At a recent event in New York City, Nissan introduced their latest vehicle: the 2017  Pathfinder. With 7 adjustable leather seats, it’s perfect for families. The seats are easy to fold and move, which gives plenty of space for passengers and makes it wheelchair accessible. A major highlight is the trunk, with hidden additional luggage space. It opens with just a kick motion under the car (due to a sensor system) and closes the same way, so you don’t actually have to touch the car in other to open it. This is just one among many innovations this 2017 model offers. Read on to discover more.

“The Nissan Pathfinder has an amazing heritage as one of the modern pioneers in the SUV segment, with more than 30 years in the marketplace, yet we are always looking forward – as the Pathfinder name implies,” said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “For 2017, Pathfinder receives much more than your typical facelift. It now offers more power, towing capability, improved driving dynamics and new available driver assistance features –more of what you need for safe, comfortable every day and weekend family adventures.”

The seven-passenger 2017 Pathfinder is offered in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations and a choice of four well-equipped grade levels: S, SV, SL and Platinum.

For 2017, the refreshed exterior adds a stronger sense of adventure, character and presence and continued fine-tuning of aero efficiency. The updated appearance incorporates the latest Nissan signature design elements introduced on the award-winning Maxima sport sedan and Murano crossover – including the new “V-Motion” grille and boomerang-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights. New LED headlights are standard on the Pathfinder Platinum grade.

In addition, aerodynamic optimization efforts include a new grille design, which enhances cooling performance and negates the need for an active grille shutter, and a new front chin spoiler design that has been moved forward and directs air downward – without compromising the approach angle for off-road driving.

Another significant addition for 2017 is the available Motion-Activated liftgate with liftgate position memory. A simple wave of the foot under the center of the liftgate activates the power opening function. It is standard on SL and Platinum grades.

Other exterior details include recessed front windshield wipers, roof rails, chrome door handles and privacy glass. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof is standard on the Platinum grade. It includes a sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel, which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows.

Completing the exterior makeover are two new exterior colors – Sandstone and Caspian Blue. Other available colors are Midnight Jade, Brilliant Silver, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Cayenne Red, Pearl White and Glacier White. “More than just a more powerful appearance, the 2017 Pathfinder offers more functionality – from the convenience of the Motion-Activated liftgate to user-friendly interior upgrades,” added Bunce.

The enhancements to the Pathfinder interior for 2017 focus on convenience and connectivity. The biggest change is the adoption of new-generation information technology. The standard Advanced Drive-AssistÔ Display (ADAD), located in the center of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features additional infotainment and driver assistance displays (versus the 2016 Pathfinder design). Voice recognition has been enhanced with a new HD microphone.

The standard 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings – including the standard NissanConnectSM with Voice Recognition for audio, Bluetooth and vehicle information. In addition, the available NissanConnect Navigation system (offered as standard equipment on Pathfinder Platinum and optional on SV and SL grades) includes Voice Recognition for navigation, including one-shot voice destination entry and three years of included SiriusXM Traffic. The Pathfinder also includes standard SiriusXM Travel Link with three years of complimentary service, featuring sports, movie listings, stock prices, gas prices and weather.

As in previous years, the 2017 Pathfinder’s 3-row/7-passenger interior combines comfortable seating with the cargo capacity that families need every day. It offers the benefits of a mid-size crossover with the comfort of a larger SUV, including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility and ample space. Overall interior roominess is 173.8 cubic feet (passenger and cargo areas combined).

Pathfinder‘s quiet, comfortable interior also includes a wide range of available features, including two rows of rich leather-appointed seating surfaces, heated and cooled front seats, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, multiple user memory settings and an advanced Bose Audio System with 13 speakers.

It also offers available class-exclusive Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD). Other available technology includes Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System and iPod integration. The tri-zone Family Entertainment system includes 2nd row head restraint-mounted DVD display screens. The rear displays are now 8-inch QHD designs (versus the previous 7-inch WVGA) and include auto brightness control and USB and HDMI rear source inputs. The rear display can be easily controlled from the front with a more user-friendly display.

An available remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving (standard on SV, SL and Platinum).

In a major step up of its already highly capable adventure credentials, Pathfinder’s new 3.5-liter V6 engine features more power, torque and towing capacity. The engine’s new Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance.

Horsepower for the new V6 increases to 284 hp and torque is now rated at 259 lb-ft. And, while adding more horsepower and torque, Pathfinder fuel economy remains 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (2WD models) (estimated).

All 2017 Pathfinder models are equipped with Nissan’s third-generation Xtronic transmission that includes D-Step Logic Control, which simulates shifts, giving a more natural acceleration feeling. Maximum towing capacity has increased by 1,000 pounds to a best-in-class 6,000 pounds (when properly equipped) due to the enhanced powertrain and body reinforcements added around the trailer hitch area.

“As part of Nissan’s ongoing, extensive research into consumers’ real-world towing activities, we’ve found that mid-size SUV owners really want the ability to tow two-axle recreational trailers, whether for watercraft, flatbeds or campers,” said Bunce. “The 2017 Pathfinder now fits most of those needs with the added confidence of its standard 6,000-pound towing rating.”

In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps prevent loss of control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models), while standard Hill Descent Control (4WD only) helps by adjusting speed and brake pressure when traveling slowly down steep, rough terrain grades. Pathfinder’s extensively retuned 4-wheel independent suspension also contributes to the enhanced driving dynamics, offering improved body control and a more refined ride.

“Fine tuning of the spring rates and the addition of front strut rebound springs has allowed better control of typical body motions such as roll and pitch and bounce. The result is the Pathfinder remains flatter while cornering and road vibrations are well controlled, especially on rough roads and during off-road driving,” said Bunce.

The 2017 Pathfinder comes in four well-equipped models, starting with the Pathfinder S with 284-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, Xtronic transmission and available ALL-MODE 4×4-i system. Standard features include NissanConnect with 8.0-inch color display, HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, EZ Flex Seating System with LATCH AND GLIDE, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, RearView Monitor and Advanced Drive-AssistÔ Display (ADAD).

Pathfinder SV models add a range of features including Nissan Intelligent Key, 8-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever, Rear Sonar, fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink Universal Transceiver, remote engine start and much more.

Pathfinder SL models include leather-appointed heated 1st and 2nd row seats, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, driver’s seat 2-way power lumbar support, heated steering wheel, Motion-Activated power liftgate with liftgate position memory, Around View Monitor (AVM) with Moving Object Detection (MOD), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), among other features.

Pathfinder Platinum models offer unique 20-inch machined aluminum-alloy wheels, 235/55R20 tires, LED headlights, NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM, Bose 13-speaker premium audio system, cooled front seats, woodgrain finishers, Dual Panorama Moonroof, Trailer Tow Package, Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and more. The Family Entertainment Package adds the dual 8.0-inch headrest DVD/Family Entertainment System with rear seat wireless headphones, wireless remote control, rear headphone jacks with volume control, USB port, HDMI jack and VTR jack.

For more information visit www.nissanusa.com