Refreshed Pathfinder covers all your family’s needs
Will Chamberlain|For Calkins Media
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD exudes an effortless blend of power, convenience and driving dynamics.
Will Chamberlain/For The Times
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD
Will Chamberlain/For The Times
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum AWD
Refreshed for 2017 the Nissan Pathfinder is an improvement over previous generations and allows consumers more options in seating, hauling and towing.
The prior look of the Pathfinder was a rounder and watered down design, not very appealing to a lot of people I talked to. The newest version is more rugged and defined than ever before.
Under the hood is a 3.5L V6 with 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. Power is mated to a continuously variable XTRONIC CVT transmission and to the pavement via an adjustable two-wheel and four-wheel drive system. You have the option of selecting full-time 4WD when the terrain dictates. but you can also leave it in AUTO and use the 2WD system to conserve fuel. More and more car makers are using CVT transmissions to be fuel efficient and quiet while providing decent performance. The Pathfinder is no different and actually provides a lot of power when called upon.
Exterior styling is very well done and looks good. The front bumper and grill dawn the new look of Nissan with an accented U-shaped center piece flanked by LED daytime lights. At each corner are machined 20-inch wheels that look correct and around back is a clean and symmetrical design. There is also a tow hitch so you can haul up to 6000lbs with ease.
Jump inside to see where the Pathfinder really stands out to me. The interior is well-crafted with wood and silver accents. The dashboard is easily mastered with large buttons and simple knobs to control everything from the navigation to the HVAC. Just below the shifter is a knob to select AUTO, or 4WD when the situation arises.
Seating is comfortable for front passengers and even better in the back. The third row isn’t too small, but I wouldn’t recommend an adult ride back there for too long. Even with the third row up the storage area is large enough for a shopping trip and there is another storage area below the floor for smaller items. The second row slides forward to allow access to the third row and even with child seats installed you can slide the seat forward with ease. With both rows folded down the storage area is flat and can handle your latest purchase from the home improvement store.
Where the Pathfinder stood out to me was the effortless blend of power, convenience and driving dynamics. This SUV was built to be good at everything, and I honestly had a hard time finding a huge flaw. Some will still criticize the CVT transmission, and I can understand that, but if you are being honest with yourself, this example is smooth and powerful. Steering is precise with good feel. These utility vehicles aren’t meant to be professionals on the race track, but the Pathfinder will do fine on twisty roads and aggressive cornering.
I didn’t have an opportunity to test the 4WD system, but I will assume it works just like advertised. I did test the suspension on my favorite brick roads and was pleased by the way it mutes rough road even with 20-inch wheels. For a family, this SUV hits all the marks as far as ease of use, safety and fuel economy — not to mention a spacious interior.
Nissan claims 21 mpg average, and I was able to get 23 mpg during highway trips and 20 mpg most of the time.
MSRP for the Pathfinder Platinum 4WD is $43,560, adding dual TVs in the headrests brought the bottom line to $46,160.
Will Chamberlain is a local freelance automotive journalist and can be reached at wchamberlain@pghcarguys.com and www.pghcarguys.com.