2017 Nissan Pathfinder

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Highlights

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is a genuine upgrade from the previous model year. Its V6 gains direct injection and a significant boost in power and torque. The styling refresh lessens its minivan-ish styling. Tech is better, too, with a larger eight-inch touchscreen replacing the old seven-inch unit.

Key Details

• Midsize SUV body style
• Three-row seating for up to eight passengers
• Revised 3.5-liter V6 engine with 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Refreshed exterior styling with a more assertive front fascia and updated rear design
• Improved towing capacity, now up to 6,000 pounds
• The new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system replaces the previous seven-inch unit
• Addition of advanced safety features like forward emergency braking
• Retuned suspension for better handling and ride comfort

Benefits

• Increased power and towing capacity
• Smooth and quiet ride
• Spacious interior with flexible seating configurations
• User-friendly infotainment system with a larger touchscreen
• Improved fuel economy despite power increase
• Enhanced safety features are available across more trim levels

Learn More: Here Are The Nissan Pathfinder Years To Avoid

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Overview

Performance

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder features a revised 3.5-liter V6 engine, which has been significantly upgraded for this model year:

• 284 horsepower (up from 260 hp in the previous model)
• 259 lb-ft of torque (increased from 240 lb-ft)
• Direct injection system for improved efficiency
• New air intake system for enhanced performance

This engine is paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has been tuned to provide a more responsive driving experience. The CVT includes a D-Step Logic Control that simulates traditional gear changes under heavy acceleration.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder towing capacity:

• Towing capacity increased to 6,000 pounds (up from 5,000 pounds)
• The available towing package includes a hitch receiver and wiring harness

Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Nissan's AWD system is an option on all trim levels, offering drivers the flexibility to choose between:

• FWD mode for maximum fuel efficiency
• Auto mode for optimal traction based on road conditions
• 4WD Lock mode for challenging terrains

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder a five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2017 Pathfinder a Top Safety Pick, the group’s second-highest designation.

Standard safety features across all 2017 Nissan Pathfinder models include:

• Vehicle dynamic control (VDC) with traction control system (TCS)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
• Front and rear crumple zones
• Rearview camera

For 2017, Nissan has expanded the availability of advanced safety features to more trim levels. While specifics vary by trim, available safety technologies include:

• Forward emergency braking
• Blind spot warning
• Intelligent cruise control
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Moving object detection
• Around-view monitor with moving object detection

Driving

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder provides occupants with a smooth, comfortable driving experience for long hauls. However, confidence lessens if the Pathfinder is required to hustle around tight mountain roads. Body roll is significant, and steering inputs, while light, are slow to cause changes in direction.

That said, the new, more powerful V6 can move the Pathfinder with haste, yet there is no fuel efficiency penalty over the old engine. This power is especially appreciated when merging onto highways, passing at higher speeds, or towing at the upper limits of its 6,000-pound capacity. The CVT does a commendable job of working smoothly or simulating a traditional automatic, depending on driver preference.

Interior

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder's cabin is spacious and well-designed. It can accommodate up to seven passengers across three rows of seating.

Key interior features include:

• EZ Flex Seating System with LATCH AND GLIDE technology
• Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
• Available leather-appointed seating
• 60/40 split fold-flat second-row seats
• 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seats
• Available heated and cooled front seats
• Available heated second-row seats

One of the Pathfinder's standout interior features is its flexible seating system. The second-row seats can slide and tilt forward, even with a child seat installed, providing easy access to the third row. This EZ Flex Seating System enhances the vehicle's family-friendly credentials.

The most notable interior update for 2017 is the new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which replaces the previous seven-inch unit. This larger screen improves visibility and usability, enhancing the overall user experience.

Material quality is generally reasonable. The Platinum trim offers premium touches like leather-appointed seating and wood-tone trim, elevating the interior ambiance.

Cargo space is competitive for the class:

• 16 cubic feet behind the third row
• 47.8 cubic feet with the third row folded
• 79.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded

For 2017, Nissan has also introduced a motion-activated liftgate, which allows hands-free access to the cargo area. The Pathfinder also features Nissan's Latch and Glide system, which allows the second-row seat to tilt and slide forward for third-row access, even with a child seat securely installed.

Technology

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder comes equipped with the new NissanConnect infotainment system.

Key technology features include:

• New eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system (up from seven inches in the previous model)
• Available NissanConnect Navigation system
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
• Available Bose premium audio system with thirteen speakers
• Tri-zone entertainment system with dual eight-inch monitors (optional)
• Remote engine start system (available)

Fuel Economy

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder offers competitive fuel economy ratings for its class, especially considering its increased power output for this model year. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

3.5-liter V6:

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined (combined mpg drops to 21 for the Platinum trim)

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book rated the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder 3.9 out of 5. Owners praise the Pathfinder for its comfort, styling, and performance.

Reasons to Buy It

• Smooth and quiet ride
• Spacious and flexible interior
• Improved power and towing capacity
• User-friendly infotainment system with a larger touchscreen
• Competitive fuel economy
• Available advanced safety features

Problems

• CVT may not appeal to all drivers
• Third-row seating is tight for adults
• Some competitors offer more cargo space
• Advanced safety features are limited to higher trims
• Handling isn’t as sporty as some rivals

Explore: Which Years Of Used Nissan Pathfinders Are Most Reliable?

CoPilot's Take

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is a marked improvement over its predecessor. One of its most vital points is the comfortable and quiet ride, making it well-suited for family road trips. The interior is spacious and versatile, with the EZ Flex Seating System perfect for families with young children.

While the old engine was undoubtedly good enough, the revised 3.5-liter V6 engine is a notable upgrade. It increases power and towing capacity without sacrificing fuel economy.

The new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a welcome improvement, offering better visibility and usability. Step up to the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SV to enjoy an auto-dimming rearview mirror and rear sonar parking assist. The around-view monitor is standard on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SL and Platinum trims and is worth the upgrade.

There are downsides to the Pathfinder, though. While improved, the CVT transmission lacks engagement compared to traditional transmissions. The third-row seating is tight for adults and best suited for children. Some competitors in the midsize SUV segment also offer more cargo space.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder FAQs

Is 2017 a good year for the Nissan Pathfinder?

Yes, 2017 is generally considered a good year for the Nissan Pathfinder. The model received a significant refresh, including updated styling, a more powerful engine, improved towing capacity, and enhanced technology features.

How many miles does a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder last?

A 2017 Nissan Pathfinder can last 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Many owners report their Pathfinders running well past the 150,000-mile mark.

Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?

2017 Nissan Pathfinder problems are far and few between, but some owners have reported issues with the CVT. Common complaints include:

• Hesitating or jerking during acceleration
• Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds
• Premature transmission failure in some cases

What is the recall on a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?

Two 2017 Nissan Pathfinder recalls addressed the same issue, once in 2018 and once in 2020. According to Nissan, a brake fluid leak could break a circuit board and lead to a fire.

Check Out: The Best Year For The Nissan Pathfinder