How To Find Out 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Trims

Determining the specific trim level of a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is crucial for understanding its features, specifications, and overall value. Whether you're buying a used Pathfinder, assessing its worth for trade-in, or simply want to know more about your vehicle, accurately identifying the trim level is the first step.

Why Identifying Your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Matters

Knowing the trim level of your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder goes beyond mere curiosity. It unlocks a wealth of information that's valuable in several scenarios:

Used Car Buying: When purchasing a used 2017 Pathfinder, the trim level significantly impacts the price. Higher trims come with added features and technology, justifying a higher price point. Knowing the trim ensures you're paying a fair price for the vehicle's equipment.
Maintenance and Repairs: Certain parts and systems can vary depending on the trim level. For example, a Pathfinder SL might have a different suspension system or entertainment system than a base S model. Identifying the trim helps mechanics and parts suppliers ensure they are using the correct components for your vehicle.
Insurance Claims: In the event of an accident, the trim level will influence the assessed value of your vehicle. Providing accurate trim information to your insurance company ensures you receive a fair settlement.
Selling or Trading In: Accurately identifying your Pathfinder's trim level is essential for getting the best possible price when selling or trading it in. Potential buyers and dealerships will use this information to determine its market value.
Understanding Features: Each trim level offers a different set of standard and optional features. Knowing your trim allows you to fully understand and utilize all the capabilities of your Pathfinder. This includes understanding what safety features are included (like blind spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert), what type of infotainment system you have, and other convenience features like a power liftgate or leather seats.

Methods to Determine Your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Level

Here are several reliable methods to identify the trim level of your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder:

1. Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

The VIN is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. You can find it in several places:

Driver's Side Dashboard: Look through the windshield on the driver's side, where the dashboard meets the glass. A small metal plate displays the VIN.
Driver's Side Door Jamb: Open the driver's side door and check the door jamb (the vertical section where the door latches). You'll often find a sticker containing the VIN and other vehicle information.
Vehicle Title and Registration: The VIN is printed on your vehicle's title and registration documents.
Insurance Card: Your insurance card usually includes the VIN.

Once you have the VIN, use an online VIN decoder. Many free VIN decoders are available online. Simply enter the VIN, and the decoder will provide detailed information about your vehicle, including the trim level, engine type, year of manufacture, and other specifications. Be sure to use a reputable VIN decoder website to ensure accuracy.

2. Examine the Exterior Features

The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder trims had distinct exterior features. Here's what to look for:

Wheels: Wheel size and style often differentiate trims. Base models typically have smaller, steel wheels with wheel covers, while higher trims feature alloy wheels of varying designs and sizes (18-inch or 20-inch). Look for specific wheel designs associated with each trim.
Roof Rails: Roof rails are typically standard on higher trims like the SL and Platinum. The presence or absence of roof rails can be a quick indicator.
Chrome Accents: Higher trims often have more chrome accents around the windows, door handles, and grille.
Fog Lights: Fog lights are often standard on higher trims and absent on the base S model.
Power Liftgate: The presence of a power liftgate (automatic opening and closing of the rear liftgate) is a common feature on upper trims.
Badging: While some owners might remove or alter badging, original factory badging can provide clues. Look for badges indicating specific trim levels, though these can be unreliable as they are easily changed.

3. Inspect the Interior Features

The interior offers several clues to determine the trim level:

Seat Material: Base models typically have cloth seats, while higher trims offer leather upholstery. The quality and type of leather can also differ between trims.
Infotainment System: The size and features of the infotainment system vary between trims. Higher trims usually have larger touchscreens, navigation systems, and premium audio systems. Look for features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which might only be available on certain trims.
Climate Control: Manual climate control is often standard on the base S model, while higher trims have automatic climate control with multiple zones.
Sunroof/Moonroof: A sunroof or moonroof is usually an optional feature or standard on higher trims. The size and type of sunroof (e.g., panoramic) can also differentiate trims.
Heated Seats: Heated front seats are a common feature on upper trim levels.
Driver Assistance Features: Check for features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. These are usually included in higher trims.

4. Consult the Original Window Sticker or Sales Brochure

If available, the original window sticker (Monroney sticker) or sales brochure will provide the most accurate information about the vehicle's trim level, options, and original MSRP. These documents list all the standard and optional features specific to that vehicle. You can often find archived brochures online by searching for "2017 Nissan Pathfinder brochure."

5. Check the Owner's Manual

The owner's manual can provide clues about the different features available on various trims. While it won't explicitly state your vehicle's trim level, it can help you identify features specific to certain trims. For example, the manual might describe the operation of a specific safety system that's only available on the SL or Platinum trim.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels: A Quick Overview

Here's a brief overview of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder trim levels and their key features. Keep in mind that this is a general guide, and actual features may vary depending on optional packages and regional variations.

S: The base model, offering essential features like a V6 engine, cloth seats, and basic infotainment.
SV: Adds features like alloy wheels, automatic headlights, and a larger touchscreen display.
SL: Includes leather seats, a power liftgate, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Platinum: The top-of-the-line trim, featuring premium leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose audio system, and advanced safety features.

Real-World Owner Experiences

Many 2017 Nissan Pathfinder owners have shared their experiences online, providing valuable insights into the differences between trim levels. Searching online forums and review sites can provide practical information and help you identify specific features associated with each trim. For example, you might find discussions about the reliability of the CVT transmission on different trims, or comparisons of the infotainment system usability.

One common point of discussion among owners is the value proposition of each trim. Some owners feel that the SV trim offers the best balance of features and affordability, while others prefer the luxury and advanced technology of the Platinum trim. Reading these discussions can help you make an informed decision if you're considering buying a used 2017 Pathfinder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there a visual way to immediately identify the trim level without checking the VIN?

A: While not foolproof, the presence of leather seats, a power liftgate, and specific wheel designs are strong indicators of higher trim levels like SL or Platinum.

Q: Can I rely solely on the badges on the vehicle to determine the trim?

A: No. Badges can be removed or added by previous owners, making them unreliable indicators of the original trim level. Always cross-reference with other methods like the VIN or feature list.

Q: Where can I find a reliable VIN decoder?

A: Reputable sources include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, CARFAX, and AutoCheck. Avoid using websites that seem suspicious or request excessive personal information.

Q: What if the VIN decoder doesn't provide the trim level?

A: Some VIN decoders might not provide the exact trim level. In this case, compare the features listed by the decoder (e.g., engine type, transmission) with the standard features of each 2017 Pathfinder trim to narrow down the possibilities.

Q: Are there any common problems specific to certain trim levels of the 2017 Pathfinder?

A: While not always trim-specific, some owners have reported issues with the CVT transmission across various trims. Researching common problems associated with the 2017 Pathfinder in general can help you identify potential issues, regardless of trim level.

By using these methods, you can confidently identify the trim level of your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder and gain a deeper understanding of its features and value. Remember to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy.