The Rock Creek Edition is a special-edition version of the Nissan Pathfinder that includes new accessories and a few extra features at no additional cost. Introduced at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, it freshens up the somewhat dated fourth-generation Pathfinder, which was launched in 2012 and went through a mid-cycle upgrade for the 2017 model year. Offered on SV and SL grades (no soup for you if you want the base model or the range-topping Platinum trim), it costs only $995. Nissan says it will save you $1,315 compared to a similar vehicle with all those features ordered separately, but is it worth it? Let's find out in the review below.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition
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What Makes the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition Special?

- looks sporty rather than rugged - black exterior trim - almost no chrome - enhanced wheel arch protection - unique 18-inch wheels - Rock Creek badges - two-tone upholstery - red stitching - metallic trim - standard V-6 engine - 6,000-pound towing rating - two optional packages - costs only $995 extra

Although the Rock Creek badge suggests an adventurous, off-road-oriented package, this SUV looks more like a sportier iteration of the proven fourth-generation Pathfinder. That's mostly because the bundle adds a ton of black-painted styling elements. Up front, there's no trace of chrome on the grille (apart from the "Nissan" logo) or in the foglamp sockets.

The SUV becomes a bit more rugged onto the sides thanks to the black molds that Nissan slapped over the wheel arches, but the black mirror caps, door handles, and roof rails contribute to the darkened, somewhat sporty look. The unique 18-inch wheels are also darker than usual, but the rims have lighter inserts toward the edge for a classy look. The profile is rounded off by special badges on the front doors that contain "rock creek" lettering in black and what appears to be a stylized mountain formation.

The rear fascia carries over without major changes, but just like the front end, most of the chrome is gone. Both the trim atop the license plate and the model lettering is now black, leaving only the "Nissan" logo chrome. Nissan says the Rock Creek edition is available in seven exterior colors, but there's no list to browse. However, the presentation model shows a cool, slightly dark and metallic shade of green that looks a lot like the Midnight Pine Metallic option you can get on the Pathfinder SL. Paint options probably differ depending on trim, but expect to find colors like Mocha Almond Pearl, Caspian Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and the mandatory white, grey and black.

The Pathfinder's interior is far from fancy, mostly because it's a bit dated and because Nissan designed it for the affordable segment, but the Rock Creek package adds a cool two-tone upholstery. The seats have a light grey center section and black sides, stitched together with bright red thread for an eye-catching contrast. The same stitching adorns the door panels, the center console lid, and the steering wheel. The metallic trim on the center stack, center console, and the door panels enable a premium-like appearance.

The fact that the Rock Creek Edition is offered on the SV and SL trims also helps, as these versions are well-appointed when it comes to comfort and technology. The SL, for instance, comes with leather door panels, leather steering wheel and shift knob, stainless steel kick plates, heated front and outboard rear seats, and a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat.

Nissan also offers two packages for the Rock Creek Edition. First up is the Rock Creek Edition Technology Package for the SV version. For $980, it adds NissanConnect with Navigation and Services, SiriusXM Traffic, NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM, heated cloth front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated side mirror. Most of these features are standard on the SL trim. If you opt for the higher price SL model, you can add the Rock Creek Edition Premium Package, which includes a Bose 13-speaker premium audio system and the power Panorama Moonroof for $2,110.

So is there anything special under the hood? Nope. The Rock Creek Edition comes with the Pathfinder's standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine. It cranks out 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque and mates to the familiar Xtronic automatic transmission. The good news is that the Rock Creek Edition retains the Pathfinders solid 6,000-pound towing rating, a best-in-class feature.

And this isn't just PR talk; the Pathfinder can tow up to 1,000 pounds more than the Honda Pilot and Subaru Ascent and up to 700 pounds more than the latest Ford Explorer. But "best-in-class" isn't completely accurate though, as the Dodge Durango comes with a 6,200-pound rating, an extra 200 pounds over the Pathfinder.

Still, Nissan's midsize SUV will provide a lot of fun, enabling you to tow two-axle trailers that can carry small boats, flatbeds or campers. The trailer tow hitch comes standard, as do the splash guards.

How much for the Rock Creek Package you ask? Well, it costs only $995, which saves you $1,315 compared to similar features ordered separately according to Nissan. The bundle is offered on SV and SL grades, in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. Specifically, the SV Rock Creek Edition starts from $35,265, while the SL Rock Creek Edition comes in at $38,915. Add the SV Technology Package, and the SL Premium Package and pricing jumps to $36,245 and $41,025, respectively. Before the AWD system (which sets you back another $1,690) and other options, obviously.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder specifications

Engine

VQ35DD

Cam design

DOHC

Orientation

Transverse-mounted

Cylinders / configuration

60-degree V6

Block / head composition

Aluminum/aluminum

Displacement (liters / cc)

3.5L / 3498cc

Horsepower

284 @ 6,400 rpm

Torque (lb-ft)

259 @ 4,800 rpm

Bore & stroke (mm)

96 x 81

Compression ratio (:1)

11.0

Spark plugs

Iridium-tipped

Maximum engine speed

6,600 rpm


Further reading

Read our full review on the 2017 NIssan Pathfinder.