2019 Nissan Pathfinder SV Rock Creek Edition 4WD

Go anywhere, anytime

2019 Nissan Pathfinder SV Rock Creek Edition. Courtesy of Nissan

The Pathfinder has all-terrain capability. The 4-wheel drive system gives you the traction you need whenever you need it. 4-Wheel Lock Mode gets tough when you decide to get rolling.

The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces up to 284 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque, routed through Nissan’s Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The 4WD Pathfinder achieves 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg highway, for a 22-mpg combined rating.

Once you get off paved roads, the terrain can get a little rough and bushy. That’s when features like Traction Control, Intelligent 4X4, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control help get you there anyway. Just in case you need to tow, Pathfinder has up to 6,000 pounds of towing capability.

Before you start your adventure, you need to load your gear. No Problem! You can remotely start Pathfinder through NissanConnect Service, from anywhere your smartphone works. Just tap a button to lock or unlock your phone. Then kick your foot under the rear bumper, which will open the liftgate for easy access.

Inside the Pathfinder SV Rock Creek Edition. Courtesy of Nissan

Pathfinder holds up to 7 passengers. The EZ Flex Seating System with LATCH AND GLIDE technology provides unrivaled versatility and convenience. The seats fold flat for more cargo space, and with a flick of a latch on the side, the right-side 2nd-row seat tilts and glides forward for quick 3rd-row access, even with a child seat in place. With so many possible seating configurations, the start to your adventure is just seconds away.

Up front, 8-way power driver’s seat with manual lumbar support, 4-way manual front passenger seat, and the cool air from the climate control keep the front cabin most comfortable. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob feel good in the hands, and Advanced Drive-Assist Display provides essential data at all time.

In the back seats, tri-zone automatic temperature control with 2nd-row center console control adds to back seat passenger comfort, while complementing great leg, head, and knee room. However, with the air on high in the back, it seemed to diminish some of the cool air in the front part of the cabin.

Diverse and convenient entertainment features are a must. The 8-inch color display with multi-touch control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Travel Link, plus AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers are there to meet your needs. With all that said, bright sun light inside the cabin seemed to diminish the ability to view the touchscreen clearly; something not so apparent in other vehicles.

Pathfinder sits tall on 18-inch machined aluminum alloy wheels. The V-Motion grille flanked by large headlights, and the rugged-looking lower front fascia give Pathfinder a rich and handsome look. Side mirrors with LED turn signals and LED daytime running lights work quite well with the attractive roof rails. This nicely dressed vehicle looks even more appealing with a coat of Caspian Blue Metallic paint.

Rock Creek Edition adds several black parts outside. Courtesy of Nissan

My Nissan Pathfinder test model had an additional package called the Rock Creek Edition. This package, like the icing on an already tasty pound cake, adds an additional $995 to the $36,060 MSRP of a regular SV 4WD.

This Rock Creek Edition Package brings both interior and exterior upgrades. Quite a bit of black is added to the outside. Black molded overfenders and unique dark-finish 18-inch wheels that match perfectly with the black grille and black roof rails. The unique lower front fascia and outside rearview mirrors complement the black front and rear fascia accents and license plate finisher. Plus trailer two hitch and harness and splash guards.

Stiched front seats. Courtesy of Nissan

Inside, high contrast stitching on seats, doors, console lid, and steering wheel add a high styling to an already classy vehicle.

Adding the Nissan Navigation System and you also get a 3-year complimentary trial access to SiriusXM Traffic and NissanConnect Service. All models come with a 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio and a 3-year subscription to SiriusXM Travel Link.

Whether you need a vehicle for the big city, small town, or rural setting, Pathfinder may just be the dependable vehicle you need.

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].