Nissan today unveiled the new 2017 Pathfinder, which the company says is designed with “more adventure capability, a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology.” The new version of the seven-passenger SUV will be offered in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive options in grade levels S, SV, SL and Platinum.

“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, yet we are always looking forward – as the Pathfinder name implies,” said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “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 and weekend family adventures.”

Nissan says the Pathfinder’s new 3.5-liter V6 engine features more power, torque and towing capacity, featuring more than 50 percent new or new-to-Pathfinder engine parts and components – including combustion chamber design, pistons, intake manifold and e-VTC (fully electronic on intake). The compression ratio has also been raised to 11.0:1 (from the previous 10.3:1).

The engine’s new Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) system is the same found on the all-new Armada SUV, is aid to provide better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance. Horsepower for the new V6 increases to 284 hp (from the previous 260 hp) and torque is now rated at 259 lb-ft (up from 240 lb-ft). With the performance increases, Nissan was still able to retain the same fuel economy as the previous model at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (2WD models, estimated).

All 2017 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan’s third-generation Xtronic transmission (similar to that utilized in the sporty Nissan Maxima). The Xtronic transmission includes D-Step Logic Control, which simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling.

Maximum towing capacity has increased by 1,000 pounds to a best-in-class* 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped) due to the enhanced powertrain and body reinforcements added around the trailer hitch area. The advanced Xtronic transmission design also helps keep engine rpm optimized while towing without the typical “hunting for a gear” feel.

“As part of Nissan’s ongoing, extensive research into consumers’ real-world towing activities, we’ve found that mid-size SUV owners really want the ability to tow two-axle recreational trailers, whether for watercraft, flatbeds or campers,” said Bunce. “The 2017 Pathfinder now fits most of those needs with the added confidence of its standard 6,000-pound towing rating.”

MORE NISSAN STORIES
First Impression: Nissan Endurance V8 Engine

2016 Nissan Titan XD Fuel Economy Testing

Nissan Makes World Debut of 2017 Armada at Chicago Auto Show

As in previous years, Pathfinder also features selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes from the available intuitive ALL-MODE 4×4-i system. With the available intuitive four-wheel drive, Pathfinder continues to serve as an excellent vehicle for inclement weather driving conditions.

Nissan says the Pathfinder is the only vehicle in class with selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4×4-i system, allowing the driver to choose full-time 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. Nissan also includes standard Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control (4WD only) on the new Pathfinder.

The 2017 model’s 4-wheel independent suspension is retuned considerably compared to the 2016 Pathfinder for “enhanced driving dynamics, offering improved body control and a more refined ride.” The front shocks absorbers are said to be 11 percent stiffer while the rear is seven percent stiffer, while rebound springs have been added to the front struts to aid with body control and roll balance. Nissan also says the spring rates of the rear rebound springs have been increased by 25 percent.

“Fine tuning of the spring rates and the addition of front strut rebound springs has allowed better control of typical body motions such as roll and pitch and bounce. The result is the Pathfinder remains flatter while cornering and road vibrations are well controlled, especially on rough roads and during off-road driving,” said Bunce.

The steering ratio on the revised hydraulic electric steering system provides 11 percent quicker turning for improved cornering. The 2017 Pathfinder’s advanced driver assistance technology includes new Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC). For 2017, Moving Object Detection (MOD) has been added to the available Around View® Monitor (AVM). Also available are Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The 2017 Pathfinder is the first major upgrade since the fourth-generation of the model was introduced back in 2013, as the new model features a new “V-Motion” grille and “boomerang-shaped headlights” with LED daytime running lights. Other updates include a more aggressive hood, front bumper and fog lights. The outside rearview mirrors now include standard integrated turn signals. In the rear, changes include new taillights and a more muscular bumper design.

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.

“More than just a more powerful appearance, the 2017 Pathfinder offers more functionality – from the convenience of the Motion-Activated liftgate to user-friendly interior upgrades,” added Bunce.

The enhancements to the Pathfinder interior for 2017 focus on convenience and connectivity. For example, the cupholders 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.

Nissan says the biggest change, however, is the adoption of new-generation information technology. The standard Advanced Drive-Assist Display (ADAD), located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features additional infotainment and driver assistance displays (versus the 2016 Pathfinder design). 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 and optional on SV and SL grades) includes Voice Recognition for navigation, including one-shot voice destination entry and three years of included SiriusXM® Traffic®. The Pathfinder also includes standard SiriusXM® Travel Link** with three years of complimentary service, featuring sports, movie listings, stock prices, gas prices and weather.

NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®** features automatic collision notification, emergency call and stolen vehicle locator, customizable alerts, dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts. It comes standard on Platinum grade.

The 2017 Pathfinder’s 3-row/7-passenger interior combines comfortable seating with plenty of cargo capacity. As the company explains, “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.” The overall interior is 173.8 cubic feet for passenger and cargo areas combined.

Every 2017 Pathfinder interior is anchored by Nissan’s innovative EZ Flex Seating System with LATCH AND GLIDE, a 2nd row tilt and glide seat that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat remaining securely in place (on the passenger curb side). 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. New cloth seat fabric is added for S and SV grades, along with new interior finishers for SL and Platinum grade levels. Leather-appointed seating is standard on SL and Platinum models.

Pathfinder also offers available class-exclusive Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD) 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 (versus the previous 7-inch WVGA) 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.

An available remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving (standard on SV, SL and Platinum). The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), available with individual tire pressure display, comes with standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert that provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge.

Nissan says that several option packages will be available for 2017, cindlugn the Trailer Tow Package; the SV Cold Package with heated front cloth seats, heated steering wheel and heated outside rearview mirrors; and the SV Tech Package with NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM, Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA); the SL Tech Package, which features the Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM and trailer hitch receiver and trailer towing harness; and the SL Premium Package with NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM, Bose 13-speaker Premium Audio System, Dual Panorama Moonroof and tow hitch receiver with integrated finisher. The Family Entertainment Package adds the dual 8.0-inch headrest DVD/Family Entertainment System with rear seat wireless headphones, wireless remote control, rear headphone jacks with volume control, USB port, HDMI jack and VTR jack.

Expect the 2017 Pathfinder to be in dealerships later this year. Pricing has not yet been announced.

MORE NISSAN STORIES
First Impression: Nissan Endurance V8 Engine

2016 Nissan Titan XD Fuel Economy Testing

Nissan Makes World Debut of 2017 Armada at Chicago Auto Show