There's enough third-row space for a pair of adults to eke out shorter journeys - especially if second-row occupants oblige by sliding their seats forward - but the way-backs are still basically best left for children.Our renter states that the vehicle was great up until the incident. The Pathfinder's best interior trick remains its easy tip-and-slide third-row access, which can still be accomplished with a child seat in place.

Visibility is quite good all the way around, too, making the Pathfinder an excellent sightseeing vehicle - especially with the optional panoramic roof. More important for a family cruiser like the Pathfinder, observed ride quality was strong, aided by very comfortable seats.

Like many of its key rivals, including the Honda Pilot, Subaru Ascent and Volkswagen Atlas, it's still fair to say that the Pathfinder's off-road capabilities will outstrip what most consumers will ask of their rides. Still, muddy, snowy and rutted two tracks proved no match for my AWD-equipped tester, and it was nice knowing the driveline includes a full-lock setting for light-duty off roading, just in case. Ground clearance remains an unremarkable 7.0 inches, and the model's arrival and departure angles are 16.5 degrees and 20.2 degrees, respectively. To be clear, even with its tougher-looking Rock Creek Edition livery, the Pathfinder still isn't a hardcore off-roader. As is common for this type of package, a matching set of Rock Creek floor and cargo mats is available, too. Metallic trim pieces liven up the dashboard and console, and predictably, 'Rock Creek' insignias are emblazoned on the comfortable seatbacks (cloth and leatherette or leather, depending on trim). The Rock Creek's interior gets a few tweaks, as well, including pleasing orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, door trims and armrest storage lid. A set of mud flaps and most importantly, a standard trailer hitch with a best-in-class 6,000-pound tow rating add a bit more utilitarian cred, too. I'm often wary of such packages, but to my eyes, this blacked-out look does the Pathfinder real favors, imparting more edge to a basic two-box shape that can otherwise come off as a bit soft. Other darkened pieces include the door handles, side mirrors and badges. To that end, the Rock Creek Edition butches up the Pathfinder's styling with blacked-out trim, including a mesh grille, fender trims, front and rear fascia garnishes, roof rails and special 18-inch dark-finish alloy wheels wearing slightly wider 255/60R18 Continental Cross Contact tires. Enter the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition. Which has left room for Nissan to once again imbue the Pathfinder with some of the edgy looks and spirit it enjoyed in its early years. Like many of us, the Pathfinder has grown up to be a lot more family-minded and a lot less hardcore. Once a simple, compact and hard-wearing SUV, the 33-year-old nameplate has morphed into a three-row crossover with rounder styling, a coddling ride and an efficiency-minded powertrain complete with a continuously variable transmission. I point all this out because it feels like the Nissan Pathfinder might've recently experienced the same sort of epiphany. All winter long I've been saving for a new mountain bike and eyeballing my son's kayak, biding my time until spring. Since that time, I've hit the gym and kickstarted my long-dormant interest in the outdoors. I wasn't unhappy, just cognizant of being a little too content. I'd put on a few pounds - OK, more than a few - and I wasn't as adventurous or energetic as I was in my youth. About a year ago, I woke up one morning and realized I'd gotten too comfortable.

2019 nissan pathfinder