2017 Nissan Pathfinder steps up with more power and improved features

Nissan has updated its seven-seat Pathfinder SUV with more power, better handling, a freshened exterior look along with enhanced safety and technology.

Like before, the revised 2017 Pathfinder will be offered in both two- and four-wheel-drive configurations spanned across three trim levels, but gains direct injection for its 3.5-litre V6 engine and improved safety technologies across the board. Hitting showrooms across Australia from March, the new Pathfinder also gets improved equipment levels and subtle visual tweaks to boost its appeal in the competitive three-row SUV segment.

“During the last 30 years, close to 70,000 Pathfinders have been sold in Australia, making it one of Australia’s most popular SUV models,” said Richard Emery, Managing Director and CEO of Nissan Australia. “And for 2017, we have packed it with more safety, technology and user-friendliness, making it an even more compelling choice for work, play and family adventures. This updated Pathfinder boasts enhancements in style, performance and safety, matched with competitive value that closely mirrors 2016 pricing.”

Stepping up to direct injection, the improved 3.5-litre V6 engine is said to have 50 percent new components including a revised combustion chamber design, new pistons, new intake manifold and e-VTC (electronic Variable Timing Control). The compression ratio has also been raised to 11.0:1 from the previous 10.3:1.

Power output of the new V6 climbs from the previous 190kW to 202kW, while torque is up from 325Nm to 340Nm. On the same token, fuel economy is down from 10.0L/100km to 9.9L/100km for the 2WD and 10.3L/100km to 10.1L/100km for the 4WD.

Nissan’s QR25DE supercharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid petrol engine will carry over into the 2017 Pathfinder. Delivering up to 188kW of power and 330Nm of torque it returns an average fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km.

Elsewhere, slightly stiffer suspension and quicker steering response have said to improve body control for a more confident ride and controlled handling. Like before, all 2017 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan’s third-generation Xtronic CVT automatic.

In terms of safety, the ST-L mid and Ti top-spec models now include Intelligent Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), and Moving Object Detection (MOD), which can detect movement behind the vehicle when reversing, has been added to the available Intelligent Around View Monitor (AVM), which gives the driver a 360-degree aerial view when reversing. Also available are Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

The Pathfinder’s updated appearance incorporates the latest Nissan design signature “V-Motion” grille and headlights with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Other exterior enhancements include a new, more aggressive bonnet, new front bumper and fog lights. The outside rearview mirrors now include standard integrated turn signals. In the rear, changes include new taillights and a stronger bumper design.

Another significant addition for 2017 is the Motion-Activated tailgate with tailgate position memory available on Ti models. A simple wave of the foot under the centre of the tailgate activates the power opening function.

Also added for 2017 are 18-inch (ST and ST-L) and 20-inch (Ti) machined aluminum-alloy wheels in new designs.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder in summary

The following product changes have been applied to the Australian-market Nissan Pathfinder for 2017:

• V6 engine enhancements:
  • 50% of engine components are new
  • Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) technology: new for the V6 petrol engine
  • Mirror-bore coating in engine cylinders to reduce friction and weight
  • Maximum power output: 202kW (+12kW)
  • Peak torque: 340Nm (+15Nm)
  • Fuel economy (L/100km):
    • Previous: 10.0 (2WD) and 10.3 (4WD)
    • New: 9.9 (2WD) and 10.1 (4WD)
• Transmission:
  • New-generation Xtronic CVT with D-Step logic control (simulates stepped gear changes under heavy acceleration)
• Suspension and steering:
  • Firmer suspension
  • Quicker steering response
• Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies:
  • Intelligent Emergency Braking & Forward Collision Warning (ST-L and Ti model grades)
  • Intelligent Emergency Braking & Forward Collision Warning (ST-L and Ti model grades)
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert (ST-L and Ti model grades)
  • Intelligent cruise control (ST-L and Ti model grades)
  • (LED headlights (Ti model grade)
  • Advanced Drive Assist Display
• Digital connectivity:
  • New in-car infotainment system
  • 8-inch colour touch screen with 2x USB ports
  • Bluetooth phone / audio streaming and voice control now standard fitment
  • In-car navigation equipped with 3D mapping graphics and multi-touch functionality (ST-L and Ti model grades)
  • Has third USB port and 1x HDMI port for the second-row entertainment screens (Ti model grade)
• Convenience:
  • Motion-activated electric-powered tailgate with memory (Ti model grade)
• Updated exterior design:
  • Nissan signature V-motion front grille
  • Nissan signature V-motion front grille
  • Boomerang LED daytime running lights
  • Integrated razor-shape turn indicators in the exterior mirror housings
  • Additional new colour: Caspian Blue
• Wheels:
  • Alloy wheels in a new design
    • 18-inch ST, ST-L
    • 20-inch (Ti)

2017 Nissan Pathfinder pricing (excluding on-roads):