2023 Nissan Pathfinder Review: Finding its Footing

Nissan’s Pathfinder branched into its new generation for the 2022 model year. This generational shift brought a new platform and fresh styling, but it also gave the Pathfinder a traditional automatic transmission. Expanding the Pathfinder’s footprint, Nissan is rolling the Rock Creek edition back out to the new Pathfinder. This trim level adds more off-road appointments like beadlock-style wheels, more aggressive all-terrain tires and a slight lift. The Rock Creek models also add tubular roof racks to help hold your camping accessories. While this does help make the Pathfinder more adventure-ready, this crossover sports the same bones as every other model. That means powering this Pathfinder is the same 3.5-liter V6 that you’ll find in other models, though this edition does see a boost in output to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft while burning premium fuel. This power travels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s executive editor Tom Murphy hops behind the wheel of the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek edition and puts it through its paces. Murphy gives you a guided tour of the Pathfinder Rock Creek that highlights its features. Murphy also takes you along for a live drive review. Adding to the show, Murphy chats with host Wesley Wren about the Pathfinder’s sales performance, its competition and more. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes this Pathfinder special.