A new hood, altered front and rear bumper design and revised tail-lamps give the 3-seating row 2017 Pathfinder a new look. But a re-engineered V6 engine (284 horsepower/259 pounds-feet of torque versus the former 260 horsepower/240 pounds-feet of torque) gives the SUV increased towing capacity. When properly attired, Pathfinder’s maximum towing goes to a best-in-class 6000 pounds, a 1000-pound improvement. A one-week test drive found this driver liking the third-generation Xtronic continuous variable transmission as the simulated shifts feel more fluid. Other changes for 2017 include the available motion-activated liftgate with position memory.

Pathfinder’s revised 3.5-liter V6 includes a new Direct Injection Gasoline system. The SUV’s four wheel independent suspension has been retuned to improve body control and ride. Pathfinder is offered in S, SV, SL and Platinum model trims. Standard features include a 60/40- split second row seat with manual slide/recline/fold flat, 50/50-split third-row seating with manual recline/fold flat, an 8.0-inch color touchscreen monitor, push button ignition, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum with four wheel drive collects estimated mpg of 19 city/26 highway and carries an MSRP of $43,560.