WASHINGTON — Nissan has been around pretty much from the beginning of the SUV craze, going from small to large and now settling into that midsize 7-seat crossover for the last couple of years.
While it might not be the original, rugged SUV it was 30 years ago, with just two doors and that strange rear window configuration that still sticks in my mind, how does this new 2017 fit into today’s SUV/crossover market?
If you’re looking at midsize crossovers, space is probably pretty high on your list. The 2017 Pathfinder seems to fall in the middle of the pack on space. Some competition is bigger inside and others are smaller in the three-row game.
(WTOP/Mike Parris)
I drove the loaded $46,000 Platinum trim level Pathfinder, so expect nice leather trimmed seats for seven. The front seats are heated and ventilated with power controls on both seats. The rear bench seat has heat for the outer seats and they also have something called EZ Flex that allows you to slide the seats to allow for space for the third row.
That third row is usable but for smaller adults or children; it’s not as large as say a Traverse or Highlander, but it works.
The storage area isn’t as robust as some others in the class, but if you don’t need the third row, it easily collapses into the floor, opening up more cargo space. New for 2017 is a larger 8-inch color display.
The Nissan Connect with NAV is one of the easier systems to work, and the graphics seemed nice as well. The optional Family Entertainment package adds two 8-inch head restraint DVD monitors, headphones and remote for $1,700.
Also new for 2017 is a more powerful engine putting out 284 hp, and it’s welcomed — especially when loaded down with people and cargo. It is much easier to keep up with traffic than before. With most crossovers, you can’t really do much towing, but the 2017 Pathfinder can tow up to 6000 pounds, which is useful. The V-6 is matched with a CVT transmission and it seems to work better with the bigger engine without as much drone as you get in some cars.
Fuel economy was 20.4 mpg for the week with a heavy dose of stop-and-go traffic and under the 21 mpg for this 4WD ride. Still, it’s better than the Pathfinder I drove a few years back.
Nissan has also buttoned up the ride for 2017; it seems more stable in turns without much lean. It is easier to drive in tighter spaces than some of the competition. It’s also easier to park since its overall size is smaller than some.
On the highway, it’s mostly quiet with just hint of some road noises but kept in check nicely for this class.
The Pathfinder gets some new sheet metal, but most of that change is to the front end with a new grill design for this year. That grill is more of a U-shape than before with large chrome trim surrounding the grill opening. The wheels on this Platinum model are larger 20-inch rims with a nice design. There is also a lot of chrome trim like the door handles, side moldings and the roof rails to spice it up.
The Pathfinder looks more SUV than crossover with bulging wheel wells that go with those large wheels. The rear end is also revised with new taillights and a tougher look with the trailer hitch and chrome trim.
The Nissan Pathfinder is more polished for 2017 and has a new, powerful engine with a tow ability that most other crossovers just can’t match. If it’s a SUV with the manners of an easy-to-drive crossover you’re looking for, the Nissan Pathfinder Platinum deserves a look.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
