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2023 | 4WD | nissan | critiques | suvs | January 16, 2023
Phrases and Photos by Paul Strauss
The Pathfinder Rock Creek is a brand new version of Nissan’s widespread SUV designed with rugged styling and above-average off-road capabilities. We took a while to get to know this great-looking household automobile on and off the pavement and loved its clean and comfy trip and spacious and versatile inside.
We already thought that Nissan did an awesome job with the design of the current-gen Pathfinder. The Rock Creek is our favourite configuration but. Constructing on the mid-tier Pathfinder SV 4WD trim, the Rock Creek comes with a sturdy tubular roof rack that appears nice sitting atop a shiny black roof. Our check automobile had white bodywork, which offered a daring distinction from the black trim parts. It additionally has normal LED fog lights, a novel blacked-out entrance finish, and Rock Creek badging on the entrance doorways and liftgate.
Like different present Pathfinders, there is a 3.5-liter direct-injected V6 engine below the hood, although the Rock Creek will get a slight horsepower and torque bump to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. in comparison with 284 hp and 259 lb-ft. in different trims. Mated to a 9-speed automated transmission and an clever 4-wheel drive system, it provides ample acceleration and passing energy on-road and the ability you must dig out of deep ruts and sticky mud. Nissan additionally bestows the Rock Creek with an enhanced transmission cooler, which helps hold techniques working reliably on longer off-road rides over difficult terrain.
The Rock Creek rolls on 18″ aluminum alloy wheels with an imitation beadlock design. These rims are wrapped in nubby Toyo Open Nation all-terrain tires with a beefy 30.5″ diameter. These rugged tires supply further traction on tough and muddy trails and have a thick 6+” sidewall; providing added safety from rocks and different off-road hazards. They add just a bit noise on paved roads, however the cabin of the Pathfinder is rather well insulated from sound and vibration.
There are seven obtainable drive modes for diverse terrain and driving situations. We frequently left the Pathfinder in Auto mode, which did a superb job adapting to totally different conditions. The devoted Mud/Rut mode helped us dig out of the sloppy stuff we discovered after heavy rains and purple Oklahoma clay acquired ahold of our tires. There are additionally drive modes for sand, snow, sport, towing, and a fuel-saving eco mode. Talking of gas, you are 20 mpg within the metropolis, 23 mpg on the freeway, and a mixed fuel-economy score of 21 mpg. Contemplating competing automobiles that profit from smaller turbocharged engines, these aren’t stellar numbers, however we recognize the grunt and lag-free energy from Nissan’s V6. The engine additionally has an auto stop-start characteristic to assist somewhat bit with gas economic system, however it is a bit jarring popping out of a cease, so we left it off more often than not.
Like all Pathfinders, this mannequin advantages from an impartial entrance and multi-link rear suspension, offering a cushty and managed trip. The Rock Creek’s suspension has been specifically tuned for off-road using, however not too aggressively, so it nonetheless feels good on the freeway and in city environments. The well-sorted energy steering system and entrance and rear stabilizer bars assist the Pathfinder deal with extra like a automotive or station wagon than a spacious 3-row SUV.
Nissan outfits the Pathfinder Rock Creek with sturdy leatherette seats appointed with orange stitching and Rock Creek emblem embroidery. Nissan provides a number of the most snug and supportive seating within the enterprise, and these reside as much as these excessive requirements. They’re nice on lengthy street journeys and supply good padding and isolation when using on tough trails. We just like the look of the gunmetal trim and sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, which matches the stitched trim on the doorways, sprint, heart console, and armest.
Second-row passengers get pleasure from broad captain’s chairs with fold-down arms and a detachable heart console with cupholders. Legroom and headroom are glorious in these seats, and so they’re practically as snug because the entrance seats. The split-folding third row additionally has good headroom and sufficient area for 3, however legroom is restricted, making it greatest for little children. There isn’t any scarcity of cupholders within the Pathfinder, with a dozen locations for you and your passengers to place their drinks.
Cargo area is superb, offering loads of room for your whole journey gear. Along with the roof rack talked about earlier, you get 16.6 cubic ft of area behind the third row, 45.0 cubic ft behind the second row, and 80.5 cubic ft with each rows folded. There’s additionally a deep storage bin beneath the cargo flooring, which is nice for carrying instruments, emergency gear, or different gadgets you need out of sight. The Pathfinder Rock Creek may also tow as much as 6,000 kilos and comes with an ordinary hitch receiver and wiring harness.
The Nissan Pathfinder was already considered one of our favourite 3-row SUVs, and the Rock Creek version is our favourite Pathfinder, due to its daring seems to be, off-road capabilities, and on a regular basis utility. It might probably’t compete with a Land Rover Defender or Ford Bronco on excessive terrain, however if you happen to reside within the nation, regularly journey on unpaved roads, or benefit from the occasional overlanding journey, the Rock Creek fills the invoice completely, and it will not break the financial institution doing it. The bottom value for the 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek is $42,820. With upgraded 2-tone paint, all-season mats, cargo cowl, and vacation spot fees, the mannequin proven right here will be had for $45,250.
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