more about this model Let'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 Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Pathfinder featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Pathfinder 4.6 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.
Vehicle
Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl CVT)
Review
I've had the 2017 pathfinder for a few weeks now and I am really enjoying it. I have the platinum package with the entertainment system in the rear seats. Overall I am very pleased with the quality especially the interior which is comparable to a luxury vehicle. I checked out most competitors to include the Mazda and Toyota. The pathfinder had the most features I wanted such as cooled seats, panoramic roof and DVD system for rear seats. Something my daughter loves, she love looking out the roof and watching the monitors. The ride is nice and firm, just how I like it, the transmission is smooth and engine strong. What sold me on the pathfinder is the amount of features it includes such as safety features and the fact Nissan is aleauvs willing to make a deal to sell car. Toyota wanted to knock off 2500 off sticker on a 2016 while Nissan knocked off about 7k on a 2017 which was just unloaded and still wrapped in plastic. For 41k or thereabouts the pathfinder wins hands down
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder earned a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: Side Impact Test, Roof Strength Test, Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint, IIHS Small Overlap Front Test Results, Moderate Overlap Front Test Results, and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 3.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Nissan Pathfinder 2017 Submodel Types: SUV, Hybrid
Available Trims: SV, SL, S, Platinum, SE, LE, Silver Edition, Platinum Hybrid, LE Platinum, S FE+, SE Off Road, SE Off-Road, SL Hybrid, SV Hybrid, XE
Exterior Colors: Magnetic Black Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Pearl White, Gun Metallic, Cayenne Red Metallic, Super Black, Dark Slate Metallic, Caspian Blue, Glacier White, Moonlight White Pearl, Arctic Blue Metallic, Avalanche, Caspian Blue Metallic, Midnight Jade Metallic, Mocha Stone Metallic, Super Black Metallic, Silver Lightning, Java Metallic, Sandstone, Storm Gray Metallic, Chrome Silver Metallic, Storm Gray, Navy Blue, Silver Lightning Metallic, Granite Metallic, Silverton Blue Pearl, Dark Slate, Desert Stone, Glacier Pearl, Majestic Blue, Red Brawn, Red Brawn Pearl, Scarlet Ember, Sierra Silver Metallic, Desert Sand Metallic, Espresso Black Metallic, Majestic Blue Metallic, Navy Blue Metallic, Red Brick Metallic, Merlot Pearl , Midnight Pine Metallic, Polished Pewter Metallic, Red Brick, Sahara Beige Metallic, Sunlit Sand Metallic, White Frost, Woodland Bronze Metallic
Interior Colors: Charcoal cloth, Charcoal leather, Almond leather, Graphite cloth, Almond cloth, Charcoal, Graphite, Graphite premium cloth, Graphite leather, Desert cloth, Cafe Latte leather, Café Latte cloth, Beige, Cafè Latte cloth, Cafe Latte cloth, Cafe Latte premium cloth, Desert
Popular Features: Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Alarm, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Third-row seating, Trip Computer, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, AWD/4WD, Bluetooth, Power Driver Seat, USB Inputs, Parking sensors, Remote Start, Aux Audio Inputs, 6000lb Towing Capacity, Towing Hitch, Keyless Entry/Start, Back-up camera, Heated seats, Leather Seats, 5000lb Towing Capacity, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Navigation, Sunroof/Moonroof, Post-collision safety system, Blind Spot Monitoring, 360-degree camera, Cooled Seats, Pre-collision safety system, Upgraded Stereo, Adaptive Cruise Control, Upgraded Headlights, Rear Entertainment System, 3500lb Towing Capacity
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4, 8 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: four wheel drive, front wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
