They’re abundant. Timberlines, Trailhawks, XRTs, TRDs, and X-Pros, along with TrailSports and Wilderness models, are everywhere. These SUVs, marketed as adventure-ready and equipped with rugged tires and essential roof racks, attract buyers eager to partake in the SUV lifestyle trend.
This year, Nissan has broadened its Rock Creek offering, transitioning it from the larger Pathfinder to the 2025 Nissan Rogue. Similar to other soft-road vehicles, the enhancements are mainly aesthetic, aside from the installation of Falken Wild Peak all-terrain 235/65 tires mounted on 17-inch black rims. However, unlike many rivals, Nissan permitted me to take it into the muddy and challenging terrains of Indiana.
Recent rain transformed the South Bend Sod Busters non-profit off-road facility into a quagmire. On a forest floor softened by fallen oak and maple leaves, the Rogue Rock Creek maneuvered through boot-sucking muck and ascended increasingly rutted hills formed by our convoy of Rogues. Observers from Sod Busters outnumbered the Rogue drivers, and their visible excitement suggested this was a novel sight—a convoy of compact crossovers traversing their 18-acre grounds.
The route in this segment of Michiana meandered through lush forests with muddy streams winding around hilly terrain. The Rogue Rock Creek lacks a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing or any mechanical enhancements apart from its tires. It seemed the terrain might surpass its abilities, potentially leaving Subaru Wilderness owners feeling hesitant if not outright discouraged. This primarily highlighted that off-road performance hinges as much on the equipment as it does on the skill of the driver.
An Off-road mode featuring hill descent control reduced some traction control to allow spinning tires to regain grip, but ultimately it was the tires that significantly aided the standard all-wheel-drive system in delivering the crossover where it needed to be. A steady application of throttle was essential, especially upon encountering tire slip, and then evenly increasing pressure was vital to surmount obstacles. The Rogue’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) adeptly managed to keep the 1.5-liter turbo-3 variable-compression-ratio engine at high revs to effectively utilize its torque rating of 225 lb-ft.
As with any off-road adventure, confidence was key. Not every Rock Creek traversed the obstacles as effortlessly, with our Sod Buster companions cheering or groaning as tentative drivers hesitated at a midpoint of an ascent, only to slide back into the deep muck. The Rogue Rock Creek boasts a respectable ground clearance of 8.2 inches, but it lacks skid plates to safeguard against miscalculations.
A surround-view camera system offered a view of the sides of the front wheels and the area beyond the front bumper, allowing me to spot potential hazards—logs, sharp rocks, clumps of stumps, and edges that could potentially lead to disaster. It alleviated some of the anxiety associated with unclear terrains while ascending and provided comfort on descents, ensuring I wouldn’t plunge into the annals of Sod Buster legend. In Off-road mode, the camera stayed active at speeds up to 12 mph, removing the need to engage additional controls or shift into low gear. The Rock Creek features facilitate soft-roading and make off-roading more attainable.
During muddy descents, the hill descent button on the drive mode dial functioned like a low-speed off-road cruise control: press the button, proceed down the slippery slope, and the descent control maintained a pace around 3 mph. While I couldn’t adjust the speed, braking or lightly tapping the throttle provided temporary override options.
For nearly an hour, we tackled a course more challenging than what most soft-roaders might attempt, earning praise even from the Sod Busters who organize mud bog races.
What is the Rogue Rock Creek like on the road?
Traveling to and from these wooded muddy trails may not be as thrilling as the actual driving experience. The all-terrain tires contribute slightly more road noise, and the tubular roof rack creates additional wind noise. Such compromises are to be expected. However, the rack can bear up to 220 pounds while driving, so securely loading a Thule carrier along with bikes or paddle boards for a weekend getaway shouldn’t pose any issues.
Nissan’s blend of an efficiency-oriented turbo-3 engine with a CVT designed for fuel savings can sometimes result in sluggish throttle reactions. The variable-compression-ratio engine was Nissan’s innovative solution to achieving hybrid-like efficiency alongside turbo performance. When the system is aligned with your intentions, it can surge forward with commendable power, and under full throttle, it maintains high revs. However, if a shift is required, such as when attempting to overtake, the engine appears to seek permission from the CVT, which must then confer with me before responding. Essentially, it requires a bit of coordination to execute maneuvers confidently.
In general, the Rogue performs adequately for a compact crossover, featuring a MacPherson front strut and multi-link rear suspension typical for its class. I surpassed the EPA estimate of 29 mpg combined for the Rogue Rock Creek and averaged around 31 mpg during my 300-mile weekend trip. This figure excludes the off-roading segment.
What is the price of the Rogue Rock Creek?
Based on the SV AWD trim, the 2025 Rogue Rock Creek incorporates water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, heated front seats, and glossy black exterior details with red accents, in addition to the roof rack and tire package, priced at $36,810, including destination charges. This places it in the same range as the more adventurous 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness and the less rugged Toyota RAV4 Adventure; while the TRD Off-Road version approaches $40,000.
My test vehicle came equipped with all the optional upgrades included in the $800 Premium Package, which appears to provide great value for this configuration. This package features a power tailgate, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charger, power passenger seat, and other amenities, rendering it a comfortable yet capable crossover for under $40,000. Such conveniences certainly enhance the enjoyment of off-road activities.
Nissan sponsored my lodging for one night and a morning of off-roading for this firsthand report. The South Bend Sod Busters provided entertaining experiences and wonderful company; a portion of profits is donated to hospice care.
Image Source: Nissanusa.com
