VS
At a Glance
Power
284hp @ 6400
247hp @ 5500
Torque
259lb-ft @ 4800
258lb-ft @ 1800
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/213ci
2.0 L/120ci
Choosing between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Volvo Xc40 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 while the Volvo Xc40 produces 247hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Pathfinder returns 24 mpg est. while the Xc40 uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $42,500 for the Pathfinder and $51,250 for the Xc40. 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)
284hp @ 6400
247hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
259lb-ft @ 4800
258lb-ft @ 1800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/213ci
2.0 L/120ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21 (Est)mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
14.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.7in
174.8in
Width (in)
77.9in
75.2in
Height (in)
70.9in
65.2in
Wheelbase (in)
114.2in
106.4in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4359lbs
3966lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Nissan Pathfinder
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Xc40
Value
Pathfinder
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Nissan Pathfinder
Lower starting price ($42,500)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Volvo Xc40
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pathfinder or Xc40?
The Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. and the Xc40 gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Xc40 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 Xc40?
The Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque while the Xc40 delivers 247hp @ 5500 and 258lb-ft @ 1800 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pathfinder and Xc40?
The Pathfinder starts from $42,500 and the Xc40 from $51,250. The Pathfinder is cheaper by $8,750 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pathfinder or Xc40?
The Pathfinder has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Xc40 can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pathfinder or the Xc40?
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.