VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
284hp @ 6400
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
259lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
29 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
1653lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
3.5 L/213ci
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Nissan Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Sportage returns 29 mpg est. while the Pathfinder uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $34,290 for the Sportage and $37,500 for the Pathfinder. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6100
284hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
259lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
3.5 L/213ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33 (2025)mpg
27 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
197.7in
Width (in)
73.4in
77.9in
Height (in)
66.3in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
4334lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1653lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Sportage
Practicality
Pathfinder
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($34,290)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Pathfinder
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Pathfinder?
The Sportage gets 29 mpg est. and the Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sportage or Pathfinder?
The Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Pathfinder?
The Sportage starts from $34,290 and the Pathfinder from $37,500. The Sportage is cheaper by $3,210 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or Pathfinder?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1653lbs and the Pathfinder can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage or the Pathfinder?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.