Next-Gen 2024 Nissan Pathfinder SUV Review

2024 Nissan Pathfinder: Enthusiasts around the world loved these rugged first generations of Nissan for their go-anywhere capabilities and SUV sensibility. But over time, consumer tastes changed, and the Pathfinder morphed into more of a family carrier than a trail crawler.

For the 2024 model year, Nissan is looking to recapture the Pathfinder’s previous off-road image and even some of its capabilities. A key element of this change is a new trim level called the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is a capable midsize three-row SUV. It sits between the slightly smaller Nissan Murano and the larger Nissan Armada. The Pathfinder competes with popular three-row SUVs such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Volkswagen Atlas. The current-generation Pathfinder was introduced for the 2022 model year. Our editors gave it high marks for improved styling, a comfortable ride, and one of the highest towing capacities in its class.

In 2023, Pathfinder received some minor changes. Off-road-ready Rock Creek trim was introduced and the mid-level SL trim received wireless smartphone charging as standard. Since the Pathfinder was recently redesigned, we don’t expect significant changes for the 2024 model year.

Despite the improvements this new generation of Pathfinder brings, it still sticks with the pack. Other midsize three-row SUVs like the Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Pilot all scored higher in our instrument tests.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Review

Nissan Pathfinder 2024 three-row midsize SUV that is proficient and competent. It falls in between the Nissan Murano, which is slightly smaller, and the larger Nissan Armada. The Pathfinder is in direct competition with other popular three-row SUVs such as the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, and Volkswagen Atlas.

The current generation of the Pathfinder was launched for the 2022 model year, and it has received praise from our editors for its enhanced design, comfortable ride, and one of the highest towing capacities in its class.

The 2023 Pathfinder underwent some minor updates, including the addition of an off-road-ready Rock Creek trim and making wireless smartphone charging a standard feature for the mid-level SL trim. Considering the recent redesign of the Pathfinder, we anticipate no significant changes for the 2024 model year.

Despite the improvements introduced with the new generation of the Pathfinder, it still lags behind its competitors. Our instrumented testing has shown that other midsize three-row SUVs such as the Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Pilot have achieved higher scores.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder has been recognized with a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to eight people this car is very suitable for families. At first glance, there is no doubt that the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder delivers a smooth ride that will be appreciated on both long and daily commutes.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to see a significant improvement over the previous V-6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; or all-wheel drive.

The Nissan Pathfinder is also capable of off-roading and its towing capability of 6000 pounds outperforms its competitors. In previous models Nissan added the rugged Rock Creek model to the Pathfinder lineup with slightly raised suspension, 18-inch all-terrain tires on unique wheels revised front grille and lower bumper, and standard all-wheel drive.

The V-6 gets a power boost in the Rock Creek model to 295 horsepower. The Rock Creek interior differs from the regular Pathfinder with custom fabric and vinyl upholstery, orange stitching, and Rock Creek badges on the seats and center console.

Not only that in 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is also expected to get a new trim inspired by the trail called Rock Creek. Upgrades start with standard all-wheel drive, off-road tuned suspension, and 0.6-inch less lift compared to other AWD-equipped Pathfinders.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder also has the signature 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a bit more power for the V6 engine when running on premium fuel. At the top is a roof rack that can support up to 220 pounds.

Overall we strongly agree the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is a respectable choice for a midsize SUV.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

This version of the Nissan Pathfinder has made the best 4×4 impression on its predecessor in the 2023 model. Therefore, it is very interesting that the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek also comes with the latest features and updates. With all-terrain tires, a chunky roof rack, and extra horsepower, This three-row SUV is suitable for those who want to look bold and rocky.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder with acclaimed off-road credibility in the automotive market has become a family-friendly three-row unibody crossover with an obsession with Overlanding and all-terrain capability.

The stylish 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek with 18-inch Beadlock wheels looks pretty cool. The thicker roof rack and modified front fascia work well with the box shape and side plates of the new Pathfinder. Bigger tires negatively affect the driving experience, as is to be expected from this type of rubber with a thicker tread and higher sidewalls. There’s more noise, with the drone persisting at highway speeds, and the handling feels more like a truck because of the slower response to steering input.

Another Rock Creek mechanical difference compared to other Pathfinders is a bit more juice from the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6 engine, which makes 295 hp and 270 pound-feet of torque. That’s an additional 11 horsepower and 11 pound-feet of torque compared to the base Pathfinder and is the same output found in the related Infiniti QX60.

As in the standard model, the V-6 provides plenty of power to motivate the Pathfinder, and the nine-speed automatic transmission is an improvement over the older CVT in terms of responsiveness.

Review

The significant 2024 edition of the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is expected to come with the Nissan Pathfinder lineup with the Equipment on this vehicle clearly designed to enhance its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek will be an attractive choice for the brave and adventurous. Rock Creek trim includes a variety of great features and creature comforts. It has raised suspension, custom 18-inch alloy wheels, custom bumpers front and rear, and all-wheel drive as standard.

Overall the Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek interior features unique vinyl and fabric upholstery with orange stitching and Rock Creek badges throughout the cabin. This trim offers style and adventure in one package. In terms of the most significant addition seems to be the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition which offers more capabilities than the very significant competitor Ford Explorer Timberline.

The Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition will come with a dark V-motion grille surrounded by mesh trim. This 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek SUV benefits from a 5/8″ lift thanks to a tuned off-road suspension and all-terrain tires equipped with 18″ Beadlock-style wheels.

Tubular roof racks, custom embroidered faux leather upholstery, and more help complete the look. The Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition offers more power at 295 horsepower (vs. 284 in the regular Pathfinder). There’s also a slight gain in torque (270 pound-feet vs. 259) using premium fuel.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek also features a tow hitch receiver with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The new New Pathfinder features a rugged, sporty, and modern combination with a simple dashboard setup, a clean HVAC interface, beefy gearshifts, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a “floating” infotainment screen. Shoppers can even load up the Pathfinder in luxury, including the available semi-aniline leather seats.

Engine: 3.5L V6
Output: 295 hp, 270 lb-ft
Transmission: 9AT, AWD
Fuel Economy (MPG): 20/23 (city/hwy)
Fuel Economy (L/100 KM): 11.9/10.0 (city/hwy)
Starting Price (USD): $36,295 (including destination)
Tested Price (USD): $44,070 (including destination)
Starting Price (CAD): $47,918 (including destination)
Tested Price (CAD): $53,918 (including destination)

Specs

Although there are almost half a dozen trims available for the Nissan Pathfinder. They all use (more or less) the same engine. The 3.5-liter V-6 makes a hoarse roar when you turn it on and its specs match its beautiful sound of course.

The Nissan Pathfinder V-6 produces 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek model, however, uses a different tuning to get 295 horsepower out of the engine. The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek also comes standard with front-wheel drive but is available with all-wheel drive with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission.

Surely the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek vehicle will provide an enjoyable driving experience. However, the car’s ability to glide over the road belies its power. Powerfully the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek can jump from 0 to 60 in under seven seconds, beating out many rivals in its class.

This powerful vehicle complements its spacious interior with a large towing capacity. With a maximum towing load of 6,000 pounds. The Nissan Pathfinder can certainly help you take your family boat or pop-up trailer for a weekend getaway. This vehicle can do it all.

Refresh

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek The first impression Pathfinder made on me was when I saw him sitting in the driveway. Solid Gray paint, standard contrast roof, and reinforced cladding around the underside combined with slightly protruding all-terrain tires and beadlock-looking wheels create a striking figure.

Other Rock Creek touches, like the new front and rear fascia help this trim stand out from the regular Pathfinders. And in the cabin, there’s contrasting orange stitching to match the Rock Creek stitching on the backrest. Suspension changes, rougher tires, and roof racks all signify sacrifices to interior comfort but rarely materialize. I heard a bit more wind noise and a slight increase in tire noise, but both were within the limits I could tolerate in a three-row CUV.

Ride quality is also as good as the standard model. Truly, Nissan struck a beautiful balance in upgrading the Pathfinder to Rock Creek. The final Rock Creek Pathfinder had a roof rack, but it was an insert on the factory roof rail. The new Pathfinder Rock Creek features a unique tubular roof rack with a 220-pound limit. The suspension offers a higher ride height Nissan doesn’t share the numbers, but I bet it’s about an inch and those AT tires really do provide extra off-road performance.

Nissan could easily redo the last Rock Creek, but this new one feels like the most capable vehicle in its class (until Jeep came down from behind and sold the Grand Cherokee L Trailhawk). It is of course packed with the strongest range of off-road equipment.

Engine

On the engine section of the current 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque with this power channeled through a nine-speed automatic transmission and channeled to the front wheels. Nissan’s Intelligent 4WD is available as an option. We expect this powertrain to remain unchanged in the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.

Release Date

The official schedule for the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is yet to be confirmed. However, experts in the auto industry predict that the vehicle will be available towards the end of next summer. The Nissan Pathfinder is tough enough to venture off the beaten track for a family camping trip but luxurious enough to take you down hundreds of miles of highways in stylish comfort.

Price

For the price of the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek, there is no official price information, approaching the current model’s MSRP range of $34,560-$49,240. We estimate a price of around $45,000 for the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition.

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2024 Nissan Pathfinder Interior

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder is expected to feature a modern, truck-like interior design with comfortable front seats and well-placed controls.

The three rows of seating can accommodate up to eight riders, but buyers can choose to swap the standard second-row bench seats for the captain’s seats, a feature desired in a family crossover, reducing capacity to seven.

Nissan has integrated storage space throughout the cabin, including a large trash can under the center console that can be accessed by the driver or front-seat passenger. The upper trim level is complemented by luxuries such as semi-aniline leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Tech

An 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard and runs the latest version of the NissanConnect software interface; a larger 9.0-inch screen is standard on the SL and Platinum models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and the former can sync wirelessly on the top trim.

The features of a 12.3-inch digital meter display, onboard Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless smartphone charging pad, SiriusXM satellite radio, heads-up display, and in-dash navigation system are optional. A fairly basic six-speaker stereo is standard but the 13-speaker Bose system is optional.

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2024 Nissan Pathfinder Engine

024 The Nissan Pathfinder appears to retain the 3.5-liter V-6 from the previous-generation model, the Pathfinder dropping the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in favor of a new nine-speed automatic.

The V-6 makes 284 horsepower in most models but cranks up to 295 in Rock Creek trim.

Nissan Pathfinder Transmission

Front-wheel drive is standard but all trims can be equipped with all-wheel drive. The upgrade to the all-wheel-drive system also adds a set of seven driving modes including the off-road-focused Sand and Mud/Rut models.

Nissan Pathfinder Performance

On our test track, our front-wheel-drive Pathfinder SL test vehicle hit 60 mph in 6.7 seconds; the all-wheel drive model hit 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The result means the all-wheel-drive Pathfinder is faster than the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

Handling is completely forgettable and not the least bit entertaining. Still, the Pathfinder ride is pretty smooth, and Nissan’s attention to noise-canceling elements makes for an extra quiet cabin while driving.

Nissan Pathfinder MPG

The most efficient Pathfinders are actually those with optional all-wheel drive getting 21 mpg city ratings, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined front-wheel drive models get the same city and combined ratings but only 26 mpg highway.

In our 75 mph highway fuel economy test, our all-wheel-drive test vehicle beat the EPA rating and delivered 28 mpg.

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2024 Nissan Pathfinder models

The three-row SUV is available in five trim levels: S, SV, SL, Rock Creek, and Platinum. All four use a 3.5-liter V6 engine (284 horsepower, 259 lb-ft of torque) paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional in everything except the new Rock Creek, which gets AWD as standard.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Price

For the price, we expect no overpriced upgrades MSRP starts at $37,295 – $50,265

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2024 Nissan Pathfinder Release Date

There has been no official information from Nissan about its release schedule. However, our alleged 2024 Nissan Pathfinder will go on sale in the early summer of 2024. We will continue to update this information. So stay with us.

2024 Nissan Pathfinder: The Next Adventure Nissan Pathfinder SUV Review

2024 Nissan Pathfinder Review