2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV
Pros
- V6 engine provides strong acceleration and respectable fuel economy
- User-friendly touchscreen interface comes standard on every trim
- Easily accessed third-row seat
- Robust towing capacity
Cons
- Automatic emergency braking safety feature available on top trim only
- Platinum trim level's ride quality might be too firm for some drivers
- Less third-row space than some rivals
- Below-average cargo capacity and small item storage
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Edmunds' Expert Review
Overall rating
Every generation of the Nissan Pathfinder has been significantly different than the last. At its debut, it was one of the earliest SUVs that ignited America's SUV craze. Then it morphed into one of the earliest crossovers for its second generation and later switched back to become one of the last truck-based SUVs on the market. In its most recent fourth generation that arrived for 2013, the Pathfinder went back to being a cushy, three-row family crossover with more in common with a station wagon than its trucky forebears. Can a vehicle have a multiple personality disorder? Regardless, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder still belongs to this latest iteration, and numerous substantive updates for this year make it more appealing and help it keep up the tradition of evolving for the changing times.
Chief among these changes is an increase in muscularity. Sure, the styling details are a smidge more macho (though paradoxically more aerodynamic), but its revised V6 engine that produces 24 more horsepower and 19 more pound-feet of torque makes the real difference. Acceleration is noticeably improved, and the Pathfinder's towing capacity is now a healthy 6,000 pounds. Nissan also refined the suspension and steering to grant the Pathfinder a sharper, more controlled driving experience.
Inside, there are few changes beyond Nissan's latest touchscreen interface that's standard on all variations. This is a good thing in terms of design and quality, but the Pathfinder continues to fall short in terms of overall utility. Cargo and small item storage space aren't as generous or versatile as what you'd find in top competitors, while the third row is essentially kids-only territory.
As such, there are competitors that might serve your needs better. The well-rounded Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander in particular are bigger and more versatile while being just as responsive to drive. The Dodge Durango stands out with its muscular styling and V8 engine while the Mazda CX-9 and GMC Acadia hold plenty of appeal through their new designs. Nevertheless, the not-so-new but definitely improved 2017 Nissan Pathfinder deserves a look. It does a lot of things well and might hit a just-right spot for many in terms of size, price, fuel economy and driving experience.
The 2017 Pathfinder comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock brakes, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on the SV and standard on the SL and Platinum. A forward collision warning system with automatic emergency braking is standard on the Platinum but not available on any other trim level. The NissanConnect services, which include automatic collision notification, emergency calling, stolen vehicle locator and alarm notification, are standard on the Platinum and optional on the SV and SL.
The 2017 Pathfinder received five stars (out of a possible five) for overall crash protection in government tests, with four stars for front-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. In testing of last year's Pathfinder, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Pathfinder the highest possible rating of Good in the small- and moderate-overlap front-impact tests as well as a Good score for the side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests.
Trim levels & features
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is a large, seven-passenger crossover SUV available in S, SV, SL and Platinum trim levels. Each comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is optional.
Standard equipment on the S includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, a height-adjustable driver seat, cloth upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split reclining, sliding and folding second-row seat, Bluetooth connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, and a six-speaker sound system with HD and satellite radio, a CD player and a USB media player interface.
The SV adds automatic headlights, foglights, rear parking sensors, an eight-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The SV Cold package adds heating for the front seats, steering wheel and mirrors. The SV Tech package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, a navigation system and NissanConnect emergency services (see Safety section).
Going with the SL gets you the Cold package items plus the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems, hill-descent control, a power liftgate with hands-free operation, a 360-degree parking camera system (with moving object detection/warning), leather upholstery (first and second rows, vinyl in the third row), upgraded seats (two-way power lumbar and memory settings for the driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat and heated outboard second-row seats) and upgraded interior trim. The SL Tech pack adds the navigation system and NissanConnect services plus a towing package and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The SL Premium package includes those items plus a panoramic sunroof.
The Pathfinder Platinum includes the SL Premium package content plus 20-inch wheels, the towing package, LED headlights, extra chrome exterior trim, adaptive cruise control, a forward collision warning and emergency braking system, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and wood interior trim. Only the Platinum can be equipped with the Family Entertainment package that adds two 8-inch, headrest-mounted displays, USB and HDMI ports, and a DVD player.
Every 2017 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive are standard, but an all-wheel-drive system that includes a four-wheel lock function and hill-descent control is optional.
Nissan estimates that the 2017 Pathfinder will return 23 mpg combined (20 city/27 highway) with front-wheel drive or 22 combined (19 city/26 highway) with all-wheel drive. Note that the EPA changed its method for calculating fuel economy for 2017, so although the Pathfinder's fuel economy figures appear unchanged from 2016, various improvements have actually resulted in improved real-world fuel economy.
Maximum towing capacity when properly equipped is 6,000 pounds, a higher-than-average figure for a three-row crossover SUV.
Driving
The Nissan Pathfinder is a better SUV to drive for 2017, with sharper steering and a suspension that keeps the Pathfinder more in control and settled when you're going around turns. Should you encounter a rolling bit of road or a big undulation in the pavement, the Pathfinder is now less likely to bob about. This is a good thing, but we also found that the ride quality suffers a bit as a result. If you're driving the Pathfinder Platinum, in particular, you're going to feel those sharp impacts when driving over rough pavement.
There's nothing but great news under the hood. Even with a load of people and/or gear aboard, the Pathfinder's revitalized V6 can accelerate you to highway speeds with relative ease. There's a newfound gutsiness to this engine, complete with a bit of a muscular growl. We also like that Nissan enhanced the CVT's simulated shift points to make it seem more like a regular automatic transmission — last year's monotonous droning noises have mostly been exorcised.
Interior
Not much has changed for the 2017 Nissan on the inside. It still offers competitive materials quality, an appealing overall design look and easy-to-use controls. One of the few interior improvements this year is a new touchscreen interface that is not only bigger but features better graphics and responses. It's one of the more user-friendly tech interfaces.
The front seats are a bit firm, and some drivers might desire more range of adjustment. The Pathfinder also isn't especially high off the ground, so we wonder if some drivers will find that it lacks the desired commanding view of the road. The second row offers a competitive amount of space and comfort, though, and we appreciate that it slides much farther forward for third-row access than most competitors can manage. You can even slide it forward with a child seat still in place. Once in the third row, though, space and comfort are merely acceptable. Teenagers and adults will be happier in a Honda Pilot or Dodge Durango.
The Pathfinder also continues to trail some of its competitors for overall utility. Up front, its center console lacks the multitude of useful storage compartments found in some rival crossovers, and its overall cargo capacity is only average, checking in at 47.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.8 cubic feet with both the second- and third-row seats folded.
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Features & Specs
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2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV for Sale
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See your car's valueLet's be blunt: The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is a mainstream crossover SUV. It's about the same size as other crossovers, it's engineered like other crossovers, and if you squint hard enough, it looks pretty much like other crossovers. The Pathfinder is playing in a big competitive pool where every fish is a shark.
Nissan is tweaking the Pathfinder for 2017 to give it some distinction in the marketplace. And today, that's an exceedingly tough thing to accomplish.
The current fourth-generation Pathfinder debuted back in 2012 as a 2013 model, so it was time for some updates. The most significant changes are tweaks to the 3.5-liter V6 that powers it. The biggest of these is the application of direct gasoline injection to the famed VQ-series V6. The miracle that is direct injection facilitates, among other things, a higher compression ratio and superior combustion. In short, engine output moves from last year's 260 horsepower to 284. More power is usually good.
Despite the addition of more power, the Pathfinder's fuel economy ratings carry over from 2016 intact. The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive 2017 Pathfinder at 23 mpg combined (20 city/ 27 highway). Add all-wheel drive to the mix and the numbers move to 22 mpg combined (19 city/26 highway).
In other changes for 2017, Nissan has fortified the suspension a bit. The steering is now 11 percent quicker. Nissan also has upped the tow rating from 5,000 to 6,000 pounds. And there have been some touch-ups to the Pathfinder's appearance to make sure no one mistakes the 2017 model for the 2016.
Because it uses a continuously variable transmission, the Pathfinder drives differently than most vehicles in its class. We like that Nissan enhanced its simulated shift points to make it seem more like a regular automatic transmission. And it's available with front- or all-wheel drive.
Nissan offers the Pathfinder in four different trim levels. At the bottom is the S, which practically no one actually buys. Then there's SV, which is livable; the SL, which is the mainstream model and pretty cushy. Finally there's the Platinum, which is full of stuff you don't need but really want.
Additional interior room, however, isn't available on any of them. But at least Nissan has now fitted the Pathfinder with the company's latest touchscreen information and entertainment system on all models.
Let Edmunds help you see if the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is the perfect crossover for you.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Overview
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV is offered in the following styles: SL 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), S 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), S 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT), Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), SL 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT), SV 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT), Platinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT), and SV 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl CVT).
What do people think of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Pathfinder SUV 4 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Pathfinder SUV.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Pathfinder SUV featuring deep dives into trim levels including SL, S, Platinum, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV here.Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV?
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $45,950. The average price paid for a new 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is trending $10,000 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $10,000 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$35,950.
The average savings for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) is21.8% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUVS are available in my area?
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Listings and Inventory
There are currently 2 new 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUVS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $45,965 and mileage as low as 73 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $10,000 on a new, used or CPO 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV available from a dealership near you.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV for sale near you.
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Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV and all available trim types: SL, Platinum, SV, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Information
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