First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

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Oct 26, 2022
Image courtesy of capturingthemachine.com

Shortly after seeing it for the first time at the State Fair of Texas, we got some time behind the wheel of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition at the Texas Auto Writer’s Annual Texas Truck Rodeo.

NEED TO KNOW

  • Writer drove at the Texas Truck Rodeo and gave a clear positive assessment.
  • Starting price of $42,820 is competitive for what it offers in the segment.
  • Intelligent 4×4 system with seven drive modes including Sand and Snow.
  • 284hp V6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
  • Seats up to eight passengers across three rows.

This event had many different on- and off-road rigs on hand for us to check out, with this being one of the newest offerings at the event. Even with vehicles like the Ram 1500 TRX and the Jeep Wrangler, this Pathfinder Rock Creek was always out on the trail being driven by a new journalist.

Nissan has made the necessary changes to the current Pathfinder Platform to fit in with the modern rugged aesthetic of crossovers and SUVs right now, making this one of the most appealing in the lineup. We already tested the top-trim Platinum and were wowed by its value versus others in the class, but this $42,000 off-roader will appeal to many buyers looking for something a little more rugged.

Boasting an improved front approach angle, increased ride height, and more power, this Rock Creek checks a lot of boxes. All of that is sweetened by the tubular roof rack and Beadlock-style wheels wrapped in some 265/60R18 All-Terrain tires. This definitely looks the part. And while, yes, it is no longer a body-on-frame competitor to the Toyota 4Runner (also driven at this event), this new Rock Creek Pathfinder will make many modern American families happy and get them ready to plan their next epic adventure.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition Features:

  • 3.5L Direct-Injection V6 Engine
  • Intelligent 4×4 with Seven Drive and Terrain Modes
  • 284 Horsepower (295 on Premium Fuel)
  • 259 lb-ft of Torque (270 on Premium Fuel)
  • 9-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Seating for up to 8
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Heated Front Seats
  • EZ FLEX Second Row Seats with One-Touch Release
  • Tubular Roof Rack
  • Unique Front Facias
  • 5/8″ Lifted Ride Height over Other Trims
  • 18-inch Beadlock Style Wheels and Tires
  • Off-Road Intelligent Around View Monitor Camera System
  • 16.6 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind 3rd Row
  • 45.0 Cubic Feet of Storage Behind 2nd Row
  • 80.5 Cubic Feet of Storage with the 2nd Row Folded
  • 8-inch Color Touchscreen Infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Proximity Key with Push Button Start
  • EPA Fuel Economy 20/23/21 (city/hwy/combined)
  • Starting MSRP $42,820
  • Price as tested: $45,395 (est.)

    • First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
    First Dirt in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

    All images courtesy of Capturing the Machine .

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    2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition

    4
    OVERALL SCORE

    PROS

    • Improved front approach angle and lifted ride height over other Pathfinder trims
    • Beadlock-style wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires look the part
    • Tubular roof rack adds rugged off-road appeal
    • Writer was 'wowed by its value' compared to other trims in the class

    CONS

    • No longer a body-on-frame competitor to the Toyota 4Runner
    • Brief drive at the event limits the depth of impressions
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