Full Description: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder S, a better engine, firmer suspension, new infotainment and available active safety features. It's front-wheel drive with an optional third row that's roomier and easier to reach than others, making it a useful seven-seater. It drives more like a car than a truck, but can still handle moderate offroad work, and can tow 6000 pounds. That's an increase of 1000 pounds, thanks to the new engine and chassis reinforcements in the region where the tow hitch mounts. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is upgraded with direct injection and variable valve timing, increasing horsepower to 284 from 260, and torque to 259 pound-feet from 240, a solid boost for both. It's mated to the existing continuously variable transmission (CVT), that's better than many, thanks to Nissan's D-Step logic. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, with the side-curtain airbags having a rollover sensor and covering all three rows. A rearview camera and rear sonar parking sensors are also standard. Then there's the inventive Easy Fill Tire Alert that honks the horn when you've inflated a tire to the correct amount. Better than being honked at every time you get out of the car, for locking it or not locking it. 2017 Nissan Pathfinder S comes well equipped with tri-zone automatic climate control, eight-inch touchscreen, HD radio, satellite radio with SiriusXM Travel Link, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, rearview camera, and 18-inch alloy wheels. There's more incongruity in the cabin, where a glossy dashboard meets semi-matte, soft-touch door panel material. The fabrics are unremarkable and the plastics are hard, smooth and textured; maybe durable and easy to clean. The Pathfinder's size allows for a lot of elbow room, while Nissan does a good job balancing the challenging objectives of comfort, access, space and especially storage. There's a cupholder in each front door pocket, and two more in the center console along with two big trays; also many bins, map pockets on the backs of the front seats, no less than three bottle holders in each rear door, and cupholders on each side of the third row. Nissan says that 57 percent of the parts are new in the 3.5-liter V6, totally believable, with direct injection instead of port injection, electronic variable valve timing, new air intake system, and a mirror-bore coating process for the cylinder walls to reduce friction. Compression climbs from 10.3:1 to 11:1. It takes these kinds of changes to increase horsepower by about 10 percent, to 284, and torque nearly the same, to 259 pound-feet. Significant changes for 2017, starting with a new V6, make the Pathfinder worth a fresh look. The CVT is the only transmission, better than most.Air filtration, Front air conditioning: automatic climate control, Front air conditioning zones: dual, Rear air conditioning: automatic climate control / independently controlled, Rear air conditioning zones: single, Airbag deactivation: occupant sensing passenger, Front airbags: dual, Side airbags: front, Side curtain airbags: front / rear / third row, Side-curtain airbag rollover sensor, Antenna type: diversity / element / mast, Auxiliary audio input: Bluetooth / USB / iPod/iPhone / jack, In-Dash CD: MP3 Playback / single disc, Radio: AM/FM / HD radio / touch screen display / voice operated, Radio data system, Satellite radio: SiriusXM, Speed sensitive volume control, Total speakers: 6, ABS: 4-wheel, Braking assist, Electronic brakeforce distribution, Front brake diameter: 12.6, Front brake type: ventilated disc, Front brake width: 1.1, Power brakes, Rear brake diameter: 12.1, Rear brake type: ventilated disc, Rear brake width: .63, Armrests: rear center folding with storage / rear center with cupholders, Floor material: carpet, Interior accents: chrome, Shift knob trim: urethane, Steering wheel trim: urethane, Assist handle: front / rear, Cargo area light, Center console: dual level / front console with armrest and storage, Cruise control, Cupholders: front / rear / third row, Easy entry: manual rear seat, Illuminated power window switches, Multi-function remote: keyless entry, One-touch windows: 1, Overhead console: front, Power outlet(s): 12V cargo area / 12V front, Power steering: variable/speed-proportional, Power windows: lockout button, Push-button start, Reading lights: front / rear, Rearview mirror: manual day/night, Retained accessory power, Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic, Steering wheel mounted controls: audio / cruise control / phone / voice control, Storage: accessory hook / cargo tie-down anchors and hooks / door pockets / front seatback / in floor / sunglasses holder, Vanity mirrors: dual, Liftgate window: fixed, Rear door type: liftgate, Axle ratio: 5.25, Alternator: 150 amps, Battery: maintenance-free, Battery saver, Door handle color: chrome, Front bumper color: body-color, Front spoiler, Grille color: chrome, Mirror color: body-color, Rear bumper color: body-color, Rear spoiler: roofline, Rear spoiler color: body-color, Window trim: black, Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link / sports / stocks / weather, Infotainment: NissanConnect, Infotainment screen size: 8 in., Clock, Digital odometer, Electroluminescent instrumentation, External temperature display, Fuel economy display: MPG / range, Gauge: tachometer, Multi-function display, Trip computer, Trip odometer: 2, Warnings and reminders: lamp failure / low fuel / engine oil / coolant / maintenance due / tire fill alert, Daytime running lights: LED, Headlights: halogen, Taillights: rear center, Side mirror adjustments: manual folding / power, Side mirrors: integrated turn signals, Roof rails, Roof rails color: silver, Body side reinforcements: side impact door beams, Camera system: rearview, Child safety door locks, Child seat anchors: LATCH system, Crumple zones: front / rear, Energy absorbing steering column, Rearview monitor: in dash, Emergency locking retractors: front / rear, Front seatbelts: 3-point, Rear seatbelts: 3-point, Seatbelt force limiters: front, Seatbelt pretensioners: front, Seatbelt warning sensor: front, Third row seatbelts: 3-point, Driver seat manual adjustments: height / lumbar / reclining / 6, Front headrests: adjustable / 2, Front seat type: bucket, Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining / 4, Rear headrests: adjustable / 3, Rear seat: sliding, Rear seat folding: flat, Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining, Rear seat type: 60-40 split bench, Third row headrests: adjustable / 2, Third row seat folding: fold flat into floor / split, Third row seat type: 50-50 split bench, Upholstery: cloth, 2-stage unlocking doors, Anti-theft system: alarm with remote / engine immobilizer, Power door locks: anti-lockout / auto-lockin