“I love how smooth it drives & for an suv it's got great miles to the gallon. Hasn't given me any issue.”
2017 Nissan Pathfinder: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is its stronger 284-hp V6, which also helps raise maximum towing capacity to 6,000 pounds. This is a full mid-cycle update with refreshed styling, revised handling, a new 8-inch touchscreen, and added driver-assistance features on upper trims.
About the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
4th generation Pathfinder (R52, 2013-2020), mid-cycle refresh year.
Nissan positions the Pathfinder as a three-row family SUV that mixes everyday comfort with stronger towing and rough-weather confidence than many similarly sized crossovers. The core draw is space and flexibility: room for seven, easy third-row access through the EZ Flex second row, and a useful cargo area. It is not sold as a hard-core trail SUV; it is the family road-trip and tow-the-trailer choice for shoppers who want more utility and muscle without moving up to a truck-based full-size SUV.
The 2017 Pathfinder ranges from the straightforward, three-row S to the near-luxury Platinum. The SL adds family-friendly upgrades such as leather seating, a motion-activated liftgate, and an around-view camera, while the Platinum brings a panoramic moonroof, navigation, Bose audio, and heated and cooled front seats.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 3.5-liter V6 gains direct fuel injection, increasing output from 260 to 284 horsepower and from 240 to 259 lb-ft of torque. Maximum towing capacity rises from 5,000 to 6,000 pounds.
Styling
The front and rear are refreshed with a newer grille, headlights, taillights, and bumpers. LED daytime running lights are added across the lineup, and the Platinum gains LED low-beam headlights.
Tech
An 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen becomes standard across the lineup. The SL also makes the touchscreen standard, while the Platinum adds built-in navigation and connected services.
Safety
The SL gains a standard around-view camera with moving-object detection. The Platinum adds adaptive cruise control and forward emergency braking as standard equipment.
Structural
Steering and suspension tuning are revised to improve response and reduce body movement in turns.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 284 hp | 284 hp | 284 hp | 284 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft | 259 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb | 6000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 79.8 cu-ft | 79.8 cu-ft | 79.8 cu-ft | 79.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 30.7 in | 30.7 in | 30.7 in | 30.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
The biggest change is the upgraded 3.5-liter V6. Direct fuel injection raises output from 260 to 284 horsepower and from 240 to 259 lb-ft of torque, while maximum towing capacity increases to 6,000 pounds.
Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder a major update over the 2016 model?
Yes. The 2017 Pathfinder is a mid-cycle update with a stronger engine, higher towing capacity, refreshed front and rear styling, revised steering and suspension tuning, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen.
How much can the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder tow?
The 2017 Pathfinder has a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, up from 5,000 pounds for 2016.
Does every 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have an 8-inch touchscreen?
Yes. An 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen is standard across the 2017 Pathfinder lineup, including the S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims.
What safety features were added to the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
The SL gains a standard around-view camera with moving-object detection, while the Platinum adds standard adaptive cruise control and forward emergency braking. These additions are trim-specific rather than standard across the full lineup.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder.
4.1
2017 Nissan Pathfinder
(769 reviews)
“Gets good gas mileage compared to my previous SUV, and I like that I have the 3rd row option. It doesn't have navigation or Apple CarPlay, so that's a negative for me.”
“The features are positioned for ease of use while driving. I feel very secure in the safety that is provided by my car..”