2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek ups off-road credentials

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek has been unveiled in the US as a more rugged, adventure-focused variant of the SUV.

A year after Nissan first showed off its new-generation Pathfinder, the company has launched this Rock Creek variant, designed to add to the vehicle’s off-road capability.

Headlining the changes are a set of 18-inch beadlock-look alloy wheels fitted with 265/60R18 Toyo Open Country A/T tyres, upgraded suspension, and a 16mm lift.

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A tubular roof rack with 100kg capacity, unique styling changes, and Rock Creek badges completes the look.

Inside, a synthetic leather and fabric interior with Rock Creek embroidery and orange contrast stitching is standard, while a 360-degree camera helps the driver in more challenging environments.

Also standard are second-row captain’s chairs, a towing package, and LED fog lights.

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While it’s not the first Rock Creek edition, the original version was more of a styling exercise, with 18-inch alloys, all-season road tyres, and black plastic trims fitted to give it a rugged look.

Along with upgraded tyres and suspension, the 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek will get a performance bump, with power increased from 212kW to 220kW thanks to premium fuel and a revised tune, while torque from the 3.5-litre petrol V6 has gone up by 15Nm to 366Nm.

Drive is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, with terrain selector and Off-Road Mode.

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Nissan Australia hasn't confirmed any plans for the Rock Creek, but it’s likely the variant has been created solely for North American markets to help the model compete with the likes of the Ford Bronco Sport (not the proper off-roading version) and the Subaru Forester Wilderness.

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder will be announced later in 2022, closer to the SUV’s local launch.

Nissan's 2022 Australian line-up is coming together