VS
At a Glance
Power
284hp @ 6400
180hp @ 5800
Torque
259lb-ft @ 4800
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
1500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/213ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Pathfinder returns 24 mpg est. while the Forester uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,500 for the Pathfinder and $37,695 for the Forester. 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.
Specification
Nissan PathfinderS 4WD 2026 - From $39,500
Subaru ForesterLimited AWD 2026 - From $37,695
Performance
Power Output (hp)
284hp @ 6400
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
259lb-ft @ 4800
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/213ci
2.5 L/152ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21 (Est)mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26 (Est)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.7in
183.3in
Width (in)
77.9in
72in
Height (in)
70.9in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
114.2in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4482lbs
3613lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
1500lbs
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
—
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
Forester
Value
Forester
Practicality
Pathfinder
Pros & Cons
Nissan Pathfinder
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($37,695)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pathfinder or Forester?
The Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. and the Forester gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 Pathfinder or Forester?
The Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pathfinder and Forester?
The Pathfinder starts from $39,500 and the Forester from $37,695. The Forester is cheaper by $1,805 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pathfinder or Forester?
The Pathfinder has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pathfinder or the Forester?
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.