Rock Creek challenges Arizona's
Butcher Jones State Park trails

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(December 15, 2023) After being wowed by the completely redesigned Nissan Pathfinder when introduced for the 2022 model year, the Japanese automaker introduced a rugged off-road edition "Rock Creek" for 2023, and just this week we were able to test the 2024 edition that brings real differences to the game, not just with a rugged appearance.

But before we drill down on the details of the "Rock Creek" it's worth noting that there were no changes for either the 2023 or the 2024 Pathfinder and other than adding the "Rock Creek" trim it is a complete carry over vehicle from 2022.

While all Pathfinder trim levels are powered by a 284-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 and a new nine-speed automatic transmission, Nissan upped the Rock Creek trim level to 295 horsepower. I just spent a week driving the all-wheel-drive Rock Creek with an as tested MSRP of $45,700.

Standard features include an off-road tuned suspension, an off-road camera set up with additional angles, LED fog lights, a roof rack, knobby Toyo off-road tires, enhanced transmission cooling, a class II tow hitch receiver, water-repellant synthetic leather upholstery, second-row captain's chairs and a good-looking and unique exterior and interior styling cues with orange seat stitching, embossed "Rock Creek" on the upper front seats and orange centric exterior badging.

Other exclusive Rock Creek visuals include great-looking 18-inch beadlock-style wheels and, a thick tubular roof rack with rooftop tent strength support.

We spent an afternoon with our Rock Creek challenging the credibility of its moniker at the rugged off-road suspension crashing Butcher Jones State Park in rural Arizona. Most all worthy functions operate via a console mounted twist knob that activates the seven drive modes each identified with attractive illustrations. We started our adventure in Sand mode with deep sand river beds that significantly tackled the challenge with biting grip and automatically activated the off-road camera system.

There's also Eco, Snow, Mud/Rut and Tow that also received action on the selectable drive mode knob. Standard and Sport modes are the modes of choice for daily commutes and paved surfaces that also add a bit more acceleration punch. Each individual mode engages a specific throttle response, stability control, steering weight, and 4WD torque dynamic.

Rock Creek is also equipped with hill descent control, a feature that is designed to assist in keeping the vehicle at a constant speed especially downhill where the driver needs to do is steer around obstacles, dangerous ruts and boulders. It takes an act of faith if you are not used to it regularly and can provoke a bit of anxiety even though it will do a far better job than you the driver.

Our hour-long highway trip out to Butcher Jones afforded the opportunity to engage and test Nissan's ProPILOT adaptive cruise control and self steering assist system. While it isn't a full self-drive system allowing you to keep your hands off the steering wheel for a short time before a strong warning with a glowing red steering wheel lights up the instrument panel if you keep your hands off too long. I like how the system keeps you centered in the lane rather than ping-ponging between the white lanes like a drunken tree toad as some automakers systems work. A nice and relaxing feature overall on highway drives.

On the road we found power from the V-6 completely adequate and quicker that either the Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander. The on pavement ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet. We think Nissan could spend some time with building more confidence in the handling that seemed to dive into sharper curves and when cornering and steering felt off-center and a bit loose. We had no issues with acceleration, passing and brakes were sure and predictable.

Other features in the cabin are the cargo area that comes with cargo tie-downs and an easy-to-clean underfloor storage cubbies which are nice to have for wet gear, ski boots and the like, packages, cameras and other gear you don't want to leave out in plain sight. There's a proximity key, push-button remote start setup, two 12-volt power outlets, and for entertainment Android Auto Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth for apps like Spotify and Apple Music.

Overall, Rock Creek Edition slots just below the range topping Platinum and some $5,000 less expensive, yet just $1,500 above the mid-grade SL trim. If you're not into off-roading then we think the SL is the best bang for the buck but our choice would be the Rock Creek.

We remain impressed with the Pathfinder and think the Rock Creek is a welcome addition to the lineup. It's well designed, has excellent towing capacity that's better than most of its rivals, delivers a quiet, comfortable ride and will serve the needs of a family, the dog and its cargo admirably. But if you're into more hard-core off-road capability there's better choices such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee that can easily tackle terrain the Rock Creek has no business even trying.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $44,965
Price as Tested: $45,700
Engine/Transmission: 295-horsepower 3.5-Liter V-6 paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and Four-Wheel-Drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 23/20/21 MPG City/Highway/Combined
Seats: Seven passengers
Where Built: Smyrna, Tennessee

Competes With:
Ford Explorer Timberline
Ford Bronco
Honda Passport
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Subaru Outback Wilderness
Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Highest possible overall 5 star from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and highest possible Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Likes:
Comfortable family hauler
Decent off-road ability
Rock Creek Edition - affordable, highly satisfying

Dislikes:
Middling fuel economy
Less desirable road manners
Dated infotainment system