2017 Nissan Pathfinder Gains Power, Style and a Better Tow Rating

The popular Nissan Pathfinder has been refreshed for 2017. This large, three-row crossover has been extensively revised, sporting new exterior styling, an enhanced powertrain, and, of course, plenty of interior updates.

At first blush, it now fits in nicely with the rest of Nissan’s lineup, as it gains a V-Motion grille and with fresh headlamps. The hood is also more aggressively styled and the front and rear bumpers have been reworked.

Not only do these surface changes improve the Pathfinder’s outward appearance, they also make it more functional. Aerodynamics are better than before, plus there’s enhanced cooling to help keep engine temperatures in check.

Speaking of propulsion, you’ll still find a 3.5-liter V6 onboard, but it’s been overhauled with a host of fresh components. The pistons are new, there’s a reworked intake manifold, the compression ratio now measures 11-to-1 and it finally sports direct fuel injection.

All told, these changes increase horsepower to 284, up from just 260. Torque also swells to 259 lb-ft compared to just 240 last year. As expected, an Xtronic CVT is the only transmission available, though you can opt for either two- or four-wheel drive.

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Thanks to the power and torque increases as well as body reinforcements, the Pathfinder’s tow rating has increased by a full 1,000 pounds. When properly equipped, it now tops out at a class-leading 6,000 pounds.

Despite all of these enhancements, fuel economy is projected to remain the same. Nissan estimates a 2017 front-wheel-drive model will sticker at 20 miles per gallon city and 27 on the highway, figures that result in a score of 22 mpg combined.

As for creature comforts, there’s an available motion-activated liftgate, which opens at the wave of a foot. Inside, there are new cupholders designed to accommodate the handles of large mugs, plus there are now two USB ports in the center console storage bin.

On the dashboard, there’s a standard eight-inch touchscreen, plus Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, Satellite radio, and other connected services.

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder also offers a raft of luxury amenities like a 13-speaker Bose sound system, and tri-zone climate and entertainment systems, plus it rolls on stylish 18-inch wheels, though 20s are standard on Platinum models. Pricing for this versatile vehicle has not been released at this time, but it should go on sale soon.

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