OREANDA-NEWS. The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has been named one of the "12 Best Family Cars of 2017" by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com. It is the fourth consecutive year that Pathfinder has been included on the website's annual evaluation and selection of vehicles that "best meet the needs of today's families."

Editors credited Pathfinder for "playing a great inside game," writing: One of the most critical factors when considering a family-focused vehicle is its ability to please the people it carries. The Pathfinder scores high marks in that area thanks to a well turned-out and invitingly roomy cabin that's designed to facilitate quick, convenient transitions. Arguably the most notable feature on that front is Nissan's benchmark EZ Flex and Glide System. Standard on every model, it allows a child seat latched to either the Pathfinder's second-row split-bench or captain's chairs to remain in place when they're slid forward, greatly assisting access to the third-row bench.

KBB.com recommends that family car buyers take their children's car seats and boosters along when shopping to see how they fit and their ease of use with prospective vehicles.

"In a 3-row SUV like Pathfinder, access to the last row is critical in everyday use, both getting in and out of and negotiating around a child seat in the 2nd row," said Dan Mohnke, vice president, Nissan Chief Marketing Manager & Marketing Operations. "Our innovative 2nd row seat system, which tilts forward with a child seat still in place1, gives Pathfinder a big advantage over other 3-row designs, even before shoppers get behind the wheel for a test drive."

The "12 Best Family Cars of 2017" evaluation team also noted Pathfinder's recent major redesign that includes a revised 3.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) V6, producing 284 horsepower while maintaining 26 mpg highway fuel economy and class-leading3 6,000-pound maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped).

About the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Pathfinder, one of Nissan's best known and most popular nameplates in its nearly 60-year history in the United States, was reborn for the 2017 model year with more adventure capability, a freshened exterior look and enhanced safety and technology – pure Pathfinder taken to an even higher level of performance, technology and style.

The changes for the new model year began from the A-pillars forward – both with revised sheet metal and the re-engineered 3.5-liter V6 under the new hood design. The new Pathfinder engine utilizes more than 56 percent new or new-to-Pathfinder engine parts and components – including combustion chamber design, pistons, intake manifold and e-VTC (fully electronic on intake).

Pathfinder's refreshed exterior for 2017 provides a stronger sense of adventure character and presence by adding Nissan signature design elements, such as the new "V-Motion" grille and boomerang-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights. Another significant addition for 2017 is the available Motion-Activated liftgate with liftgate position memory, which is standard on SL and Platinum grades.

Pathfinder's stylish, adventure-ready interior includes comfortable seating for seven, enhanced user friendliness and updated connectivity features. As in previous years, every 2017 Pathfinder interior is anchored by Nissan's innovative EZ Flex Seating System™ with LATCH AND GLIDE™, a 2nd row tilt and glide seat that allows easy 3rd row access with a child safety seat still installed.

For 2017, Pathfinder adopts new-generation information technology. The standard 8.0-inch touch-screen monitor, mounted in the middle of the instrument panel, provides intuitive interaction and control of a variety of driver-selectable vehicle systems and settings – including the available NissanConnectSM Navigation.  Also available is NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM®4, which features automatic collision notification, emergency call and stolen vehicle locator, customizable alerts, dealer service scheduling and maintenance alerts.

The 2017 Pathfinder's wide range of available convenience features and driving aids also includes standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control, RearView Monitor, and available 13-speaker Bose® Premium Audio system, Family Entertainment Package with dual headrest 8.0-inch DVD monitors, Nissan Intelligent Key® with programmable settings, Remote Engine Start, Dual Panorama Moonroof and Easy-Fill Tire Alert.

Advanced Driver Assistance technology includes new Forward Emergency Braking (FEB)6 and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC). For 2017, Moving Object Detection has been added to the available Around View® Monitor (AVM)8. Also offered are Blind Spot Warning (BSW)9 and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

About Nissan North America 
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. 

About Nissan Motor Co. 
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. 

About Kelley Blue Book 
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. 

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