On Tuesday, Nissan announced the return of its Rock Creek Grade Nissan Pathfinder to a three-row SUV. Redesigned for 2022, the SUV takes on a more exterior look with more off-road capabilities and the 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek trim.
With the shift from the CVT to a 9-speed automatic transmission last year, the Pathfinder boasts better towing capability at 6,000 pounds and more off-road power through an available all-wheel-drive system that routes half the torque to the rear axle. , The rear wheel with the most grip with a limited slip differential allocation capacity.
The system is standard on Rock Creek models, and Nissan has modified the fuel mapping of Rock Creek’s 3.5-liter V-6 to increase output to 295 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque (from 284 hp and 259 pound-feet). But Boost requires premium fuel.
Launched first in the 2020 Pathfinder, the Rock Creek model adds an off-road suspension with a 5/8-inch lift that increases ground clearance by about 7.7 inches. The 18-inch wheels pretend to be bedlock-capable, but all-terrain tires are real, and a roof rack that can hold a full cylindrical 220 lbs. The exterior features black trim and the interior flashes black synthetic leather upholstery with orange. Contrast stitching. An surround-view camera system comes standard, such as a tow hitch and cable harness, a second-row captain’s chair and LED fog lights.
Nissan is not alone in adding off-road grades to popular models, but Nissan is a bit more advanced in adding real off-road hardware than competitors like Honda Passport TrailSport or Kia Sportage and Telluride X-Pro. Offering Wilderness grades in the Subaru Forrester and Outback, the Jeep has a Trailhawk model and Ford has a Timberline range.
The Rock Creek package adds just $ 995 to the 2020 Pathfinder SV model. Expect prices to rise; It will be announced closer to the sale date in late summer.