie listings, weather updates and fuel costs. Other features include a 13-speaker Bose Audio system, keyless entry and electric steering assist.
Additions for the 2017 model year include a tri-zone climate control system and Around View Mirror (AVM) which features Moving Object Detection (MOD). There is also a tri-zone family entertainment system featuring 8.0-inch display screens mounted on the rear head restraints of the second row seats.
Engine Specs and performance
The most notable change is under the hood where Nissan has added some new parts to the 3.5 L, V-6. The retuned engine now produces 284 horses and 259 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the previous engine produced 260 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is mated to a CVT system similar to the one on the current Maxima. Nissan has also revised aerodynamics of the vehicle such that the new model has a coefficient of drag of 0.33 from 0.34. This helps the model retain fuel economy figures of the outgoing model despite the fact that the engine produces more power.
The engine returns 20 mpg in city and 27 mpg on highway on front-wheel models and 19 mpg and 26 mpg on city and highway drives respectively on the all-wheel-drive model. The hike in power output helps raise the model’s towing capacity by 1,000 pounds to 6,000 pounds.
Price and release date
Hiking prices of such a model often affect sales negatively. As such, Nissan has retained prices of the outgoing model. The Pathfinder has a starting price of $30,730. Sales of the Pathfinder will commence in September.
Competition
Top competitors of the new 2017 Nissan Pathfinder include the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot.
