2019 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

The newest Pathfinder to hit the streets, known as the Rock Creek edition, is a sleek and maneuverable midsize SUV that in its newest look would make any sales associate happy to receive it as a company perk during the next round of vehicle selection.

Walking up to the 2019 Pathfinder Rock Creek sitting in our lot, I was reminded of one of the more popular of the colors of the 1990s — Forest Green. It filled every monthly L.L. Bean catalog delivered to my parents mailbox. But that's where the nostalgia ended, as the new Pathfinder has no other roots in that decade.

The three-row midsize SUV has the look and feel of the present, sleek, subtle lines with an impressive and surprisingly roomy interior. On a drive to Los Angeles, three passengers comfortably sat in the third row.

The drive along the 405 North was quickly and painless for a Saturday night, improved by the smooth handling and 3.5-liter V-6 engine and Xtronic CVT, giving me just the right amount of power to make an almost-missed freeway exit at the last moment.

Rock Creek Update

The black 18-inch, black mesh grille, black roof rails, black door handles and other accents gives the Pathfinder a unique look, melding well with the surround cityscape of L.A. And the leather interior and upgraded sound system gave the passengers a rock star experience. It also saved me a few dollars in the fuel department along the way, with 26 miles per gallon on the freeway.

The Rock Creek package costs $995.

As a midsize SUV, the 2019 Pathfinder gives you the room to move on the inside, but the ability to easily move down some of the more condensed side streets of any downtown metropolitan area. It has the feel, maneuverability, and fuel savings of a compact SUV, but still stands out on the road and even just parked on the street.

2019 Nissan Pathfinder Specs:

• Engines: 3.5L V-6 (284 hp, 259 lb.-ft.)
• Transmission: Xtronic CVT
• All-wheel drive: Optional on all trims
• Cargo space: 79.5 cu.-ft. and 16.2 cu.-ft. with third row seating