2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice

After years of relegating it to a “soft-roader” role, did the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder RockCreek regain its rugged mojo?

JenniferLawrence

Dec 19, 2024 - 22:21

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2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice

Since the mid-1980s, the Nissan Pathfinder has gone through some monumental changes. It started life as a truck-based, two-door off-road utility vehicle, eventually becoming an exaggerated car-based people mover. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek tries to rectify some of its softening with a compromise.

2025 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek
Nissan

Sporting a more off-highway-friendly setup, the Rock Creek is far more capable off-road and still provides great utility. It can still move plenty of people, has a high tow rating for its class, and looks manly. Does this mean that the Pathfinder has redeemed itself?

Reason to love it #1: They made it look macho

Nissan not only made the Rock Creek edition more off-road capable, but that made it look that way, too. That tends to be the case with all of these soft-roaders/crossovers becoming more popular when they are given an off-road-looking swagger. See that new nose? That’s only on the Rock Creek - and it looks kind of beefy.

Nissan gave the Pathfinder Rock Creek Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires on black 18" beadlock-style aluminum-alloy wheels. It comes standard with the off-road suspension package which gives a squishy ride while providing a 0.63-inch lift at the same time. Also, a real, usable tubular roof rack, lots of cladding, and chest-pounding colors like Baja Storm Metallic and Gun Metallic, among others.

Reason to love it #2: All hail the return of the automatic transmission

I truly believe that adopting continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), not only in the Pathfinder but in 85 percent of their vehicles, hurt the brand. Fortunately, Nissan is slowly backing away from those transmissions and adopting old-school, torque-converter-based transmissions. This baby has a 9-speed automatic transmission built by ZF, and it truly helps performance both on and off-road.

Reason to love it #3: It’s capable of light off-roading - seriously

All Pathfinders have a beefy 295 horsepower V6 that makes 270 lb-ft of torque, and paired with the aforementioned 9-speed, it makes for a spirited drive. Sure, it takes a second for the engine to respond to inputs, but it sure flexes when it wakes up.

Off-road, that power is sent to all four wheels via an active, seven-setting traction control system dubbed “terrain mode.”

The system applies power to the rear wheels when needed. In challenging terrain situations, it brakes the spinning wheel and pushes power to the wheel with traction. In my experience, the system, with its nice low-end torque, worked quite well.

It will do the trick on difficult paths, challenging roads, and the occasional emergency situation. Just add power, and it usually figures it out. Did I mention that the Rock Creek has been beefed up to tow more than your average Pathfinder? Yup, it can tow as much as 6,000 lbs.

Reason to love it #4: It’s a good value

Base prices for the Nissan Pathfinder are just under $37,000, and the AWD Rock Creek edition is about $46,000. For the dough, you get some nice upgrades—I already mentioned the upgraded suspension, tires, wheels, and towing capability—but there’s more.

You also get a bunch of badges, unique exterior trim, and special interior upgrades, such as unique seating surfaces and design. In this class, Nissan tends to undercut the competition, and the Pathfinder is a proven quantity. I’ve driven several new Pathfinders, and I know they are well-built.

MPG is meh. The EPA rated the Pathfinder at 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. Those numbers are near the bottom of the pack, and Nissan does not offer a hybrid, diesel, or EV version of the Pathfinder.

Reason to think twice #1: Don’t be fooled by its brutish good looks

You’re not getting a truck. This is still a unibody or car-like platform. This means that trying anything hardcore could lead to more damage than what you might encounter with a truck-based SUV. Articulation is not grand, and there is no low gearing, much less a proper transfer case. It is a comfy family hauler, not a Rubicon crusher.

Reason to think twice #2: Some competitors are far more athletic

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Honda Pilot Trail Sport, and even the new 2025 GMC Traverse AT4 feel more confident off-road. I would say the Pathfinder Rock Creek is on par with the Kia Sorento X-Pro, but the Nissan has a better transmission,

I am a firm believer that a majority of people who buy seriously capable off-road vehicles seldom venture off-pavement. Of those who might, it’s often on a trail or somewhat challenging terrain that a serious 4x4 might laugh at. Having a vehicle that’s a great daily driver, mixed in with excellent utility and a bit of off-road capability, often makes more sense.

Nissan did a great job making the Pathfinder Rock Creek perform well in so many ways. It’s a daily driving family hauler that has a bit of swagger. There’s a lot to like. Folks who camp or occasionally tow should be happy, too, and if not, they can step up to the truly beefy Armada.