Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2017 Nissan Pathfinder

November 15, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

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 – pure Pathfinder taken to a higher level of performance and style.
Pathfinder, one of Nissan’s best known and most popular nameplates, is reborn for the 2017 model year with more adventure capability, a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology.

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 284 horsepower 259 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/21 mpg combined

Base Price: $43,560

As Tested: $46,160

Performance:

Noticeably increased horsepower and torque from 2016

Strong acceleration for merging with traffic

Smooth engine and transmission

6,000 pound towing capacity

Large dial for 2WD, Auto 4×4, and locking on/off 4×4

The rear 3/4 view is the most handsome.
The rear 3/4 view is the most handsome.

Ground clearance rather low for serious off-roading

Not truck based like previous generations

OK fuel economy; our best average was 19.9 mpg

Hill descent control

Blind spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Forward emergency braking assist

Comfort:

Stretch-out front legroom

Ample front passenger shoe room under dash

Three temperature heated and cooled front seats

Interior comfort and functionality are top notch.
Interior comfort and functionality are top notch.

Driver power lumbar support

Power tilt/telescopic steering column

Heated leather steering wheel

Heated second row seats

Second row seats have adjustable recline

Flat second row floor

Adults can fit in middle position

Soft second row armrest with cupholders

Second row seats slide to adjust third row legroom

Pretty easy third row access

Short trip adult useable third row seats

Third row bottom cushion very close to floor

Nice panoramic moonroof

Utility:

Motion activated liftgate

The motion activated lift gate is a great feature when trying to manage lots of packages.
The motion activated lift gate is a great feature when trying to manage lots of packages.

Three-row seven-passenger seating

Quality navigation system

Small front and rear door bins

Big sun visors with center extenders

Very large, deep, locking glovebox

Excellent headroom

Flat cargo area behind third row seats

Deep storage bin under cargo deck

Seats fold pretty flat; slight slope

Some height difference between second and third row seats

WOW Factors:

High-tech Around View parking camera

Smooth drivetrain and highway ride

Spacious, luxurious interior

Whines:

We’re still not crazy about the grille/front fascia styling

Most Pathfinder controls are great, but the tiny heat/ventilation knobs are too small and partially blocked by the shifter.
Most Pathfinder controls are great, but the tiny front seat heat/ventilation knobs are too small and partially blocked by the shifter.

Mail slot sunroof over front seats

Heated front seat controls are too small

Bottom Line:

The Nissan Pathfinder was updated for 2017 with more power and torque. The emphasis on the top-of-the-line Platinum model we tested is comfort. All Pathfinder trim models are spacious and well built. They have good 4×4 features, but paved roads are their primary domain.