If you're shopping for a spacious three-row SUV that can handle family life and road trips alike, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder continues its reign in popularity among drivers for its mix of comfort, practicality, and modern tech. But the trims take slightly different approaches depending on what you need from it. Let’s take a look at the differences between the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder SL and Rock Creek so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle better.
Key Takeaways
- As of October 20, 2025, the Pathfinder SL starts at $43,585 and the Rock Creek at $45,985.
- All Pathfinders now include Nissan Maintenance Care, covering three oil changes within two years or 24,000 miles.
- The Rock Creek trim is the Pathfinder’s off-road-focused model, built for traction and towing, while SL is more tech-focused.
Changes and Upgrades for the 2025 Pathfinder
Every Pathfinder now comes with Nissan Maintenance Care, a new perk that includes three oil changes over two years or 24,000 miles. The SV and Rock Creek trims also gain a power liftgate, which used to be limited to the SL and Platinum models.
Both the SL and Rock Creek trims sit in the middle of the lineup, offering a balance between features and cost. The SL lands at $43,585, while the off-road-ready Rock Creek bumps that up slightly to $45,985.
2025 Pathfinder Engine Specs and Performance
The Pathfinder's 3.5-liter V6 carries over from last year, but the big news is the nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous CVT. Most trims produce 284 horsepower, though the Rock Creek gets a small bump to 295 horsepower for trail work and towing.
Front-wheel drive is standard on most Pathfinders, while the Rock Creek comes with all-wheel drive as standard. That all-wheel drive system includes seven drive modes, such as Sand and Mud/Rut, giving you more control when the pavement ends. The SL can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but the Rock Creek ups the ante with a 6,000-pound tow capacity, thanks to its tow-prep kit.
2025 Pathfinder Rock Creek Trim Highlights
The Rock Creek trim leans into off-road appeal with a mix of hardware and styling upgrades. It rides on an off-road-tuned suspension with a 0.6-inch lift, 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and a tubular roof rack that can hold up to 220 pounds. You’ll also find LED foglights, a unique grille and bumpers, and orange interior stitching that gives the cabin a sportier look.
Inside, it includes synthetic leather and cloth seats, heated rear seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and a removable center console. The Rock Creek also adds front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera, which makes tight spaces easier to navigate.
2025 Pathfinder SL Trim Highlights
The SL trim focuses more on comfort and in-cabin tech. It includes the same parking sensors and surround-view camera as the Rock Creek but swaps in leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, manual sunshades for second-row passengers, and a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad.
The SL Premium Package adds to the SL's features, with a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels, a 6,000-pound tow-prep kit, heated rear seats, second-row captain’s chairs, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system.
Which Pathfinder Trim Is Right for You?
If you spend most of your time on pavement and want more comfort and tech, the SL is your best bet, but if weekend getaways and light off-roading are part of your plans, the Rock Creek makes more sense. Still can't decide? There's only one solution—stop by Alan Jay Nissan and test drive both today!