DecodedCars2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- FWD 4dr SUV, Platinum AWD 4dr SUV, S/Sv/Sl AWD 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 7
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 198.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,275–4,672 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Seats up to 73 rows of seating.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is a small SUV offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,275 lb (FWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 5% worse than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 188 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Pathfinder — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Pathfinder →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Smyrna, Tennessee
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2017 Pathfinder configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FWD 4dr SUV | 198.4 in | 77.2 in | 70.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,275 lb | 54/46 |
| Platinum AWD 4dr SUV | 198.4 in | 77.2 in | 70.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,672 lb | 54/46 |
| S/Sv/Sl AWD 4dr SUV | 198.4 in | 77.2 in | 70.1 in | 114.2 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,420 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -5% | $2,900 | 395 |
| Pathfinder 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -4% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Pathfinder 4WD Platinum | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | -8% | $3,200 | 415 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.9% |
| 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Pathfinder (this car) | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 22 MPG | ★★★★★ | 14 |
| 2017 Toyota Highlander | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 GMC Yukon | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Nov 8, 2019 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 19V807000 · 391,479 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · Sep 7, 2018 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 18V601000 · 215,124 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Not every 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Nissan Pathfinder buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 83 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 33 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 43,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Pathfinder years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 15 |
| 2025 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 57 |
| 2024 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 86 |
| 2023 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 107 |
| 2022 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 136 |
| 2020 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 48 |
| 2019 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 76 |
| 2018 Pathfinder | 23 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 78 |
| 2016 Pathfinder | 23 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 107 |
| 2015 Pathfinder | 26 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 321 |
| 2014 Pathfinder | 26 | 197.2 in | ★★★★★ | 12 | 531 |
| 2013 Pathfinder | 22 | 197.2 in | Not rated | 11 | 546 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →