The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is available for sale with a starting price of 30,290 and is sold in four trims- S, SV, SL, and Platinum. This year, it gets few changes under the hood and a light refresh on the exterior. The 3.5L V6 engine in the Pathfinder now makes 284 hp and 259 lb-ft. of torque but the best part is it retains the same MPG figures although making more power. Thanks to the extra power, the Pathfinder now takes 7.6 seconds to sprint from 0-60 MPH.
The Pathfinder's towing capacity has also increased to 6,000 pounds. Nothing about the interior design or seating configuration is going to prove to be a deal-breaker. A new 8-inch touchscreen display is made standard on all trims but lacks the latest smartphone integration. In view of safety, the Pathfinder earned good safety ratings from the safety agencies and also comes with a decent list of driver-assist features. The Pathfinder gets direct rivalry from the Toyota Highlander, the Honda Pilot, and the Ford Explorer.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder offers good space for seven and it manages some decent capability for off-road duty and towing- The Car Connection
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder bridges a gap between a 4x4 and a minivan. It isn't rugged as before but delivers strong on-road performance thanks to the updates in the powertrain this year. When it comes to interior quality, the Pathfinder lacks plushness but offers ample passenger space. Being a family hauler, the Pathfinder has also earned respectable safety ratings and packs decent driver aids.
One of the main benefits of owning the Nissan Pathfinder is low ownership costs. The estimated true cost to own is $7,530 per year which includes fuel, depreciation, repair, maintenance, etc. Compared to its rivals, the Pathfinder has very low maintenance and repair costs. The average cost per mile is calculated to be $0.5, which is slightly less than the segment leaders.
Features
8.0/10
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.
Trim
S
SV
SL
Platinum
MSRP (FWD)
$30,290
$32,980
$36,100
$42,070
MSRP (4WD)
$31,980
$34,670
$37,790
$43,760
Key Features
Cloth upholstery
Adds/ Upgrades to S trim
Adds/ Upgrades to SV trim
Adds/ Upgrades to SL trim
Keyless entry
Fog lights
Heated front seats, steering wheels & mirrors
Chrome bodyside moldings
Tri-zone automatic climate control
Rear parking sensors
Leather upholstery
Dual-panel panoramic sunroof
18-inch alloy wheels
8-way power driver's seat
Upgraded seats with power lumbar and memory settings
Tow hitch receiver with 7-pin wiring harness
6-speaker sound system
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Hill-descent control
NissanConnect with navigation
LED DRLs
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Sensor-activated power liftgate operation
13-speaker Bose premium audio system
8-inch touchscreen display
A 360-degree parking camera system
Heated & ventilated front seats
Bluetooth connectivity
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic system
LED low-beam projector headlights
Interior wood trim
Adaptive Cruise Control
We Recommend
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.
The naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 carries over with a few tweaks, but it’s still a mostly solid powerplant for the Pathfinder- Motor1
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Engine and Transmission
The Nissan Pathfinder receives a host of changes to the powertrain for 2017. There is still only one engine available although it is about 10% more powerful and more efficient than the outgoing model. The engine is a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 284 hp and 259 lb-ft.of torque. That's about 24 hp more than the current model.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder engine
It will be paired to Nissan's Xtronic CVT that now includes D-step logic which can simulate gear shifts like a traditional 7-speed automatic. The Pathfinder is available on both FWD and 4WD configurations on every trim level. The response and usability of the drivetrain are among the best in the segment. There's no shortage of grunt from the engine.
Models
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
2017 Ford Explorer
2017 Honda Pilot
2017 Toyota Highlander
MSRP
$30.290
$31,660
$30,745
$32,680
Engine
3.5L V6
3.5L V6
3.5L V6
3.5L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Power
284 hp @ 6,400 RPM
290 hp @ 6,500 RPM
280 hp @ 6,000 RPM
295 hp @ 6,600 RPM
Torque
259 lb-ft. @ 4,800 RPM
255 lb-ft. @ 4,000 RPM
262 lb-ft. @ 4,700 RPM
263 lb-ft. @ 4,700 RPM
The Toyota Highlander houses the most powerful engine under its hood. Therefore, it climbs to the top of the table. Just below it is the Ford Explorer with 290 horses. At 280 horsepower, the Honda Pilot is slightly less powerful than the Pathfinder. It is worth noting that the Pathfinder is the only SUV here with a CVT transmission.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Acceleration
The Nissan Pathfinder is quick from a standstill, which is a surprise, given it's got a CVT gearbox. It takes 7.6 seconds to sprint from 0-60 MPH and furthermore, covers a quarter of a mile in 15.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 140 MPH. These performance stats are not the best in the segment but the increase in power definitely helped it to improve.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder takes 7.6 sec to reach 60 MPH
Some of the issues that are typically associated with these sorts of the automatic transmission are that when you're taking off from a standstill or moving along slowly and then you suddenly probe the throttle, there's no response. But that's not the case with Pathfinder. While accelerating, this CVT transmission does not make much noise like a traditional CVT, which is really good.
Models
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
2017 Ford Explorer
2017 Honda Pilot
2017 Toyota Highlander
0-60 MPH
7.6 sec
7.7 sec
7.0 sec
7.2 sec
Quarter mile
15.9 sec
15.8 sec
15.4 sec
15.5 sec
Engine
3.5L
3.5L
3.5L
3.5L
Top Speed
140 MPH
143 MPH
130 MPH
112 MPH
Owing to its low curb weight, the Honda Pilot is the quickest contender, and right behind its tail is the Toyota Highlander. The Ford Explorer gives a good challenge to the Pathfinder in both performance tests although it weighs nearly 200 pounds more. The Pathfinder finds itself in third place.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Ride and Handling
As for driving dynamics, the Pathfinder isn't anything special. It's not bad per see just that its handling and cornering are vague. Still, not a lot of body roll around the turns, and most customers are going to find it pretty comfortable. Nissan retuned the suspension for better composure and compliance and it is the best it's ever been for the Pathfinder.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder driving view
It is a little bit firmer but it doesn't wallow as much over bumps. There have been adjustments to the steering of the car as well. A bit of a quicker rach which means less effort when you're turning into a corner. It is still a little bit heavy at lower speeds and the turning circle isn't fantastic but still, it's an improvement. The Pathfinder is good for mild off-roading purposes too.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Braking
The braking performance of the Nissan Pathfinder is pretty good. It took 125 feet of braking distance to decelerate from 60-0 MPH. For a vehicle that weighs 4,293 pounds, this braking distance is really good. Brakes are 12.6 inches in the front and 12.1 inches in the rear, both are ventilated.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder brakes
The brake pedal feels responsive and strong. You will experience no brake fade and the time it takes to get into action once the pedal is pushed is also less. During emergency situations, several technologies such as automatic braking assist and ABS help the Pathfinder come to an immediate stop.
Models
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
2017 Ford Explorer
2017 Honda Pilot
2017 Toyota Highlander
Brakes Front
12.6
12.6
12.6
12.9 in
Brakes Rear
12.1
12.8
13.0
12.2 in
Curb weight
4,293 lbs
4,453 lbs
3,982 lbs
4,244 lbs
60-0 MPH
125 ft.
138 ft.
123 ft.
128 ft.
The Honda Pilot is the clear winner in this section as it achieves the shortest braking distance. The Pathfinder grabs the second spot on the table and it is closely followed by the Toyota Highlander whose weight is similar to the Pathfinder. The Ford Explorer has the worst braking performance in this competition.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Towing Capacity
The increase in power also means a bigger 6000-pound towing capacity. Comparatively, it is one of the best in the segment. If you plan to tow with your Pathfinder, there is a tow mode button that will adjust the way the gearbox behaves. The optional Trailer Tow package adds a trailer hitch receiver and a trailer towing harness.
Models
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
2018 Ford Explorer
2018 Honda Pilot
2018 Toyota Highlander
Engine
3.5L V6
3.5L V6
3.5L V6
2.5L I4
Powertrain
FWD
FWD
FWD
FWD
Towing Capacity
6,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
With no doubt, the Pathfinder is the best SUV for towing purposes as it can tow up to 6,000 pounds. The Ford Explorer, the Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Pilot share the same stage with 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. The update in the powertrain has really helped Pathfinder stand out in the competition.
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.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder isometric view
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.
Models
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
2017 Ford Explorer
2017 Honda Pilot
2017 Toyota Highlander
MPG (City)
20
17
19
20
MPG (Highway)
27
24
27
27
MPG (Combined)
23
20
22
23
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)
19.5
18.6
19.5
19.2
Range (City/Highway/Combined)
390/527/458
316/446/381
371/527/449
384/518/451
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.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder dashboard
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.
Models
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
2017 Ford Explorer
2017 Honda Pilot
2017 Toyota Highlander
Passenger Capacity
7
7
8
8
Passenger Volume (cu-ft.)
148.0
151.7
153.1
139.1
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)
42.2/60.9/42.2
41.4/61.5/42.9
40.1/62.0/40.9
40.7/59.3/44.2
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)
39.4/60.4/41.7
40.6/61.0/39.5
40.2/62.0/38.4
39.9/59.6/38.4
Third Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)
37.8/58.4/28.0
37.8/50.8/32.0
38.9/57.6/31.9
36.1/55.0/27.7
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.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder infotainment 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.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder cargo capacity
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.
Models
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
2017 Ford Explorer
2017 Honda Pilot
2017 Toyota Highlander
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.)
16.0
21.0
16.5
13.8
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.
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.
Models
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
2017 Ford Explorer
2017 Honda Pilot
2017 Toyota Highlander
Curb Weight (lbs)
4,293
4,453
3,982
4,244
Length (in)
198.5
198.7
196.5
192.5
Width (in)
77.3
78.9
78.6
75.8
Height (in)
70.6
70.0
70.6
68.1
Ground Clearance (in)
7.0
7.8
7.3
8.0
Wheelbase (in)
114.2
112.8
111.0
109.8
Track Width (in) F/R
65.7/65.7
67.0/67.0
66.3/66.3
64.4/64.2
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 -
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
Overall Rating
5 Star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver
4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger
5 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating
5 Star
Side Barrier Rating
5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Driver
5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat
5 Star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat
5 Star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat
5 Star
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat
5 Star
Rollover Rating
4 Star
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
Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side
Good
Small overlap front passenger side
Acceptable
Moderate overlap front
Good
Side
Good
Roof strength
Good
Head restraints & seats
Good
Front crash prevention
Superior
Headlights
Marginal
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.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder IIHS crash test
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:
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 Ford Explorer
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 Honda Pilot
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.
2017 Toyota Highlander
Final Verdict
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.
