Let’s start right out with a basic, but very important feature of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder — safety.
This tried-and-tested mid-size SUV has been noted for receiving an outstanding top-rating from the NHTSA — National Highway Transportation Safety Administration — with an overall vehicle score of 5 stars. But this car goes beyond the standard in protection, and it is also a good ride. It has received top scores from several leading car reviewers, and rightly so.
In our review, we are going to be exploring the different benefits one can encounter while driving the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD.
From the moment you start the Pathfinder, it is easy to notice a great boost in power compared to its predecessor. The car can now compete with the likes of the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot, which are renowned vehicles. This year’s iteration carries over the pros of its predecessor and does away with the cons.
One of the few upgrades, however, is the body of the car. The body is now a more rugged design, much more sleek than the aesthetic of its predecessor. To match the modern design of its exterior, the engineers also revised the suspension for improved handling, which was one of the cons of the 2016 Pathfinder.
While driving all around Miami, I explored the interior of the vehicle. The Platinum trim level is the top-of-the-line, with features, appointments, and materials that approach luxury levels. If they replaced the Nissan logos with Infiniti badges, I’d have no problem believing that I was driving an Infiniti QX60.
The infotainment system found several updates, particularly the much needed driver assistance features such as the forward collision prevention and the motion-activated power liftgate, which also was much needed.
These upgrades are a part of the Nissan’s natural ascent towards making one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and it is also a celebration of the Pathfinder brand’s 30th birthday. It is one of the few most recognizable and enduring nameplates. Its popularity lends immense credibility to its suave aesthetic and herculean power.
But power is nothing without capacity. In this re-imagination of the Pathfinder, we find a three-row crossover, which will take all the family and friends you need to have a good outing. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that includes direct injection, giving the engine 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. This is nothing to laugh at. Don’t be afraid to plop your kayak on the roof of this behemoth.
It is standard for Nissan to be among the best in the SUV game, and it has gone beyond to prove it this year. The cargo capacity is 16 cubic feet, which lets you store anything you need inside, without a problem. The vehicle’s power is more than enough to keep any power junky satisfied, and with its safety features you never have to fear a fender bender.
Competitively priced at $43,500, this sturdy SUV get 19 mpg city and 26 highway.
Driving this car has given me every type of satisfaction worthy of putting to words, which is why I proudly stand by the pedigree of this SUV, and rank it among the most deserving of an award for this year.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
