Nissan on Tuesday introduced the return of its rugged Rock Creek grade to the Nissan Pathfinder three-row SUV. Redesigned for 2022, the SUV embraces extra off-road functionality and a extra outdoorsy look with the 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek trim.

With its shift final yr from a CVT to a 9-speed automated transmission, the Pathfinder boasted higher towing capability at 6,000 lb and extra off-road functionality by means of an out there all-wheel-drive system that routes half of the torque to the rear axle, with a restricted slip differential allocating energy to the rear wheel with essentially the most grip.

That system comes normal on Rock Creek fashions, and Nissan additionally revised the gasoline mapping of the Rock Creek’s 3.5-liter V-6 to spice up output to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque (from 284 hp and 259 lb-ft). However the increase requires premium gasoline.  

First launched on the 2020 Pathfinder, the Rock Creek mannequin provides an off-road suspension with a 5/8-inch carry that raises the bottom clearance to about 7.7 inches. The 18-inch wheels faux to be beadlock-capable, however the all-terrain tires are actual, and a roof rack that is completely tubular can maintain 220 lb. The outside will get black trim components, and the inside flashes black artificial leather-based upholstery with orange distinction stitching. A surround-view digital camera system comes normal, as does a tow hitch and wiring harness, second-row captain’s chairs, and LED fog lights. 

Nissan shouldn’t be alone in including off-road grades to fashionable fashions, however Nissan has gone a bit additional in including precise off-road {hardware} over rivals such because the Honda Passport TrailSport or Kia Sportage and Telluride X-Professional. Subaru presents a Wilderness grade on the Forester and Outback, Jeep has Trailhawk fashions, and Ford has a Timberline vary. 

The Rock Creek package deal added solely $995 to the 2020 Pathfinder SV mannequin. Count on the worth to extend; it will likely be introduced close to the late summer season on-sale date.