Nissan XTRONIC

The new 2017 Pathfinder is the latest Nissan to employ third generation XTRONIC Transmission with D-Step Logic Control.

The latest development in continuously variable transmissions (CVT), D-Step Logic Control is computer software that uses dynamic inputs like vehicle speed, accelerator pedal position and application speed to determine the ideal gear ratio needed to provide smooth, constant acceleration.

For drivers, it feels very much like the automatic transmissions they are familiar with. D-step shift logic can hold a constant gear ratio like a conventional step-gear automatic transmission but adds the flexibility and smoothness of a CVT.

The changes in the CVT of the 2017 Pathfinder are getting favorable attention from the automotive media:

"...Nissan's many programming changes to the CVT are so substantial and so mimic a regular gearbox that if you did not know a CVT from a sock drawer, you would never question how the power from the engine is transferred.."- Autotrader

Nissan has done exhaustive CVT development, and it shows to excellent advantage in the new Pathfinder."

- Kelley Blue Book

D-Step Logic Control is found in other Nissan CVT equipped models such as 2016 Altima, 2016 Murano and the sporty 2017 Maxima. RPMs build as speed increases providing enhanced drivability with a direct, crisp shift feel - there's no "hunting" or shift shock. For the 2017 Pathfinder, the advanced XTRONIC transmission design also helps keep engine RPM optimized while towing without the typical "hunting for a gear" feel.

In the 2016 Versa and 2016 Sentra models equipped with third-generation XTRONIC transmission, the gear ratio range from low to high is expanded. In fact, the transmission ratio is 7.3:1, which is a broader ratio than you'll find in an average automatic, and far superior to the 6.0:1 you'd find in a similar model vehicle. The CVT is more streamlined, too, as it's 13% lighter and 10% smaller. The goal is to ensure the fuel efficiency improves at least 10%.