2017 Nissan Pathfinder revealed

New look, updated V6 petrol engine for Nissan’s seven-seater SUV stalwart.

Nissan Australia has revealed details of the mid-life update for its large Pathfinder SUV, ahead of an expected 2017 launch date in Australia.

A cosmetic overhaul for the seven-seater is complemented by additional safety technology and an updated version of its V6 petrol engine.

The Pathfinder finds itself in the midst of a strong battle pack of large SUVs including the top-selling Toyota Kluger.

It also needs to take on the just-released Mazda CX-9, as well as the defending CarsGuide Car of the Year, the Kia Sorento.

Nissan was roundly criticised by fans of the previous Pathfinder when it launched the R52 in 2013, moving it away from being a rugged ladder-frame off-road wagon to a softer, more urban front-wheel-drive biased city SUV.

The cosmetic tweaks to the 2017 car have taken some of those softer edges away, thanks to a stronger grille, bar, bonnet and headlight treatment, along with different taillights and rear bumper.

The wipers, door handles and roof rails have been recessed, turn signals have been added to the rear-view mirrors, and new 18- and 20-inch rims have been specced.

Nissan says that 50 per cent of the engine is new or “new to Pathfinder”.

Practicality has been enhanced via a sensor-operated tailgate, larger cupholders, an extra USB port up front and revisions to the two screens; one in between the speedo and tacho, and the 8.0-inch centre console unit.

Mechanically, the VQ35 3.5-litre V6 engine has been tweaked with the addition of direct fuel injection and a new cylinder bore treatment, along with new pistons and intake manifold.

Nissan says that 50 per cent of the engine is new or “new to Pathfinder”.

No performance or economy figures have been released yet; the current V6 makes 190kW and 325Nm, and returns between 10 and 10.3 litres/100km in fuel economy.

The CVT auto transmission will be retained across all variants.

Suspension-wise, the Pathfinder has been stiffened up all round, with rebound springs added to the front struts. The rear rebound springs have been beefed up by 25 per cent, while all four dampers are also firmer. The steering is now also 11 per cent quicker, according to Nissan.

The 2017 Pathfinder’s safety technology suite will include new forward emergency braking and intelligent cruise control. Moving Object Detection has been added to the Around View Monitor that’s an option on higher grade cars. 

Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert are also available for Pathfinder.

What do you think of the new-look Nissan Pathfinder? Is it enough to tackle the Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-9?