The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder offers good space for seven in a composed, quiet environment and it manages a some decent capability for off-road duty and towing. The Nissan Pathfinder mid-size people mover gets a modest refresh for 2017 after its 2014 redesign. Changes to this seven-passenger crossover SUV include new front and rear fascias that create a more truck-like look, engine improvements, a new infotainment system, and new active safety features.
Pros Clever folding second row Spacious interior Composed, quiet ride Calm cabin Controlled handling
Cons Far from a sports car Drab interior materials Occasional lag in power delivery
The Nissan Pathfinder receives substantial updates for 2017. These include a more powerful engine, greater towing capacity, a slight front and rear redesign, a larger standard touchscreen, additional feature content, and revised steering and suspension for a sharper driving experience.
Pros V6 engine provides strong acceleration and respectable fuel economy User-friendly touchscreen interface comes standard on every trim Easily accessed third-row seat Robust towing capacity.
Cons Below-average cargo capacity and small item storage Less third-row space than some rivals Platinum trim level's ride quality might be too firm for some drivers Automatic emergency braking safety feature available on top trim only.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder ranks 16 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. Despite a significant refresh for the 2017 model year, the Nissan Pathfinder ranks near the bottom of the midsize SUV class. While it can adequately do everything it was designed to do, it fails to impress in most areas.
Pros Strong V6 engine Intuitive infotainment system Good overall cargo space
Cons Rough ride quality Lackluster interior design Dull driving dynamics Unimpressive passenger space
The all-new 2017 Kia Niro is classified as a compact hybrid crossover SUV, though it really functions more like a hatchback. Your view of the road is marginally higher because of the Niro's elevated stance, but Kia doesn't offer the Niro with all-wheel drive, so don't expect to be a snow-busting trailblazer in bad weather. The Niro's core appeal comes from its traditional exterior design (no "hybrid!" shouting here) as well as a new powertrain that is capable of returning up to an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Pros: Impressive fuel economy from the base trim model Six-speed transmission shifts like a conventional car's One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment Batteries are hidden under the rear seat and don't affect cargo space
Cons: All-wheel drive isn't offered despite the crossover styling Smaller cargo space compared to some rival models The Niro's Touring trim sacrifices some fuel efficiency
By calling it a crossover, the Korean brand also wants to get in the minds of the consumer wanting more utility. We all know crossover sales are booming, and part of their likeability is their higher ride height and boxy, useable interior space. But after spending a full day driving the Niro in Texas Hill Country, the question stuck in my head was whether it is really a crossover. The Niro is just 3.3 inches taller and has the same ground clearance as the Hyundai Ioniq, which it shares its platform with. And in terms of passenger volume, the Niro has only a small advantage, encasing 97.1 cubic feet versus the Ioniq’s 96.2 cubic feet. Although its two-box design might help its case for being a crossover, I suspect most will just see it as a lifted hatchback.
You shouldn’t have any nasty surprises, either. Kia was rated as above average in our most recent reliability survey and the Niro also gets a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty – a class-leading feature.
Pros: Low CO2 emissions Spacious interior Long warranty
Cons: More conventional rivals are cheaper Not much fun to drive Firm low speed ride
