2017 Nissan Pathfinder bobs up

The seven-seat Nissan Pathfinder has been upgraded for 2017 with more features, upgraded technology and a new look incorporating Nissan's 'V-motion' frontal design motif and more contemporary headlight styling.

Arriving in showrooms from March, all 2017 models will be powered by an enhanced 3.5-litre petrol V6 that pumps power up from 190kW/325Nm to 202kW/340Nm.

2WD or 4WD configurations continue and the Pathfinder Hybrid model's 2.5-litre supercharged petrol-electric powertrain carries over, outputting 188kW/330Nm and consuming 8.6L/100km.

Prices have remained unchanged for the American-built Pathfinder except for the entry-level ST 2WD, which will costs $500 more at $41,990 plus on-road costs -- for the full price list see below.

Fuel economy in that model dips slightly from 10 to 9.9L/100km, while 4WD models improve further, 10.3 to 10.1L/100km.

All models gain an upgraded, third-generation CVT auto transmission with D-Step logic control (quasi-manual), which Nissan reckons delivers more control and together with the extra engine herbs improved acceleration and response.

Nissan engineers have also worked on the suspension to deliver "quicker steering response" and "improved body control", which is claimed to enhance ride and handling.

Advanced technology only for mid and top grades
Nissan has loaded up the Pathfinder with an array of safety tech and enhanced driver aids, including rear cross traffic alert, which scans the area behind you and is useful for limited vision scenarios, such as reversing out between two parked cars.

There's an intelligent around view monitor, or 360-degree parking camera system that now adds moving object detection. Adaptive cruise control is added too, accelerating and braking automatically to maintain distances between the car in front, and sat-nav with real-time traffic updates.

All these features are added to the mid- and top-spec ST-L ($54K) and Ti ($62K) variants as standard, as is autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

That entry-level models miss out on AEB is a surprise, especially considering the technology comes standard on many compact cars, such as $15,990 Skoda Fabia. That car also gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which the Pathfinder also misses out on.

The entry-level 2017 Patherfinder ST models does get a number of extra standard features now according to Nissan Australia, for instance new 18-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded trip computer, 8.0-inch colour touch-screen infotainment system with voice recognition, mirror-mounted indicator lights and LED daytime running lights at the front. There's also a top-tether anchor point in the third row.

Top-spec Pathie Ti models add twin flat-screens for second-row passengers, complete with wireless headphones, while a motion-activated power tailgate opens if you waggle your foot under the boot. The Ti also gets bigger 20-inch alloy wheels and new auto-levelling LED headlights.

Sales of the Nissan Pathfinder totalled 5560 in 2016, which was down almost 14 per cent on the previous year's 6433. In the large SUV segment, the Pathfinder was outsold by the Toyota Prado, Subaru Outback, Toyota Kluger, Holden Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Ute MU-X, Ford Territory, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in that order.

The last update for the Nissan Pathfinder was almost two years ago, in April 2015.

Nissan Australia CEO Richard Emery will be hoping the new-look Pathfinder will see an uptick in sales, also citing the car's heritage as a big drawcard.

"During the last 30 years, close to 70,000 Pathfinders have been sold in Australia, making it one of Australia’s most popular SUV models," he said.

"And for 2017, we have packed it with more safety, technology and user-friendliness, making it an even more compelling choice for work, play and family adventures.

"This updated Pathfinder boasts enhancements in style, performance and safety, matched with competitive value that closely mirrors 2016 pricing."

2017 Nissan Pathfinder pricing (plus ORCs):
ST 2WD — $41,990
ST 4WD — $45,490
ST Hybrid — $44,490

ST 2WD — $53,690
ST-L 4WD — $57,690
ST-L Hybrid — $60,690

Ti 2WD — $62,190
Ti 4WD — $66,190
Ti Hybrid — $69,190

*Overseas model pictured