2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Review

In its early days, the Pathfinder was quite the off-roader.

Fans around the world loved the first few generations of this rugged Nissan for its go-anywhere capabilities and SUV sensibilities. But over time, consumer’s tastes changed, and the Pathfinder morphed into more of a family hauler than a trail crawler.

For the 2023 model year, Nissan is attempting to recapture the Pathfinder’s former off-road image, and even some of its capabilities. The key element to this change is an all-new trim level called 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.

There’s a trend in the world of SUVs right now for ruggedized looking models. Even if a vehicle may never really go off-road, consumers want it to look the part. It’s an image thing. Much like those who wear hiking boots to a shopping mall or full athletic gear to the movie theatre.

Similar to the recently introduced ruggedized Hyundai Palisade XRT, Kia Telluride X-Pro, and Honda Pilot Trailsport, the Rock Creek slots in at the middle of the Pathfinder lineup. Price wise, the Rock Creek 4WD comes in at $44,070 including destination charges ($53,918 Canadian). That basically splits the difference between the entry level S 2WD $36,295 ($47,918 Canadian) and fully loaded Platinum 4WD at $51,120 ($58,918 Canadian).

So, what do you get for this price? Depends on where you live. American buyers receive second row captain’s chairs while Canada consumers get a second-row bench. That makes American Rock Creek Pathfinders seven seaters while Canadian versions seat eight. Canadian versions also contain two key pieces of equipment not found in American versions: a heated steering wheel and power liftgate. Omitting a power liftgate on a $44,000 SUV seems like an oversight we hope Nissan USA corrects for the 2024 model year.

To amplify the point of the Rock Creek being a ruggedized Pathfinder, the exterior adorns a unique look. Up front there is a Rock Creek specific grille and exclusive front fascia featuring LED fog lights. The roof is equipped with a black tubular rack that can carry upwards of 220 lbs. (100 kg) of gear.

Although the vehicle can come in a variety of colors, we really like the Baja Storm our tester came in. It adds to the Rock Creek’s appeal. Less appealing though are the size and number of Rock Creek badges. We understand the importance of branding the vehicle. But there are large badges on both sides of the vehicle, as well as one on the rear. Oh, and there’s three more embroidered logos inside. It’s all a bit much.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek wears smaller 18-inch wheels, with a faux-beadlock look. They’re wrapped in 265/60R18 all-terrain tires, which are 10 mm wider than the all-season units found on other 2023 Pathfinders.

There’s a unique off-road tuned suspension on the Rock Creek that raises ground clearance from 7.1 inches to 7.7 inches. Even with this increased height, it’s still a bit low for the segment, as the Subaru Ascent sits at 8.7-inches and the Toyota Highlander at 8.0-inches. What isn’t low for the class though is the Pathfinder’s tow rating. Capable of hauling 6,000 lbs., not many competitors can match the Nissan.

Hauling around that much weight shouldn’t be an issue for the Rock Creek as it comes equipped with an enhanced version of Nissan’s 3.5-liter V6 engine. Courtesy of a few programming tweaks, power is up 11 hp and 11 lb-ft. of torque compared to more pedestrian Pathfinders. That means 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. total, or the same levels as found in the Infiniti QX60.

While on the topic of the QX60, last holiday season we spent two weeks piloting Infiniti’s three-row mid-size SUV. We weren’t the biggest fan of the drivetrain, most notably the nine-speed automatic transmission. With the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek though, we have no such issues. Maybe it’s the tuning differences between Nissan and Infiniti, or a 2022 versus the 2023 model year, or the Rock Creek package itself. Regardless of what it is, we found the engine and transmission work in much better harmony in this tester.

Shifts are smooth and the drivetrain never gets caught out between gears in normal driving. Power from the upgraded engine is more than adequate but lacks the overall thrust of vehicles like the Hyundai Palisade or the initial torque of the Subaru Ascent.

The Rock Creek achieves the same 20 mpg in the city as other Pathfinders, although Canadian figures do dip a bit from 11.6 vs 11.9 L/100 km. Highway commuters should be prepared to pay though. Consumption suffers in both countries, with an official rating of 23 mpg (10.0 L/100 km) compared to 25 mpg (9.2 L/100 km) for other all-wheel drive Pathfinders.

Everything about the Pathfinder’s ride and handling are perfectly acceptable. There’s nothing that stands out overtly negative, nor exceptionally positive. It goes about its business as expected. The high sidewall tires add more ride comfort, but the off-road tuned suspension negates any gains made here. The Rock Creek is not the most comfortable ride in the class, but not the worst either.

The all-terrain tires that come standard with the Rock Creek are removed on our tester, replaced by a set of seasonally appropriate winter tires. So, we’re not able to comment on the sound and/or vibration the All-Terrains may or may not make. One thing we can be certain of, is that the Pathfinder remains an incredibly easy vehicle to drive. Drivers who want a simple, fatigue-free experience behind the wheel will appreciate the Nissan’s predictable responses.

But that’s true for most entries in this class. They have all been designed to haul around families and gear with as little fuss as possible. To stand-out in the segment, it’s the little details that matter. Details like Nissan’s one button forward sliding middle row. Although many have tried to duplicate this feature, we still think the Pathfinder’s is one of the best. Having a forward facing or rear facing child seat installed is no problem since the entire seat structure lifts-up and tilts forward. There is a large passthrough that opens to allow occupants into the third row.

Space in the rear-most row is tight, with only 37.8 inches (961 mm) of headroom and 28.0 inches (712 mm) of legroom. As is usually the case, it’s a domain primarily for children. Second row space is more generous, with 39.6 inches (1,008 mm) of headroom and 35.5 inches (902 mm) of legroom. An extended road trip with three adults and three children proved to be a pleasant experience, with front row passengers appreciating how fast the heated front seats warm up.

The infotainment system is straight forward to use, featuring a very small learning curve. Is it the best system on the market? Probably not, but it’s easily above average. The center digital screen between the gauges can be configured in several ways, with the digital speedometer home screen offering up just the right amount of information.

The rest of the interior features a good mix of hard buttons for features like volume adjustments, tuning, and climate control. Safety is centered around Nissan’s Pro Pilot Assist system, with all the other usual safety features like forward collision mitigation, lane departure assist, and rear cross traffic alert present as well. We do find the lane departure waring is too aggressive though, as it vibrates the wheel a lot.

Finally, the 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek includes a special version of Nissan’s around view monitor that features an off road mode.

The Rock Creek package is an interesting mix for the Pathfinder. It’s more than just an appearance package yet doesn’t fully restore the vehicle’s off-roading pedigree of yesteryear. It’s a minor enhancement, capable of travelling more chewed up dirt roads than regular Pathfinders.

But more importantly, it’s another option in an already attractive Pathfinder lineup. It cashes in on the growing ruggedization trend, offering consumers a more aggressive looking Pathfinder that’s a bit more capable.

It’s also our new favorite trim within the Pathfinder family.

FAQs

Does the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Pathfinder have a sunroof?

No, the Rock Creek trim does not come with a sunroof or moonroof. 

Is the Pathfinder Good in Snow?

All-wheel drive models of the Pathfinder are quite capable in snow. With various drive modes, the Rock Creek should excel in these conditions with the proper winter tires installed. 

How much are the 2023 Pathfinders?

The 2023 Pathfinder starts at $36,295 ($47,918 Canadian). The Rock Creek comes in at $44,070 including destination charges ($53,918 Canadian).