hamburger icon

2017 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2017 S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $30,290
2017 S 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $31,980
2017 SV 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $32,980
2017 SV 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $34,670
2017 SL 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $36,100
2017 SL 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $37,790
2017 Platinum 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $42,070
2017 Platinum 4dr 4x4 Price:   -  From $43,760

Overview

Originally a traditional truck-based SUV, Nissan’s Pathfinder turned into a pavement-friendly midsize crossover SUV a few years back. Set up with space for seven passengers on three rows of seats, the Pathfinder yields respectable fuel economy for its category, while providing a relaxing, almost sedan-like ride.

What's New for 2017

Freshening of the exterior is accompanied by technical modifications. Revised front sheetmetal includes a V-Motion grille, revised hood, and fresh bumper. The bold new front end features Nissan's signature LED boomerang headlights and LED daytime running lights. A revised front chin spoiler aims to improve aerodynamics. Engine re-engineering has raised horsepower and torque ratings. A new direct-ignition system, also used on the larger Armada; promises better full-throttle performance and emissions. Towing capacity has increased by half a ton. Stiffer springs promise improved roll and pitch/bounce control. Inside, all Pathfinders have an 8-inch color touchscreen.

Nissan Pathfinder

Choosing Your Nissan Pathfinder

All Pathfinders hold a 3.5-liter V6 engine that now produces 284 horsepower (up 24) and 259 pound-feet of torque (up 19). The V6 mates with a third-generation continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that incorporates D-Step shift logic, which simulates operation of a conventional gear-type transmission. Nissan has been a leader in the use of CVTs, even for relatively large vehicles.

Fuel economy is estimated at 20 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway (23 mpg combined), dipping to 19/26 mpg (city/highway) with all-wheel drive.

Like most crossover SUVs, the Pathfinder has standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on each trim level. The "intuitive" all-wheel drive system has three modes: 2WD, Auto, and 4WD Lock. Although the all-wheel drive setup is hardly suitable for heavy-duty off-road treks, a Pathfinder is more capable in off-pavement driving than many competitors. When properly equipped, towing capacity now reaches as high as 6,000 pounds.

Notable Pathfinder features include a tilt/glide second-row seat, which eases access to the third row even if a child safety seat is installed. A Drive-Assist display ahead of the driver has a 4-inch color screen. An 8-inch touchscreen now is standard, usable with optional navigation. An available 360-degree Around View Monitor can ease backing out of a driveway or parking-lot space.

As before, four trim levels are offered:

Nissan Pathfinder

S

Priced at $30,890 (destination included) with front-drive, the base model kicks off the lineup with such equipment as tri-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, remote keyless entry, pushbutton start, a six-speaker sound system with 8-inch touchscreen display, satellite and HD radio, roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels, and sliding/reclining second-row seats. All-wheel drive adds $1,690.

Nissan Pathfinder

SV

Adds a variety of popular features for an additional $2,690, including a power driver’s seat, automatic headlights, programmable Intelligent Key, auto-dimming inside mirror, rear parking sensors, foglamps, remote start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. A Cold Package is optional. The optional SV Tech Package includes navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Nissan Pathfinder

SL

Raises the luxury quotient by adding heated leather-appointed front and second-row seats, a power passenger seat, driver’s memory, heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate with position memory. You also get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward emergency braking, and heated power mirrors with memory. A motion-activated liftgate is standard. Pricing begins at $36,600.

The optional SL Tech package adds a navigation system, traffic data, towing hitch and harness, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. The SL Premium package includes all that, plus a panorama sunroof and sunshade.

Nissan Pathfinder

Platinum

The top Pathfinder model starts at $41,960 and comes standard with just about everything you can get on the other trim levels, plus navigation, ventilated front seats, a power tilt/telescopic steering column, 13-speaker Bose audio, dual panorama sunroofs, "intelligent" cruise control, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Platinum edition can get a Family Entertainment Package with dual 8-inch screens and DVD-playing capability.

CarsDirect Tip

Pathfinder prices stretch from $30,890 to $44,460 (for the Platinum AWD). So, it’s refreshing that all-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels, not just on the most costly versions. You can decide whether to pay more for all-weather capability or for creature comforts; or, if your pocketbook permits, perhaps both. As always, all-wheel drive is most useful in snowbelt states.

Get your price on a Nissan Pathfinder »

Read our review on the Nissan Pathfinder »

Nissan Pathfinder
author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

Last redesigned for 2014, Nissan’s three-row, seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV, the Pathfinder, earned a modest freshening for the 2017 season, yielding a more masculine, trucklike demeanor. New active-safety features are available, the infotainment system is new, the suspension is stiffer, and a Midnight Edition is now available.

Pricing and Equipment

Starting at $31,230 (destination charge included), the Pathfinder comes in four trim levels: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. Each is available with front-drive or optional all-wheel drive. Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 produces 284 horsepower (up 24) and 259 pound-feet of torque (an increase of 19). The continuously variable transmission incorporates “D-Step” logic, a series of stepped virtual gear ratios, to mimic operation of a conventional automatic.

The Pathfinder SV ($33,920) comes with:

  • Rearview camera
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Power driver’s seat
  • Tri-zone automatic climate control
  • 8.0-inch touchscreen
  • Satellite and HD radio
  • SiriusXM Travel Link
  • Bluetooth phone and audio
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Remote start
  • 18-inch alloy wheels

A new Midnight Edition package is available, adding black exterior accents.

Performance Pros

Nissan Pathfinder
  • Nicely-controlled handling traits, more like a sedan than an SUV. Vehicle size and weight are barely noticeable to the driver. Hydraulic/electric steering adds to driving comfort.
  • Strong, smooth acceleration, with sufficient power to satisfy virtually any family-oriented driver.
  • Quiet, comfortable, well-composed ride quality. Still, this year’s stiffer suspension does increase road feel, making bumps more noticeable. Never does it turn harsh, however.
  • Modest off-roading capabilities, as well as towing capacity (up to 6,000 pounds).

Performance Cons

  • Occasional brief, but significant, delays while accelerating to pass or merge.
  • Fuel economy isn’t bad for a vehicle of this size with V6 power; but it’s not exactly thrifty either, estimated at 20 miles per gallon city, 27 highway, 23 combined. All-wheel drive drops each figure by 1 mpg.

Interior Pros

  • Complex but cleverly-folding second-row seatbacks help ease access to the third row. Seats also slide fore/aft to modify leg room in second and third rows.
  • Abundant space for up to seven occupants in a quiet cabin. Despite modest side bolstering, front seats are comfortable for longer journeys, with broad adjustment range and good back support.
  • New NissanConnect infotainment with 8.0-inch touchscreen offers plenty of connectivity features, as well as ease of use.

Interior Cons

Nissan Pathfinder
  • Materials are on the dull side, with limited color choices.
  • Second-row seats aren’t as comfortable as expected, despite ample headroom.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

Because of the sensible folding second-row seatbacks, child seats may be locked into position even when the seat is partly collapsed. Ability to slide the seat forward and back by 5.5 inches is another welcome benefit. Though it doesn’t get much attention, Nissan’s Easy Fill Tire Alert makes it easy to inflate tires at the service station.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

Second-row seats are not only short and flat, but uncomfortably low – especially for adults, who might have trouble finding a comfortable position. Also, new safety features are available, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, but standard only in Platinum trim.

The Bottom Line

In the current Pathfinder, a long, car-like hood and steep windshield meld with new, more blocky bumpers and front-end components. As a result, this crossover appears smaller than its dimensions suggest, and drives much like a passenger car.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 284 HP / 259 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Xtronic 2-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
7
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
3.5L V-6 / 284 HP / 259 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
20 / 27 / 23 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
19.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$75
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
79.8 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
120 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
198.5 "
Exterior Width
77.2 "
Exterior Height
69.6 "
Front Headroom
42.2 "
Rear Headroom
39.4 "
Front Legroom
42.3 "
Rear Legroom
41.7 "
Front Shoulder Room
60.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
60.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
4,292 Lbs.
Wheel Base
114 "
Turning Radius
19.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Surround
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
7
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2017 Nissan Pathfinder for Sale

3 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Nissan
SV
Color: White
Price

$13,995

Mileage

53,679 mi

Map location icon

LA City Cars (4 mi)

Phone: (323) 522-9200
Nissan
SV
Color: Silver
Price

$14,500

Mileage

78,810 mi

Map location icon

Stadium Auto California (33 mi)

Phone: (888) 287-0448
Nissan
S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
Price

$17,891

Mileage

47,754 mi

Map location icon

Envision Ford of Oxnard (49 mi)

Other Nissan Pathfinder Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Nissan Pathfinder years that you might be interested in.

Nissan
SL
Color: Super Black
Price

$35,300

Mileage

20,814 mi

Map location icon

Nissan of Torrance (6 mi)

Phone: (424) 257-0003
See All Used Car Listings

Insider Information

We have information you must know before you buy the Pathfinder. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.

Sign Me Up

I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.

Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.