The 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is the latest iteration of Nissan’s popular compact SUV, designed with a more rugged, off-road-inspired aesthetic, and features that appeal to weekend adventurers. On a recent road trip through the mountainous terrain of Big Bear, California, the Rogue Rock Creek showed off its capabilities both on and off the road, making it clear that this SUV is about more than just city driving.
It’s not like we actually climbed the side of a mountain or anything, but it was nice to have a sure-footed vehicle on those windy mountain roads
Under the hood, the 2024 Rogue Rock Creek comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and features all-drive, a key component for navigating rugged terrain. Though not the most powerful engine in the segment, it offers a balance of efficiency and performance well-suited for the daily commute as well as occasional weekend getaways.
During our trip through Big Bear, the Rogue Rock Creek proved its worth. The turbocharged engine provides a surprising amount of low-end torque, making it easy to accelerate on steep inclines or navigate tight, winding mountain roads. On asphalt, the Rogue is responsive and nimble, with the steering feeling precise and confident.
When we ventured off onto gravel roads, the Rogue’s all-wheel-drive system helped maintain traction, keeping the SUV stable even when traversing uneven terrain. While it’s no off-road monster like the Nissan Frontier or Pathfinder, the Rogue Rock Creek offers just enough off-road capability to handle light trails and dirt paths, making it an excellent option for those who like to occasionally explore beyond the paved roads.
The Rogue Rock Creek edition is designed with more than just aesthetics in mind. It boasts an upgraded suspension system, a slightly higher ride height, and rugged 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The exterior features like the blacked-out grille, orange accents, and more aggressive front and rear bumpers signal its more rugged aspirations, giving the SUV a tougher look compared to the standard Rogue.
While these upgrades are enough to help the Rogue tackle moderate off-road situations, it’s clear that this vehicle is not built for extreme off-roading. However, for casual adventurers who plan on spending time on mountain roads or forest trails, the Rock Creek is a great option. The addition of the all-terrain tires and extra ground clearance are certainly beneficial when venturing off the beaten path, but the Rogue is best suited for drivers looking for an SUV that can handle weekend getaways and the daily freeway grind.
Inside the 2024 Rogue Rock Creek, the infotainment system is a 9-inch touchscreen that includes standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy to sync your smartphone and access music, maps, and apps. On the road to Big Bear, we found the system to be fairly intuitive, with quick response times and a simple interface. Apple CarPlay worked smoothly, allowing us to use Google Maps and other navigation apps without hassle.
However, one glaring omission is the seeming lack of a built-in navigation system. Given that we were traveling through areas with limited cell service, this was particularly frustrating. Relying on Apple CarPlay for navigation is fine when you’re in an area with strong cellular reception, but in more remote locations like Big Bear, it’s not always reliable.
The absence of a native navigation option feels like an oversight in a vehicle that’s designed with outdoor adventure in mind. (Hello Nissan: if I’ve missed the instructions for the navigation system, please let me know. Lol.)
For those who regularly drive to rural destinations or engage in off-road activities, this could be a dealbreaker.
In addition, while the touchscreen interface is user-friendly, we did notice some occasional lag when trying to switch between apps or adjust settings. It’s not a major issue, but it’s worth noting that the system could be more seamless, especially in comparison to other models in this price range.
The interior of the Rogue Rock Creek is comfortable and functional, with seating for five. The front seats offer good support, with enough bolstering for longer drives without sacrificing comfort. The rear seats are spacious enough for adults, though, like many compact SUVs, the rear legroom can feel a bit tight on longer trips. For a vehicle in this segment, though, the Rogue does an excellent job of balancing passenger space and cargo capacity.
Speaking of cargo, the Rogue Rock Creek has a reasonable amount of trunk space, and the rear seats fold flat to accommodate larger items, which is perfect for hauling camping gear, skis, or luggage. While it’s not the most cavernous interior in its class, it strikes a good balance for everyday use and weekend getaways.
The 2024 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is an appealing option for those looking for a compact SUV with a more rugged, adventurous spirit. Its turbocharged engine provides adequate power for both on-road and off-road use, while the suspension and all-terrain tires offer solid performance on light trails. The Rock Creek trim’s bold exterior styling and interior upgrades make it stand out from the standard Rogue, providing a more visually exciting option for adventure-seekers.
The Rogue Rock Creek offers a lot of value for those who want a practical, stylish SUV with just enough off-road capability to support their weekend adventures.
For those who don’t mind relying on their smartphone for navigation and don’t require serious off-road performance, the 2024 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is a very solid choice in the crowded compact SUV market. It’s an excellent vehicle for those who want a versatile ride that can take them from the city streets to the mountains without missing a beat.
