2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER

Nissan Pathfinder has received engine, styling and technology changes for 2017. This full-sized SUV has been on sale here in several generations for almost 30 years. Nissan Australia is determined to keep at the forefront of buyers’ minds and has introduced a raft of worthwhile changes.

Nissan’s signature grille has been revised, and there are new boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. The mirror housings have also been redone. Alloy wheels are in new designs; sizes are 18-inch of the ST and ST-L, with 20-inch units on the Ti.

However, the biggest news is under the bonnet where the 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine has had over 50 percent of its components changed. There’s 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).

Maximum power output is 202 kW (+12 kW on the superseded model). Maximum torque is 340 Nm (+15 Nm).

Complementing the significantly updated engine is a new-generation Xtronic CVT. It has what Nissan calls ‘D-Step logic control’ this provides stepped gear changes under heavy acceleration in the manner of a torque convertor automatic transmission. This setup is probably not as quick as leaving the transmission in CVT mode, but the sound will please driver who aren’t keen on CVTs.

Note that the petrol-electric hybrid Pathfinder powertrain is unchanged.

Pathfinder has seating for up to seven occupants and is available in both 2WD and 4WD. There are three grades in the range: Pathfinder ST, ST-L and Ti.

Pathfinder for 2017 has a new in-car infotainment system operated through an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen as well as Bluetooth phone / audio streaming and voice control. In-car navigation equipped with 3D mapping graphics is fitted to the Pathfinder ST-L and Ti. There are twin USB ports on the lower grades, three on the topline Pathfinder Ti.

The second row of seats is split 60/40 and the third row 50/50 in all Pathfinders. When both rows are folded to flat there is 2260 litres of cargo space.

An under-floor compartment behind the third row of seats provides added security.

The second row has IsoFix child restraint anchorages. The third row seating offers the comfort of recline adjustment and now has a rear tether point for child restraint.

The front seats are heated in ST-L and Ti grades, and also include cooling in the top specification Ti.

Driver assistance safety aids added to the ST-L and Ti grades include Intelligent Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection

Six airbags are fitted as standard equipment to all model grades as is a reversing camera and rear parking sensors. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarded the Nissan Pathfinder its top 5 Star safety rating in 2013.

At this time we haven’t had a chance to drive the latest Pathfinder but will do so soon and get back to you with our impressions on driving.

With the exception of the entry-level 2WD ST, which has increased by $500, all prices are unchanged from the previous model.

The complete 2017 Nissan Pathfinder range is:
ST 3.5-litre petrol 2WD: $41,990 (automatic)
ST 3.5-litre petrol 4WD: $45,490 (automatic)
ST Hybrid 2.5-litre petrol /electric 2WD: $44,490 (automatic)
ST-L 3.5-litre petrol 2WD: $53,690 (automatic)
ST-L 3.5-litre petrol 4WD: $57,690 (automatic)
ST-L Hybrid 2.5-litre petrol /electric 4WD: $60,690 (automatic)
ST-L 3.5-litre petrol 2WD: $62,190 (automatic)
ST-L 3.5-litre petrol 4WD: $66,190 (automatic)
ST-L Hybrid 2.5-litre petrol /electric 4WD: $69,190 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for driveaway prices.