The short answer: it has a six-cylinder engine.
In more detail, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers roughly 260 horsepower and is paired with an automatic transmission. There is no four-cylinder option for this model year in the United States. The engine is typically available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the trim level, and most versions use Nissan’s CVT-style automatic transmission.
Engine and power in the 2017 Pathfinder
The Pathfinder’s standard setup for 2017 is a 3.5-liter V6. This configuration is central to the model line and differentiates it from four-cylinder SUVs in its class. While some rivals offer smaller engines, the Pathfinder’s nine- or CVT-based automatic transmission and V6 powertrain are designed to emphasize payload capacity and highway efficiency rather than performance from a four-cylinder base.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6 (VQ-series) producing around 260 horsepower
- Transmission: automatic transmission, commonly associated with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT in this model year
- Drivetrain: available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Vehicle-specific note: no four-cylinder engine option was offered for the 2017 Pathfinder in the US market
Concluding this section, the 2017 Pathfinder is clearly a six-cylinder SUV, designed to balance passenger capacity and towing capability with everyday practicality.
How to confirm the engine in your specific vehicle
If you want to verify the engine type on a particular 2017 Pathfinder you own or are considering, use these checks:
- Check the monochrome window sticker (Monroney) or the owner’s manual where the engine specification is listed.
- Look under the hood for the engine badge that identifies the 3.5L V6 in most 2017 Pathfinders.
- Decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using an online decoder or a Nissan service portal to reveal engine type codes associated with that year and trim.
- Examine the engine bay and intake/manifold layout; the V6 configuration is visually distinct from a four-cylinder layout.
These checks will confirm that the vehicle you’re evaluating uses the 3.5-liter V6 rather than a four-cylinder option.
Common questions and clarifications
Some buyers wonder about alternative powertrains such as hybrids or newer transmissions. For the 2017 Pathfinder in the US market, the standard and primary option is the V6 with an automatic transmission. A four-cylinder variant or a hybrid configuration was not offered for the 2017 model year in most markets.
Summary
In sum, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder uses a six-cylinder 3.5-liter V6 engine, not a four-cylinder. It pairs with an automatic transmission and is available in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive depending on the trim. If you’re shopping for a 2017 Pathfinder, you can confidently expect V6 power rather than a four-cylinder setup.