2017 Nissan Pathfinder

The Pathfinder’s starting price undercuts that of the Ford Explorer but is higher than the Kia Sorento- Kelly Blue Book

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four different trims namely S, SV, SL, and Platinum. The base S trim starts from $30,290 and it goes all the way up to $43,760 for the top-end Platinum trim. All four trims are available in both FWD and 4WD configurations. Nissan has nicely segregated comfort and technological features in each trim level. To begin with, 18-inch alloy wheels are standard but the top-spec Platinum trim gets access to 20-inch aluminum wheels.

cloth upholstery is standard on lower trims while leather upholstery is available from SL trim onwards. The base S trim has very limited features but as you climb the trim ladder, the list of features keeps on increasing. An 8-inch touchscreen display is standard on all models but does not support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional Family Entertainment package is exclusive only to the Platinum trim that adds dual 8-inch head-mounted screens, a DVD player, and more USB ports. 

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The SL trim is the best buy for its price if you wish to go ahead with the Nissan Pathfinder. This trim adds some additional features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, steering wheel and mirrors, sensor-activated power tailgate, hill descent control, and a surround-view camera. It also adds blind-spot motoring and rear cross-traffic alert to the safety features list. We recommend opting for the SL Tech package that adds a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system, navigation system, tow package, and NissanConnect Services.

Nissan managed to retain last year’s government-estimated fuel economy numbers despite significantly boosting power output- Autotrader

One of the main reasons for buying the Nissan Pathfinder is its impressive fuel economy. According to the EPA, it returns 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on a highway, and 23 MPG combined. Going for the 4WD model will drop down the combined mileage by 1 MPG. These figures are mostly on par with other competitors in the midsize SUV segment. 

A fuel tank capacity of 19.5 gallons is equipped in the Pathfinder. Owing to this large tank, a total combined driving range of 458 miles is delivered by this SUV. The 4Wd models can drive up to 458 miles before visiting the fuel station for refueling. Overall, the Pathfinder turns out to be an ideal vehicle that delivers excellent fuel economy while delivering effortless performance.

The MPG figures of the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander are the same as the Pathfinder but the latter boasts a better efficiency than the other two rivals. The Ford Explorer returns 3 MPG less than the Pathfinder and is the least fuel-efficient vehicle here. Also, due to its small fuel tank, it delivers less driving range while the other rivals touch the 450-mile mark. 

It still offers competitive materials quality, an appealing overall design look and easy-to-use controls- Edmunds

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Seating and Comfort

No matter which trim you choose, you get seven-passenger seating with the middle bench and 50/50 split-fold third row. Cloth upholstery is standard on the lower-ned models while the higher versions get leather-trimmed seats. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. Expensive trims also add power adjustability, heated and cooled functions. As for the steering wheel, it is leather-wrapped and power-adjustable only on the Platinum trim.

Passenger space is abundant in the first two rows. The rear seats are wide enough to accommodate adults. Access to the third row is easy enough. While the third row is not that spacious, kids and average-sized adults should fit in comfortably. Inside, things look largely the same as the outgoing model. One of the few changes made is the added space between the cupholders. It's fine that little has changed because the Pathfinder has a great interior layout.

Both the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander seat up to 8 passengers while the Ford Explorer is a 7-seater, as the Pathfinder. The Highlander offers the most cramped second and third row. The Honda Pilot's headroom in the last two rows is better than the Pathfinder. The rear legroom offered in the Ford Explorer is the best in this competition. 

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Infotainment System

You get an 8-inch touchscreen that is standard across all trims. In its base form, it operates the radio and other basic functions but it can be outfitted with navigation on more expensive versions. However, smartphone connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing in this infotainment system. Every trim level gets a 6-speaker stereo while the top-of-the-line Platinum comes with a 13-speaker Bose premium audio system. 

The interface is pretty fast and the graphics are nice-looking. There are some physical buttons provided below the screen for switching menus quicker. The navigation system is only standard on the Platinum trim. It also includes 3 years of XM Travel Link apps for free. Nissan doesn't try to push the styling boundaries on the Pathfinder's controls. It's got a traditional layout with dials for climate and audio controls. Overall, this setup is very simple and ergonomically sound. 

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Interior Features

Some of the important interior and infotainment features of the Pathfinder include:

• Power tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel 
• Power front seats with heated & cooled functions
• Cloth & leather upholstery
• Remote engine start
• Power tailgate
• Keyless entry
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• 8-inch touchscreen display
• 13-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Navigation system

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Cargo Capacity

Dedicated cargo capacity of 16 cu-ft. is offered in the Nissan Pathfinder. This space expands to 47.8 cu-ft. with the second-row seats folded. Drop all three rows and you get 79.8 cu-ft. of cargo space. These measures are right in line with the competitors. 

There is also some storage below the cargo floor. The SV and Platinum trim models get a power liftgate. New for 2017 is a sensor-activated tailgate that opens with a swing of your foot under the bumper. The low-loading lip is an added advantage for easy lading of items.

With 83.9 cu-ft of maximum cargo storage, the Honda Pilot is the most practical SUV here while the Toyota Highlander slips to second place as it offers 83.7 cu-ft. The Ford Explorer's cargo volume is quite decent as it provides 80.7 cu-ft. The Pathfinder is the least practical, offering just 79.8 cu-ft. 

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The most noticeable styling changes are clustered up front- Cars.com

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Dimension and Weight

For 2017, Nissan has updated the exterior styling of the Pathfinder. The main change is the updated front end. The Pathfinder now has a smooth, more massaged look to the front end. The V-motion grille is actually quite a departure from the old angular one. The chrome is a lot thinner and doesn't go all the way to the edges. Only the top-end Platinum model get LED headlights while the lower-end models settle for halogen lamps but LED DRLs are standard on all trims. Even the halogen fog lamps are standard on all models except for the base S trim.

The wheel options are pretty simple in the Pathfinder. All the models get 18-inch alloy wheels while the Platinum trim upgrades it to 20-inch aluminum wheels. Its ground clearance measures 7 inches, which is comparatively lower than its rivals but decent for an SUV. Therefore, getting in and out of the vehicle would be easy. At 114.2 inches, its wide wheelbase speaks for its spacious interior room. The change in the rear end is less obvious. The taillight design has changed slightly though you won't find LEDs on any trim level. 

Among its rivals, the Toyota Highlander sits 1 inch higher than the Pathfinder. This comes in handy for off-roading purposes. With a curb weight of 4,453 lbs, the Ford Explorer is the bulkiest vehicle in this competition. This heavily affects its performance. The wheelbase of the Honda Pilot is around 3 inches shorter than the Pathfinder. This is the reason for less legroom in rear rows. 

Exterior Features

Some of the noticeable exterior features of the Pathfinder include -

• LED headlights & DRLs
• Front fog lamps
• Chrome grille
• Door courtesy lights
• Halogen taillights
• Silver roof rails
• Black window trim
• Bodyside chrome moldings
• Manual-folding exterior mirrors
• 18 & 20-inch wheels
• Chrome door handles
• Rear roofline spoiler

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA- MotorTrend

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder scored an overall 5-star rating from NHTSA as it performed excellently in all crash tests. In brief, it received four stars for the front crash test, four stars for the rollover crash test, and five stars for the side crash test. The detailed NHTSA scores are mentioned below:

NHTSA Rating

Even IIHS gave 'Good' ratings to the Nissan Pathfinder in almost all crash tests. It also received an Acceptable' rating for the front passenger's side test, a 'Superior' rating for front crash prevention, and a 'Marginal' rating for the headlights. Check out the scores below on the table. 

IIHS Rating

Given the fact that Pathfinder has got such a strong response from the safety agencies, it is good to say that it is indeed a safe vehicle. For enhanced protection of the passengers, a total of six airbags are installed in the cabin of the Pathfinder. These include dual, front, front side, and side curtain airbags.

Speaking of safety features, a few of them are standard while many of them are available as options. However, compared to its rivals, the driver-assist features offered in the Pathfinder are less. The list of all the safety features available in the Pathfinder is as follows: 

• Rearview Camera
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Forward Collision Warning
• Rear Door Alert
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Surround-View Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Automatic Emergency Braking

2017 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2017 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is slightly more powerful than the Pathfinder but that doesn't create much impact on the Explorer's performance due to its heavy curb weight. Its tow ratings are also less while the MPG figures are the worst in this competition. On the inside, the Explorer's cabin offers more legroom in the third row and is also ahead with regards to cargo volume. Coming to safety, both SUVs earned the same safety ratings but the Explorer packs more driver aids. 

2017 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2017 Honda Pilot

The Honda Pilot's initial price is more but its power levels are almost similar to the Pathfinder. Taking advantage of its low curb weight, the Pilot is much quicker than the Pathfinder. But, its fuel efficiency and towing capacity are slightly lower. Unlike the Pathfinder, the Pilot is an 8-seater. It doesn't offer enough legroom in the third row but is much practical than the Pathfinder. Moreover, the Pilot is the holder of the 'IIHS Top Safety Pick+' award, which makes it the safest option. 

2017 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2017 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander makes 11 horses more and therefore, its performance stats are better than the Pathfinder. Despite being powerful, its fuel economy is great but is short in towing capacity. The Highlander is also an 8-seater SUV but its cabin is not that roomier as the Pathfinder. However, it beats Pathfinder in terms of cargo capacity. In view, of safety, the Highlander has also earned the 'IIHS Top Safety Pick+' award also has a long list of driver aids. 

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is an underrated SUV due to its unimpressive ride quality and dull interiors. Nissan tried to spice up the game by giving a light exterior refresh this year and increasing the towing capacity of the SUV too. Its interior offers good passenger space but lacks the modern style that many competitors in its segment are upgrading to. Therefore, if you are looking for an SUV with a pocket-friendly price tag with excellent MPG figures and decent interiors, the Nissan Pathfinder is the one.