Nissan has unveiled 2017 Pathfinder, which features new 284-Horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine with Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) system.
The new 2017 Pathfinder still resembles the 2016 model with the profile looking the same but the front and rear have been given a facelift.
Nissan North America product planning vice president Michael Bunce said: "Like every area of a vehicle, engines evolve. The key in doing so successfully is in understanding where you are going with the changes.
"With the new Pathfinder, the goal wasn't to add raw power, it was to enhance driving feel and confidence across the entire rpm range - whether merging on a freeway on-ramp or pulling a trailer full of watercraft up to a mountain lake."
The engine has more horsepower and torque compared to the old version. While the 2016 model produces about 260hp and 240 lb/ft of torque at 6400 rpm and 4400rpm respectively, the new 2017 model produces 284hp and 259lb/ft of torque at 6400 rpm and 4400rpm respectively.
This is done with the same 3.5 litre six cylinder engine and the mileage given by the 2017 Pathfinder as claimed by Nissan is 20mpg in city, 27mpg on highway and 22mpg combined for 2WD models.
The 2017 Pathfinder crossover has been equipped with XTronic transmission, which is a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This transmission provides smooth ratio changes and reduces shift-shock and delivers smooth driving and offers superior transmission solution.
The engine has been equipped with DIG system which has been used in Nissan Armada full-size SUV, offering better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance.
Nissan claims that by injecting the fuel directly into the combustion chamber and not into the intake manifold, offers concentrated fuel around the spark plug. When the spark plug ignites the fuel, the changes of residual fuel buildup will be eliminated greatly. This will result in a cleaner exhaust.
Improved horsepower and torque have also added to the towing capacity of 2017 Pathfinder, as claimed by Nissan. The maximum towing capacity is 6,000 pounds when properly equipped. This is an increase of 1,000 pounds when compared to the older model.
The new crossover features NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM which is default in Platinum models and is optional in SV and SL models. The system has collision detection notification, emergency calls and stolen vehicle locator as well as features helping parents in monitoring young drivers.
Bunce said: "Building on Pathfinder's already highly capable adventure credentials, the revised 3.5-liter V6 helps provide real world driving benefits - more responsive acceleration and re-acceleration when entering highways or passing.
"Matching the added power and torque are enhancements to towing capacity and ride and handling due to revised suspension setting and 11 percent quicker steering versus the 2016 Pathfinder.
"Even the tires have new compounds and tread designs, helping provide quicker turn-in and balance, along with reduced understeer."
