2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek Review: Reliable Daily Driver, but the Tow Hooks Are Not Real

      The excitement around overlanding might be cooling off somewhat, but off-road-inspired design features on regular vehicles are here to stay. Knobby all-terrain tires, roof racks, and all-wheel drive—once exclusive to hardcore off-road enthusiasts—are now widely seen on cars that seldom venture off the pavement. In reality, most overland and off-road builds end up on more asphalt than dirt, yet the allure of rugged styling remains strong. This is precisely why models like the 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition have emerged.

      While standard Rogues tend to blend in, the Rock Creek stands out as trail-ready, boasting enhancements like all-terrain tires and roof racks. However, in terms of genuine off-road capabilities, the modifications are minimal—it leans more towards an aesthetic upgrade than a true off-roader. Nevertheless, the Rogue has always performed well as a practical daily crossover. The Rock Creek trim simply adds a touch more character, providing buyers with a vehicle that appears more adventurous while still being functional.

      Cyril Soliman

      It's hard to criticize the Rogue Rock Creek for lacking serious off-road capability, as it delivers what its target audience truly wants. At its price point, it offers a design that adds a bit of excitement to everyday driving. Although it isn’t meant for rock crawling, its rugged appearance alone can inspire adventure—whether that means hitting a real trail or taking a slightly muddy detour. For many drivers, a boost of confidence to take the scenic route home is all they really desire.

      The Basics

      The Nissan Rogue is the brand’s top-selling compact crossover SUV, positioned between the smaller Kicks and the more upscale Murano. Competing directly against segment heavyweights like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Rogue must strike a balance between affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality.

      Cyril Soliman

      Among the various trim levels, the Rock Creek is situated in the middle—between the SV and SL trims—but it’s the only one with a truly distinctive design. The presence of a roof rack and all-terrain tires is a clear indication. Unfortunately, the ride height stays the same, where a slight lift would have really completed the rugged look.

      Other exterior features include unique orange Rock Creek badging on the rear and sides, along with orange accents on the lower front fascia that resemble tow hooks. Even the wheels are designed with a single orange spoke—the automotive equivalent of adding a purple streak to one’s hair. Opting for the Baja Storm Metallic paint seen on this test vehicle will likely lead some to believe that you’re spending your weekends conquering trails.

      Nissan

      Cyril Soliman

      Inside the Rogue Rock Creek, the orange accents continue, appearing as contrast stitching on the dashboard, seats, steering wheel, and door panels. The standout detail is the prominent “Rock Creek” embroidery on the seatbacks. The initial step inside the cabin is marked by the solid thud of the durable all-season floor mats, which extend throughout the vehicle—including the trunk.

      Besides these specific enhancements, the layout and ergonomics remain standard for the Rogue. Essential controls like the shifter, climate settings, and volume knobs are conveniently located, ensuring an intuitive user experience. I was glad to notice that the gauge cluster includes physical dials for the tachometer and speedometer, with a small digital display between them for additional information. While the interior may not be exceptionally luxurious or groundbreaking, it is practical, well-organized, and user-friendly—which aligns perfectly with what most buyers seek.

      Nissan

      When I think of a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, I typically envision compact, sporty models like the Toyota GR Corolla—not a family-friendly crossover like the Rogue. Thus, I was surprised to learn that the Rogue comes equipped with a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine yielding 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Compared to segment leaders like the RAV4 and CR-V, which utilize four-cylinder engines—naturally aspirated and turbocharged, respectively—the Rogue’s configuration is atypical.

      Nissan

      Naturally, I was wary about how a three-cylinder engine would perform in a vehicle of this size, particularly one with mild off-road ambitions. My uncertainty was compounded by the continuously variable automatic transmission, which tends to be perceived as rubbery and disconnected—not the ideal experience when navigating rough terrain.

      Despite my doubts, the Rogue Rock Creek proved to be a superb daily driver. The standard all-terrain Falken Wildpeak tires offer a well-balanced fit, combining comfort on pavement with some off-road capabilities. The Rogue’s rugged appearance contrasts with its light driving inputs. Everything from the steering to power delivery made for a remarkably effortless driving experience. Coupled with larger tires and a soft suspension, the Rock Creek stands out as one of the more comfortable crossovers I’ve driven. With heated seats and a heated steering wheel, it can feel quite upscale.

      Cyril Soliman

      If the Rock