2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition Review


Intro
While the Nissan Pathfinder hasn't received any major updates since 2014, it is still a very practical three-row SUV that possesses real off-road capabilities. Nissan is banking on that rugged image and introduced the 2019 Pathfinder with a special Rock Creed edition. Nissan says the name conveys Pathfinder’s “proud rugged heritage” and was chosen to connect to Pathfinder's "family outdoor adventure-minded target customers." To achieve this, the Rock Creed Package provides the Pathfinder with a long list of exterior and interior styling upgrades, plus a trailer hitch.

Thanks to Nissan Canada, I was loaned the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder SL with the Rock Creek Edition package for a week to test drive. Below is my unbiased review.

Exterior
The overall appearance of the Pathfinder remains largely the same, but the Rock Creek Edition gets black fender flares that cover dark-finish 18-inch wheels. There are also black roof rails, black door handles, black badges, black license plate holder, and black mirrors. Further, the Rock Creek Edition gets a special front fascia that features a lower skid plate and black mesh grille.

All these changes do not transform the 2019 Pathfinder into a sexy car, but they give it an unique, purposeful personality. It is handsome and assertive from the front, while the rest of the car gives out a low-key rugged vibe. The Rock Creek edition comes in a choice of four available exterior colors, including the all-new Midnight Pine which is unique to the edition.

Every Rock Creek Edition also features a trailer tow hitch and electrical harness. Its 6000lbs standard towing capacity is the best-in-class, and opens up many more outdoor opportunities.


  














Interior
The Rock Creed Edition comes with unique black and dark grey, two-tone seating surfaces. The backrests get special Rock Creek embroidery, and contrast stitching is seen on seats, door, console lid and steering wheel. It also gets all-season rubber floor mats and premium metallic interior trim.

While the interior design of the Pathfinder is certainly showing its age, it also remains a roomy, comfortable, and practical place. Sure, it is rare to find a car with this many physical buttons nowadays, but they provide great tactile feedback and are easy to operate while driving. The front seats remains very comfortable, and they are both heated and vented.

The second row seats are also heated. The seatbacks can be folded flat to accommodate larger items. Alternatively, the entire seat collapses when pushed forward, allowing bigger openings to the third row. The rear cabin gets its own climate control, and there are now both USB C and USB A ports for charging your smartphones.

The third row is more spacious compare to its competitors, in part, thanks to the rear heavy exterior side profile. I would say that it is still slightly cramped for two adults on longer rides, but should accommodate teens with no problem.













Infotainment
New to the 2019 Pathfinder is the standard Advanced Drive-Assist Display, located in the center of the instrument display between the two dials. It features a range of infotainment and driver assistance displays.

In the center console is a standard 8.0 inch touchscreen display that is bright and easy to read. While the graphic interface is looking dated, but system itself remains user friendly and easy to operate.

The Rock Creek Edition comes with Bose premium 13-speaker audio system that sounds great.





Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum is equipped with the following safety features:
  • Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS)
  • Front seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • Intelligent Emergency Braking
  • Rearview Camera with 360 degree parking view
Above the S Trim (previously SV trim) you also get:
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert
  • Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
It earns 5 star safety rating from NHTSA and TOP Safety Pick from IIHS.


Driving
To be clear, the Nissan Pathfinder, even with its tough-looking Rock Creek Edition exterior is not a hardcore off-road vehicle. Long gone are the days when the Nissan Pathfinder was a proper body-on-frame off-road machine, but with its Intelligent 4x4 (I-4x4) 4WD system as well as 4-wheel independent suspension, the Pathfinder can still handle mud, snow, and light duty off-roading with ease.

The Pathfinder is powered by a 3.5L V6 that produces 284hp of power and 259 lb-ft of torque. It also adopted a CVT transmission which does a decent job of simulating gear shifts for a more natural driving experience. The drivetrain is capable of hauling the vehicle in most driving conditions. The CTV can be noisy when you need that extra power though.

The ride quality is very good even on bumpier roads. There is relatively little wind and road noise coming into the cabin. The steering is quite firm and provides a more predictable feedback compare to the 2018 model.

The 2019 Pathfinder is rated at 10.5L/100km combined for the 4WD model, during our mostly city driving test drive condition, the fuel economy rating is at 12.3L/100km, decent for its size.




Cargo Space & Storage
The cargo capacity remains one of the best in class. There is 458L of cargo capacity behind the third row seats. With the third row folded, this number increases to 1342L. With both the second and third row seats folded, there is a large, 2,251L of cargo space. All the seats can be folded completely flat, and it is very easy to do so. There is also additional storage space under the cargo floor.

Inside the cabin, there is plenty of storage options for smaller items. The center console storage bin has two levels, and both are decently sized. The lower compartment incorporates two USB charging ports and one power socket. The side door pockets provide plenty of options for bottles and smaller items. Both the second and third row seats have access to more than one cup holder.









Verdict
The 2019 Nissan Pathfinder remains a comfortable, roomy, and safe family hauler. The Rock Creek Edition gives the Pathfinder a much needed character boost.

The interior might be slightly outdated and the infotainment system can use an overhaul, but at this price point, the Pathfinder is still a solid contender for its intended "family outdoor adventure-minded target customers".

Test Vehicle
2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition

MSRP
$47,298 including Freight PDE

Color
Midnight Pine

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