Nissan announces the 2017 Pathfinder. The big news is the new 3.5-liter engine.
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The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has been announced, and it gets a new engine and chassis upgrades that will make the new model better able to handle adventures away from civilization. Pathfinder seems to be going back to its roots as an multi-purpose recreation vehicle. The 2017 model is still more refined than those early years, but it gets a few new upgrades for adventure enthusiasts.
What’s the biggest changes?
The big news for the new fifth generation Pathfinder is its new 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with Direct Injection. That’s a 24hp bump from the outgoing model. Torque also increases from 240 lb-ft to 259 lb-ft in the new model. For those who will be towing, Pathfinder has a new 6,000-lb standard towing capacity up from the 5,000 capacity for the 2016 model.
How did Nissan engineers squeeze out the extra power? The Pathfinder’s engine has been upgraded with a new combustion chamber design, new pistons, a new air intake system, (which enhances torque and horsepower) and the new fully electronic timing on the intake side. The compression ratio has also been raised to 11.0:1 (from the previous 10.3:1). Yet, fuel economy stays the same.
Fuel economy remains the same
Even with the additional horsepower, Nissan says with the new engine design, fuel efficiency remains the same. Pathfinder fuel economy remains 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for 2WD models (estimated).
The suspension and body also get significant upgrades. It now features 11 percent stiffer front shocks, 7percent stiffer rear shocks, rebound spring front struts, rear rebound spring rate increased 25 percent, and reduced body roll (0.5g turn). Nissan says the 2017 version also features 11 percent quicker steering. For 2017, Pathfinder is now in its fifth generation. The new Pathfinder also gets a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology.
Go to PAGE 2: What else is new for 2017?
Outside Pathfinder gets new front and rear fascias, hood and V-motion grille, fog lights, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, Motion-Activated power lift tailgate and outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. Inside, it gets a redesigned center console, new metallic and wood finishes and new cloth seat materials.
New safety features include around view monitor with moving object detection,
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Forward Emergency Braking (FEB). Connectivity now includes, standard 8.0-inch touch-screen display, NissanConnect Services, and SiriusXM Travel LinkTM with three years of service.
For adventure seekers, the upgraded 2017 Nissan Pathfinder offers more adventure capability, more power and towing capability, a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology. Pricing will be announced closer to dealer launch.
Source: Nissan
Image source: Nissan
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