?2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum?
New Pathfinder bows with more power, better looks

Nissan?s original Pathfinder first appeared on the scene in mid-1986 as a compact 1987 model SUV intended for serving the needs of adventuresome families. Over the years, the Nissan Pathfinder has continued to grow considerably not only in size, but also in comfort, performance capabilities, seating capacity, innovative features and functionality.

Now a mid-size SUV rather than a compact, Pathfinder offers seating room for seven occupants along with all of their gear. The 2017 three-row Pathfinder provides first class accommodations, along with a rugged enhanced drivetrain capable of going nearly anywhere on or off-road. It has a longer wheelbase and is longer overall, wider and taller than its predecessors, while managing to lose weight.

Power for the new Pathfinder now comes from a VQ35DD, 3.5-liter, DOHC, 60-degree V6 available in either a two-wheel (rear) drive or four-wheel drive configuration. There is no longer a V8 available. The V6 engine delivers 284-horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 259 pound feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine adds a direct fuel injection system. All Pathfinders are built on a high-strength, fully boxed, all-steel frame based on the same frame as that of the full-size Nissan Armada SUV.

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is available in four different trim levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum. Significant changes for the 2017 model year include: a major redesign with a new bolder front end featuring signature boomerang-shaped headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights and available LED headlights; the new 3.5-liter V6 engine that adds a direct injection system, with more horsepower, increasing the maximum towing capacity to a class-leading 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped), enhanced user friendliness features ranging from a Motion-Activated liftgate to updated vehicle connected services, and new advanced driver assistance technology with Forward Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control and Around View? Monitor with Moving Object Detection.


My test 2017 Nissan Pathfinder came in Platinum trim, with the All-Mode Four Wheel Drive system. The exterior was finished in Silver Lightning metallic, complemented by a Graphite leather interior. The base sticker was set at $43,560 while optional features and equipment elevated the final total to $44,860. Optional cost features and equipment included: XM satellite radio receiver and antenna with NavTraffic and RealTime Traffic, DVD Mobile Entertainment system with DVD player, ceiling-mounted 7? color display, rear seat wireless headphones (two) and remote control, floor mats, HDD Navigation Package with Nissan?s Hard Drive Navigation System featuring a 9.3GB Music Box?, Bose? Audio AM-FM in dash single CD player and Destination charges. The standard equipment inventory is most impressive in its own right.

SUMMARY: The Pathfinder was one of the pioneers in the SUV marketplace, and their years of experience in producing such a vehicle, has allowed them to get it right. The Pathfinder makes no pretense at being anything other than an SUV ? and it does so in admirable fashion. It not only looks like an SUV, but also performs as an SUV should.

The new VQ35DD 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with added Multipoint Direct Injection. delivers more than sufficient horsepower and torque across a broad Range.

The Pathfinder is now much more contemporary in its overall appeal, and is considerably less boxy than the original. Acceleration is satisfactory with the V6, and the level of amenities has grown substantially over the first generation Pathfinder, along with the increased interior room and comfort level. A wide range of seating and cargo carrying combinations are available with the 2nd row 60/40-split seat with manual slide/recline/fold flat and the 3rd row 50/50-split seat with manual recline/flat fold, enhancing versatility and functionality.

Handling characteristics border on the athletic, but certainly not on the order of a luxury sedan ? if that were the case, it wouldn?t serve its intended purpose in a satisfactory manner. The ride quality is a tad on the firm side, and the All-Wheel Drive system results in a slightly reduced turning radius.

Pathfinder provides selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4×4-i system, allowing the driver choose full-time 2WD for maximum fuel economy, Auto mode to automatically monitor conditions and adjust the balance of power between front and rear wheels for best traction, or 4WD Lock mode when full-time 4WD is desired. In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps prevent loss of control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models), while standard Hill Descent Control (4WD only) helps by adjusting speed and brake pressure when traveling slowly down steep, rough terrain grades.

NissanConnect with Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth and important vehicle information delivers a high level of connectivity and infotainment access.

Bottom line, the 2017 Pathfinder Platinum 4×4 reflects a favorable evolution toward perfection. Arguably, as there are many who look upon SUVs with disdain, and will likely find nothing good to say at all, given its category. On the other hand, for SUV fans, the Pathfinder has blazed the trail earning the right to reign with continuing popularity

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum

Base Price: $43,560.
Price as Tested: $44,860.

Engine Type and Size: VQ35DD 3.5-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 with Multipoint Direct Injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 284 @ 6,400 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 259 @ 4,800 rpm

Transmission: Xtronic CVT with D-Step Logic Control.

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / All-mode 4×4-I drive selectable.

Suspension: Front – Independent strut with 26 mm solid stabilizer bar and twin-tube, dual-flow path shock absorbers.
Rear ? Multilink with 26.5 hollow tube stabilizer bar and twin-tube, dual-flow path shock absorbers.

Brakes: Power-assisted hydraulic electric, vehicle speed-sensitive Four-wheel vented discs with ABS, EBD, BA, VDC, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control.

Tires: Bridgestone Dueler HP Sport A/S 235/55 R 20 mounted on 5-stylized ?V?-spoke alloy wheels.

Wheelbase: 114.2 inches
Length Overall: 198.5 inches
Width: 77.2 inches
Height: 70.2 inches ? with roof rails
Curb Weight: 4,660 lbs.
Turning Circle: 38.7 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 19.5 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.326
0 – 60 mph: Not tested.

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles and unusual wheeled vehicles as well.