The newest model of the Nissan Pathfinder, set to be release in 2022, has a number of impressive new features. These include a complete design overhaul, more comfortable and modern cabin interior ,and the ability to seat up to eight passengers . The 3.5-liter V6 engine from previous models is making a return but will now be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission . A key change for Canada is that all wheel drive will now come standard on all models.
The maximum towing capacity is still 2,722 kg or 6,000 lbs. However, the real news for 2023 is the addition of the Rock Creek Edition. This new edition will have a raised suspension, exclusive 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, tubular roof rack , trailer hitch , LED fog lights , a 360 – degree camera system with off – road mode , orange interior stitching and second – row captain’s chairs for seven-passenger seating .
In two sentences, here is my summary of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek:
Rock Creek is a new version for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder. The suspension is raised and the power increased.
In recent years, we’ve seen more and more car companies releasing off-road editions of their vehicles. For example, Kia has the X-Line, Subaru has the Wilderness, Ford has the Timberline, GMC has the AT4, and Honda has the TrailSport. However, Nissan was one of the first companies to start this trend with their Pathfinder Rock Creek launched in 2017. They’re reiterating their proposal with an even better stocked edition for 2023 that will be able to handle any difficulty it comes across while off-roading.
The first change we see is to the suspension on the 2023 Rock Creek. It’s been redeveloped so that it fits in better with what Pathfinder models typically offer. This might not seem like much, but the additional 16 mm of clearance gives it a real advantage over other models. Additionally, we see changes to how the Rock Creek version handles calibration and 18-inch wheels as part of an effort to improve ride quality overall.
Under The Hood
The other significant change is to the engine, where it receives some programming improvements. This boosts the available horsepower to 295 and torque to 270 lb-ft, which respectively increased by 11 horsepower and 11 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive remain unchanged compared to a regular Pathfinder. In other words, the 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek has more available power (295 hp vs 284)
and force (270 lb ft vs 259) than standard grades when using premium fuel due to revised fuel mapping
Exterior and Interior Styling of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
Most importantly, Pathfinder’s Rock Creek Edition features some retouched exterior styling to make it more attractive potential buyers. changes include a black grille with mesh, reinforced bumpers with skid plate, and oversized wheel arches.
To make it more practical, the manufacturer installed a tubular roof support that can hold up to 100 kg (220 lb). This is an enticing feature for consumers who enjoy camping and tents. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this version comes with orange stitching and Rock Creek badges.
2023 Nissan Pathfinder: Handling
The engine provides a good amount of power and torque delivery. The automatic transmission works silently and smoothly, with good staggering. This type of transmission is designed for rolling at constant speeds where the V6 rotates at low RPM regimes, resulting in low consumption and emission of greenhouse effect gases.
Although the ride quality is good, we shouldn’t forget that it’s not 4×4. The driver has a terrain type selector with seven different programs for power management in the drive axles, ranging from normal and comfortable mode to ones rougher terrain or designed for when the vehicle is towing something.