日产近日发布了2017款Pathfinder，由于新车属于中期改款车，因此变化不大，但日产对该车多个关键部件进行升级，使这款七座SUV更适合日常使用。首先改进的是动力系统，新车搭载的3.5升V6自然进气引擎增加了直喷功能，功率增加24马力至284马力，扭矩增加19磅-英尺（约合25牛米）至259磅-英尺（约合351牛米）。该车标配前轮驱动，全轮驱动为选装件。与引擎搭配的是日产的Xtronic CVT变速器。新车（前驱版本）城市/高速路/综合油耗为20/27/22英里/加仑（百公里油耗约合11.76/8.71/10.69升）。新车内部机械结构也获得升级，前后减震器硬度分别增加11%和7%，前悬支柱增加了反跳簧，后反跳簧硬度增加25%。电子助力转向系统也进行了改进，反应速度提升了11%。所有这些改进使得新车更易于操控。在外观上，新车前后脸都进行了升级——现行版柔和的线条变得更锐利一些，整体来看新车外观升级幅度有限。车厢内装设计和功能性变化不大，最新一代NissanConnect新娱乐系统集成8英寸触控显示屏，高端版本还提供导航功能。车厢内继续提供日产的EZ Flex座椅系统，第二排座椅可以倾斜和向前滑动，这样，更便于第三排乘客进出。另外，新车还提供了脚踢开启尾门。新车将于今年晚些时候发布，届时日产将公布其价格，预计新车仍将一如既往的提供S, SV, SL和Platinum版本，每款车都可选装全轮驱动系统。
2017 Nissan Pathfinder debuts with more power, more style
Despite a rugged history, the Nissan Pathfinder has found relative success in its fourth generation with a decidedly more mainstream approach. It’s less of the rugged SUV it once was, more of a stylish family vehicle. That formula doesn’t change much for this 2017 model year mid-cycle update, but Nissan has improved a number of key components that work to make its seven-passenger CUV a bit better for daily life.
That starts with a revised powertrain; the Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 now adds direct injection. The end result is 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque – increases of 24 hp and 19 lb-ft. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional, and with the Nissan-typical Xtronic continuously variable transmission, fuel economy ratings remain unchanged for the 2017 model at 20 miles per gallon city, 27 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined (with front-wheel drive).
Slight as they may be, a few other mechanical bits have been upgraded. The front and rear shocks are now 11 and 7 percent stiffer, respectively; rebound springs are added to the front struts; rear rebound spring rates are increased by 25 percent. The electric power steering system is also revised, with an 11 percent quicker ratio. All that should work together to make the Pathfinder a bit better to drive.
Visually, the 2017 Pathfinder gets updated front and rear fascias – the soft lines of the current model are made a bit sharper, and overall, the new look is a moderate improvement. Inside, not much has changed in terms of design or functionality, though the standard eight-inch touchscreen gets the latest NissanConnect infotainment software, with navigation available on higher end models.
Nissan keeps its excellent EZ Flex seating system intact, which allows the second row seats to tilt and slide forward for what is, arguably, the best setup in the business for third-row ingress and egress. Plus, there’s now a motion-activated liftgate – like many other crossovers – that allows owners to operate the rear hatch simply by kicking their foot under the bumper.
Pricing will be released closer to the CUV’s on-sale date later this year. As before, S, SV, SL, and Platinum models will be available, with all-wheel drive optional on each.