2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

Test Drive

Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Katerina Krjanina

Introduction

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD has been improving during the last years. Nissan started to be part of the three-row CUV market with the 2013 Pathfinder. The 2017 Nissan  Pathfinder is a beautiful crossover SUV that many drivers would love to try. As I test drive this Pathfinder, I can note all the great changes, effort and work that Nissan is adding to the 2017 model in order to appeal to more drivers.

Imagine the power of 284 horses pulling your car at the same time!

Engine

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder comes with a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers great power with optimum fuel efficiency, ready for all type of adventures and all type of road. It will ride easy on any type of path. The engine of the pathfinder delivers a 284 horse power. It is not the strongest horse power in the market, but it is more than we will probably ever need. Imagine the power of 284 horses pulling your car at the same time!. It also has a 259-lb-ft of torque, and up to 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity. According to Nissan the pathfinder has the most standard maximum towing capacity in the class. This strong towing capacity is perfect for those who like to hook up a boat, trailer, camper or other to the powerful Nissan.

Xtronic CVT^® (Continuously Variable Transmission)

Pathfinder’s new CVT eliminates gears by using a precisely machined metal drive chain instead of traditional fixed metal gears, which transfers power from the engine to the wheels far more effectively and smoothly. So whatever you ask from the engine, the CVT provides it by shifting seamlessly to give you the perfect speed, all while improving fuel economy.

Available All-Mode^® 4X4-i Intuitive 4WD system

No other SUV in this class gives you the choice of 2WD, 4WD, and Auto Modes. Turn the available All-Mode^® Dial, located just behind the gearshift, to lock into 4WD on rough terrain and in varying weather. Turn it again to switch into 2WD for better mileage. The intuitive Auto Mode senses slippery roads or rough terrain and automatically adjusts power to each wheel. When things smooth out, it switches back to 2WD.

Hill start assist and hill descent control (4WD only)

When you are starting on a steep hill from a stop, hill start assist helps keep you from rolling backwards. It holds brake pressure for a few seconds, giving you enough time to transfer your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator. The available hill descent control helps make going down steep grades more manageable by automatically adjusting your speed and brake pressure to help keep you going at a controlled speed.

6,000 lbs. maximum standard towing capacity

You’ve got seven on board, and a big, beautiful trailer on the hitch. This is when you find out what your SUV is really made of. Pathfinder takes it on with 284 hp of 3.5-L V6 muscle, and with the highest towing rating in it’s class, you can bring along up to 6,000 lbs. of fun.

Prices and Versions

Price excludes tax, title, license, options and destination charge.

Lease 

In March 2017 when writing this article there is a lease promotion for $279 x month for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD, however the price can change depending on the model and features.

$279/Month Lease offer for 36 months

Total Due at Lease Signing $2,999 +$500 Bonus Cash

Exterior

I like the look and exterior of the pathfinder, it is a strong SUV, but it also gives you the feeling of a nice smooth automobile. Perfect for those who like to have the best of both worlds, a strong SUV and a nice luxury and comfortable automobile, a cross over!

Some of the nice exterior details include:

• I love the Dual Panel Panoramic Moonroof, it stretches and go over all the three rows of seats. Everyone in the family has a great view!
• The lightweight and strong 20” wheels are made out of aluminum-alloy.
• LED low-beam projector headlights for a brilliant light.
• Secure towing strength with the Nissan custom frame-mounted tow receiver hitch, featuring a 7-pin wiring harness for even more dependability.
• Side moldings of chrome body gives a very stylish accent to the 2017 Pathfinder.

Interior

My favorite interior feature is the three rows of seats. I love to invite friends and family for a ride and with the third row everyone is happy and has more space. I also like a lot the dashboard with beautiful wood inserts and the way you feel inside with the leather seats and many luxury details. It feels like you are riding a luxury automobile. It doesn’t feel like a truck! nice crossover feature. The 2017 Pathfinder’s wood-tone trim accents on the doors and the center console add a stylish touch of class to an elegant interior.

Some of the of the best interior features are:

• The pathfinder is a smart car, the Intelligent Cruise Control uses a radar to maintain a set distance between you and the car in front of you, even braking to maintain that distance or bring you to a complete stop if necessary.
• Pathfinder helps keep you on track and in the loop with available NissanConnect with Navigation and Services. Weather alerts, traffic updates, remote access and automatic collision notification. Use the touch-screen display or the hands-free voice control.
• Beautiful leather-appointed seats. According to Nissan pathfinder’s seats save you from stickiness by cooling down when it’s hot out, and warming up when it’s cold.
• Power-adjust Nissan’s steering column up and down, and in and out, to find the best driving position.
• Bose® Premium Audio System. A 13-speaker audio system uses Acoustic Waveguide Technology for amazing sound across all three rows of seats.

The 2017 Pathfinder’s wood-tone trim accents on the doors and the center console add a stylish touch of class to an elegant interior.

Pathfinder’s Technology

Pathfinder’s available Nissan Intelligent Key. The doors will automatically unlock when you approach the vehicle. as part of Nissan’s technology, when you step inside, the driver’s seat, side-view mirrors, and steering wheel will all be in your saved pre-set positions.
Safety

A great safety feature is that If Pathfinder® detects that you need to slow down to avoid a frontal collision, the Forward Emergency Braking system will alert you with visual and audible cues and, if necessary, assist you by automatically applying pressure to the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision. This system uses the Around View® Monitor’s cameras to detect moving objects detected near your vehicle and gives you visual and audible warnings. MOD also gives you an extra level of confidence when you are maneuvering into and out of tight spots.

The Blind Spot Warning system detects vehicles in the blind spot area. Indicators on both the Advanced Drive-Assist® Display and driver’s or front passenger’s front door will illuminate to give you an alert. If the driver signal while a vehicle is in the blind spot area, then an audible alert and warning light will alert the driver as a safety precaution to make sure you won’t change lane while the other car is in your blind spot.

When you Reverse, Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects vehicles crossing from both sides. The system provides visual and audible warnings.

Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) includes dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant-classification sensor. The inflation rate of these dual-stage air bags adjusts depending on crash severity and seat belt usage. Built into the front seats, two supplemental air bags offer side impact protection and move with you as you adjust your seating position. Plus, roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags help provide head protection for all three rows of outboard occupants.

To help enhance grip when accelerating, the Traction Control System senses wheelspin and automatically reduces engine output and/or brakes the spinning wheel to help give you a surer foothold. Acting in tandem with the Traction Control System, Vehicle Dynamic Control compares actual vehicle cornering performance to the driver’s input, adjusting power levels and applying appropriate brake pressure to individual wheels to help correct oversteer or understeer, helping keep the vehicle on the steered path.

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) pumps the brakes faster than humanly possible in emergency braking situations. This helps prevent your wheels from locking to help you steer around unexpected obstacles. While the Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) sends extra force to the rear brakes when it senses the additional weight of extra people in the back seat or a full tank of gas. In addition, the Brake Assist (BA) senses how hard you’re braking in an emergency and automatically helps boost performance by applying maximum braking pressure.

LATCH is another way we’re working to help keep children safe. The Pathfinder LATCH system lets you secure LATCH-compatible child restraints in the second row without having to use seat belts or a locking clip.
Take away the guesswork when it comes to your tire pressure with Pathfinder’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. The tire pressure is shown on the Advanced Drive-Assist® Display letting you know when your tire pressure is low. And when you’re filling your tires, Pathfinder lets you know when the pressure’s ideal with a friendly beep of the horn.
Packages

Fun for all the passengers with the Family Entertainment Package:

• Tri-Zone Entertainment System
• Rear HDMI input for video playback

Conclusion

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD is a great car to own with three rows of seats, a powerful engine, and amazing technological and safety features. If you like technology then you would love this pathfinder.  With a price close to $40,000 Nissan is offering a great SUV full of extras. As the market of SUV buyers keeps growing and expanding, this beautiful crossover SUV is the successful fruit of Nissan’s hard work in order to appeal to more car buyers. Great interior, safety, technology, beautiful exterior, and power for those who like adventures.