Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photography by Adrenaline Lifestyles
The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition has proven to be a quality vehicle out of the Nissan fleet. The Nissan Pathfinder is in the range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1985. The Pathfinder was Nissan’s response to the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco II, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan 4Runner, Honda Passport and the Isuzu MU. At the 2023 Auto Shanghai show, Nissan unveiled a model that was visually different from the North American version, which previews an upcoming production model.
Upon first look, you notice the rugged styling of the Pathfinder with the off-road tuned suspension with 5/8-inch lift, 18-inch beadlock-style wheels mounted with all-terrain tires, LED fog lights, Tubular roof rack, exclusive front fascia with dark V-motion grille and mesh insert, with the Rock Creek badging. The Pathfinder arrived in a two-tone red and black hue that added appeal of the SUV.
The interior of the Pathfinder is even more impressive. There is exclusive leatherette and fabric seats with Rock Creek embroidery that has orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel, center console and door panels. Including the second-row captain’s chairs, the Pathfinder allows for seven passenger seating. I enjoy having the second-row captain’s chairs because they allow for more room as I have two baby seats in the vehicle with me. This is also a benefit in getting the bigger kids to the third-row seating, once in the vehicle. The third-row seat is perfectly suitable for children. Adults can fit but it would not be comfortable over an extended amount of time. Having a young child, it was important to me that the Pathfinder has two complete sets of LATCH child-seat connectors in its second row. The lower anchors were pretty easy to access.
The infotainment system in the 2023 Pathfinder has great features such as the Standard Intelligent Around View® Monitor with Off-Road Mode, Standard NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi Hot Spot and SiriusXM. The dashboard’s layout includes the 8” color touch-screen display as well as the 7”advanced drive-assist display.
The Pathfinder provides a comfortable and quiet ride. Our tested Pathfinder comes with a 3.5-liter V6, delivering 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission is a bit sluggish, after the initial press on the pedal, but once you get going it will hang with the best of them. The tested Pathfinder returns EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. This is pretty decent for a V6-powered midsize SUV. The tested all-wheel version rides comfortably over most surfaces and has a quiet cabin. When properly equipped it can tow 5,000 pounds. This model also comes as AWD with Multi Terrain select.
Nissan makes safety a priority with the Nissan’s advanced ProPILOT Assist system which utilizes a forward-facing camera, forward-facing radar, sensors and more. The Altima also has the Safety Shield 360 that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and High Beam Assist. There is also Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Driver Alertness, Traffic Sign Recognition and Intelligent Around View Monitor.
The Nissan Pathfinder competes with the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Santa Fe and Volkswagen Atlas. The Nissan Pathfinder is one of the best-selling midsize SUVs. Nissan offers a limited warranty covering 3 years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty covering 5 years or 60,000 miles and complimentary maintenance that is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles. Our model tested comes in at $45,250.00.
The entire family had a great time riding around town in the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition. The Pathfinder is spacious, stylish and comfortable. Definitely a winner in my book. Please enjoy the photo gallery.
