We had an OG Pathfinder back in the day–well, not an original but a third-gen from 20 years ago.
It was a long-term loaner from Nissan, and we treated it with all of the compassion that you’d give a garden shovel. It towed our cars, carried our parts. It never complained. Not sure it ever got washed, either. Never could get the smell of gear oil out of the interior.
It was a good size, too. Not nearly as big as a full-size truck, yet roomy enough for our stuff. We all covered lots of highway miles in that one.
Our Pathfinder went away after a few seasons, but the model is still on Nissan’s menu, even though it’s no longer a body-on-frame SUV. Either way, the Pathfinder is still a good size: roomy yet easy to park.
One recently came to visit for a few–an updated-for-2026 Pathfinder Rock Creek. New for this year: redesigned front and rear facias.
The Rock Creek’s knobbies seemed to squirm a bit, but guess that’s the price to pay for off-roadability as promised by its mission statement: Rugged looks, rugged capability.
The Rock Creek is more than big tires and some trim, though. The 3.5-liter V6 in the Pathfinder S, SV, SL and Platinum makes 284 horsepower along with 259 lb.-ft. of torque. In the Rock Creek, those figures go up to 295 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. It’ll also tow 6000 pounds.
The Pathfinder was quiet and composed on the road. Didn’t get tiring, even after more than an hour on the highway. Clear sightlines, comfy seats.
My biggest regret, though: I didn’t spend more time in the back seat. It’s comfortable, it has all the controls, and the pillars don’t block the view. You get giant bottle holders plus a fancy center console. The HVAC vents are right up by your face, not down on your kneecaps. I know, sounds like a low bar to clear, but you’d be surprised how often it’s a challenge.
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