2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek: Now With More Ruggedness
Nissan is jumping on the outdoorsy bandwagon with a new off-road-ish version of its 2023 Pathfinder mid-size SUV called the Pathfinder Rock Creek that will make its debut at the 2022 New York International Auto Show. The modifications to the Pathfinder, which the company redesigned for the 2022 model year to be more like its originally conceived truck-y SUV forebears, are in keeping with the recent trend of offering family SUVs with light off-road modifications. Witness the recent introductions of the Ford Explorer Timberline, Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, GMC Acadia AT4, Honda Passport TrailSport, Subaru Forester Wilderness and a half dozen other upgraded crossover-style SUVs meant to boost their trail cred.
Related: More 2022 New York Auto Show Coverage
Looking the Part
The modifications to the already rugged-looking, angular Pathfinder help it appear even more ready for the woods. The front grille has been done in a dark paint with a new mesh insert; LED foglights are added as standard; and a tubular roof rack has been installed up top with a 220-pound load capacity. Rock Creek badging down the sides lets you know which version of Pathfinder this is, while dramatic 18-inch beadlock-style wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires add both style and improved rough-road capability. The Pathfinder Rock Creek also sits a little higher, getting a scant 5/8th-inch lift thanks to its new off-road-tuned suspension and chunkier tires. Out back, a standard tow hitch receiver and wiring harness allow owners to tow up to 6,000 pounds. Six monochrome paint options will be available, as will a pair of two-tone colors.
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This vehicle is currently in high demand given its competitive price, desirable features, and overall condition, and may have a higher chance of selling quickly.
Shop the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder near you
Feeling the Part
The Pathfinder Rock Creek gets upgrades to the interior as well, including unique leatherette-and-cloth seating upholstery and orange stitching and accents on the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel, console and door panels. The second row gets standard captain’s chairs, but that’s the extent of the Rock Creek’s interior differences. One would have expected ruggedized rubber floormats for an off-road vehicle, but that’s a no go. You instead get a standard 360-degree camera system with a special Off-Road mode and NissanConnect multimedia system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Nissan ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system is also standard, as is the automaker’s comprehensive Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of electronic safety features.
One other area receives a bit of an upgrade: The power from the standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine rises from 284 to 295 horsepower, and from 259 to 270 pounds-feet of torque, when you fill the tank with premium fuel; that’s thanks to revised fuel mapping that can take advantage of the higher-octane gasoline. Of course, with gas prices being what they are, sticking with regular unleaded will save a few bucks and do no harm to the engine given the Pathfinder is already decently powerful. The new Rock Creek is slated to go on sale late in the summer alongside the rest of the 2023 Pathfinder lineup.
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