There was a time when the Nissan Pathfinder was an SUV in its own right, and the Pathfinder Rock Creek is a half-hearted attempt to return to the model’s rough terrain roots.
The first to third generation were body-on-frame SUVs; the first generation was little more than a Nissan Pickup with a covered bed. The third generation, introduced in 2004, is a 4Runner fighter, sharing platform with Frontier and Titan. You can even get one V8 at a time! After that, customers stopped caring and so did Nissan, and for a time the Pathfinder became just another blob-shaped seven-seater crossover with a CVT continuously variable transmission. The recently introduced fifth-generation Pathfinder is an attempt to return to that certainty. And the new Pathfinder Rock Creek is a half-hearted attempt at that.
“From urban jungle to natural beauty accessible within minutes of the city, Pathfinder Rock Creek has both the style and hardware to create an adventure anywhere.” That’s how Nissan CEO Michael Colleran describe Rock Creek. Don’t get too excited about any of it. Emphasis on style because that’s what you get with this Rock Creek.
And when I say stylish, I don’t mean it looks good – I mean you are getting everything you need look like you might cross a trail while you pass a Costco parking lot.
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- Off-road tuned suspension with 5/8-inch lift
- 18-inch beadlock-style wheels mounted with all-terrain tires
- Tubular roof rack with up to 220-pound load capacity
- Exclusive front fascia with dark V-motion grille and mesh insert
- Rock Creek badging
- Exclusive leatherette + fabric seats with Rock Creek embroidery
- Orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel, center console and door panels
- Standard Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode
Yep, you read that right. You get a whole ⅝ inch lift and beadlock style wheels. I’m surprised they didn’t add on a snorkel and a gas can on the rear hatch that can’t actually be removed. Surprisingly, Nissan did give the Pathfinder Rock Creek more power. No, you don’t get the 5.6-liter V8 from the Titan (if you’re reading this, Nissan — think about it), but you do get an 11 horsepower increase over the standard Pathfinder’s 284 hp. That extra power is needed as you get a 6,000-pound towing capacity as well.
Color combinations will be limited to four two-tone colors and six monotone colors. No word on pricing, but I’d wouldn’t expect to see this thing for less than $40,000 when it goes on sale this summer.
