Are you looking for a Nissan dealer because you need something to head off-road in? You’re on the right track. Contrary to popular belief, Nissan does not solely make fuel-friendly commuter cars. In addition to their fuel-efficient cars and crossovers, they also have not one but several off-roading options for daring drivers. Whether you’re looking for a truck or an SUV, we’ve got you covered here. Let’s take a closer look at Nissan’s current off-road capable models.
The 2021 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
When off-roading, you want something that offers excellent ground clearance, flexible shocks, and a dependable 4-wheel drive system. The mid-size Nissan Frontier PRO-4X comes with all these specs and more. It offers an 8.9-inch ground clearance and Bilstein shocks that are designed specifically for this model. These shocks provide a smoother ride on rough surfaces for a better off-road experience.
You’ll also get handy features on this model like Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Hill Start Assist keeps you from rolling back on hills, while Hill Descent Control holds your vehicle back, relieving pressure off your brakes and making it easier to head downhill. These features are especially helpful for steep, rocky hills. The 2021 Titan PRO-4X also has four different selectable drive modes, including 4LO, which is specifically intended for hardcore off-roading.
Aside from the trailing itself, part of what makes off-roading so much fun is in accessories and add-ons. While you can get aftermarket parts for any vehicle, Nissan offers multiple reliable OEM add-on options. These options include belt extenders, which are handy for hauling longer payload items, tool boxes, bed liners, towing accessories, and even a truck bed tent for camping. When you purchase a 2021 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X at your local Nissan dealer, you’re getting everything you love about an SUV but with a truck’s body.
The 2021 Nissan Titan Warrior PRO-4X
If you want something a little larger, that full-size Titan truck is a great choice. When it comes to the Nissan Titan, there are several off-road-friendly options. For example, the Frontier’s aforementioned PRO-4X trim is also available on the standard Titan. However, we think that the 2021 Nissan Titan Warrior’s PRO-4X trim is your best bet for off-roading. Here’s why.
The main thing that stands out about this model is its power. The Warrior concept Titan trim comes with a standard diesel V8 engine. It maxes out at 400 horses, and it packs 413 pound-feet of torque along with it. Climbing hills is a breeze with that much power. But what about additional off-road performance and aesthetics?
The Titan Warrior comes with its own signature orange accenting and a vented hood scoop. Its interior is rugged to match, with resistant materials that can withstand hardcore off-roading adventures. It has a max towing capacity of over 9,000 pounds, and this PRO-4X trim will include many of the same features that the PRO-4X Frontier and Titan do. Overall, its aesthetic interlaced with its powerful diesel engine make the Warrior PRO-4X the best Nissan Titan off-roading option on the market to date.
The 2021 Nissan Armada
It’s about time that we hit up those SUVs. As much as people love to take trucks off-roading, we know that Jeep Wranglers are popular for a reason. Off-roading SUVs offer amazing ground clearance, more available interior cargo space, and they’re often designed more with off-roading in mind, whereas trucks are centered on towing. Here’s why the 2021 Nissan Armada fits into the off-roading SUV category and why you’ll want to give it a test drive at your next Nissan dealer visit.
First off, let’s talk about power. Yep, we’ve got ourselves yet another V8 engine here. The Armada’s engine produces up to 400 horsepower, yet it can still pull off decent fuel economy ratings. You’ll be able to get up to 20 miles per gallon despite the Armada’s strength and larger size.
Speaking of its size, the cool perk that this model has over its competitors is its extra third-row seating. Typically, off-roading models only seat up to five passengers, but the Armada takes it a step further by seating up to 8 people. This is a great model for those who are practical during the week but seek adventure on the weekends.
But how does it do off-road? Alongside that powerful engine, the Armada tows 8,500 pounds if needed, and it comes with selectable drive modes. These include options for 4LO, which is ideal for hardcore off-roading situations, and even a Snow Mode for dangerous winter weather conditions. Additionally, 4HI will get you over slopes and over rough terrain with ease.
Like Nissan’s other off-road capable models, you’ll get handy little performance features such as Hill Start Assist and Active Brake Limited Slip, which is incredibly helpful for mud or ice situations. This feature brakes slipping wheels without you needing to do a thing, and it distributes power to help you regain control. The Armada is a nice luxurious off-roading option for those who want a fancy commute in a capable model.
The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition
After all we’ve reviewed, we have to say that the Pathfinder’s Rock Creek Edition is the perfect model for casual off-roading drivers. If you’re into the more hardcore trailing, you’ll want to stick with the above options. However, we love the Pathfinder because of its impressive fuel economy and its camping capabilities. Off-roading isn’t always about mudding. Sometimes, it’s about getting to a rural destination on dirt and gravel roads. If that’s your idea of heading off-road, the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition is for you.
You can get up to 27 miles per gallon on the highway with this model, and its interior is designed to use as your own traveling tent. Think we’re joking? This trim isn’t marketed towards campers for no reason. Nissan’s official accessory website offers a 10×10 tent that can attach to your Pathfinder for the ultimate camping experience. When you put all the seats down, you can get up to 79 cubic feet of cargo space to add to your 10×10 tent. This is a great way to air condition your campsite in the heat of the day! Plus, you’ve got over 6,000 pounds of towing capability, along with kayak racks and anything else you could need on your trip. Aesthetics also brighten up this model, as its special forest green exterior shade paired with blacked-out accents makes it the perfect model for tackling the woods with ease. Don’t forget to ask your local Nissan dealer about these official accessory options!
As far as terrain capability goes, you’re getting all-season tires on this model, along with Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control to help tackle hilly areas. Wherever you want the gravel roads to take you, rest assured that the Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition will get you there.
Which Nissan Off-Roader Is for You?
Off-roading is a broad term. Like anything else, there’s a spectrum here. Some folks like to see how steep and rocky they can go, others love splashing through the mud, and some just want a vehicle that can handle dirt and gravel without spinning out. The great news is that no matter what kind of driver you are, Nissan has a model for you.
The Frontier PRO-4X and the Titan Warrior PRO-4X are best if you’re into riding rough. Mud, steep and rocky terrain, and watery areas are handled well in these models. The Nissan Armada is great if you’re somewhere in between hardcore and lightweight trailing. Finally, the Rock Creek Pathfinder is your casual off-roading vehicle that’s best for wanderlusters. Whether you’re ready for a mud bath or you want a weekend away in the wilderness, visit your local Nissan dealer today to learn more about these adventure-loving models.
