2017 Nissan Pathfinder Gets More Power, New Technology
The Nissan Pathfinder gets a major mid-cycle refresh for 2017 that brings more power and technology to the brand's mid-size, seven-seat crossover.
Key among the changes is a revised 3.5L V6 engine more than 50 percent of whose parts are new, or at least new to the Pathfinder. Nissan says those revisions, which include the addition of gasoline direct fuel injection and redesigned pistons, combustion chambers, intake and variable valve timing bump power output to 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque from the outgoing model's 260 hp and 240 lb-ft.
Towing capacity is up too, to more than 2,700 kg, from less than 2,300 kg.
Revised styling includes Nissan's "V-Motion" grille and headlights with LED daytime running lights that incorporate the brand's "boomerang" design element. The front and rear bumpers are also new, along with side mirrors, fog lights and taillights, while the Pathfinder fills its fenders with new 18- and 20-inch wheel designs.
New technology includes a hands-free power tailgate activated by the kick of a foot under the rear bumper, similar to that popularized by Ford's Escape; it will be standard on SL, SL Premium Tech and Platinum models.
Inside, there's a new standard eight-inch touchscreen, and safety tech now includes forward emergency braking and intelligent cruise control, and the optional around-view monitor camera system incorporates moving object detection. Also, a new drive assist display in the instrument cluster gains more functionality, too.
Nissan hasn't set pricing yet for the 2017 Pathfinder, but expect the usual nominal price increases to help cover costs of the new kit. Pathfinder's 2016 pricing starts at $31,598 for the FWD S trim, while the top-end Platinum model currently goes for $47,398.
