Meet the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition - an SUV that's right at home in the middle of an off-road course slash cow pasture in the middle of nowhere North Texas. Or more specifically the Eagles Canyon Raceway Off-Road Circuit north of Decatur, the scene of this year's Texas Truck Rodeo hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association, of which I am a current board member.
2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek
The Rock Creek Edition is new to the Pathfinder lineup this year. It's based on the model that was redesigned in 2022.
During my brief time behind the wheel at Eagles Canyon, I found it more than capable for my adventures on the off-road course. It looks that part too with unique Rock Creek rugged styling. It also looks terrific in this color combo: two-tone Scarlet Ember Tintcoat and Super Black roof (a $790 premium paint color.) Inside you find a Charcoal Leatherette interior with orange stitching and badging,
The Rock Creek is only offered as four-wheel drive. It adds capability with an off-road tuned suspension, wider all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance and more. Notably - if you use premium fuel you'll get a power boost to 295-hp over 284 on the standard grades. Torque increases, too, from 259 to 270 pound-feet.
Nissan North America's Steve Parrett was on hand at the Rodeo and shows us the Rock Creek Edition highlights:
To recap, Rock Creek Edition features include:
- an off-road-tuned suspension
- 5/8-inch suspension lift
- 18-inch beadlock-style wheels with all-terrain tires
- a tubular roof rack with a 220-pound capacity
- tow hitch receiver and harness with 6,000-pound maximum towing capability
- LED fog lights
- Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode
- orange interior stitching and second-row captain’s chairs
Options
As far as options go you can add things like exterior ground lighting and running boards, splash guards, a black rear bumper protector and clear hood protector. There's even an available Yakima SlimShady Roof-mounted awning. Other add-ons include cargo-related options, a dual-camera drive recorder, an interior LED lighting upgrade, and a virtual key. You can even option a $50 trash can to have handy on your outdoor adventurous.
Safety
Available safety and driver assistance features include:
- Standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360 technology
- Available ProPILOT Assist
Availability
The new Pathfinder Rock Creek is on sale now starting from $42,820.
