VS
At a Glance
Power
284hp @ 6400
260hp @ 5600
Torque
259lb-ft @ 4800
277lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
3.5 L/213ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Subaru Ascent is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 while the Subaru Ascent produces 260hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Pathfinder returns 24 mpg est. while the Ascent uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $44,500 for the Pathfinder and $51,165 for the Ascent. 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 PathfinderSL 4WD 2026 - From $44,500
Subaru AscentTouring 7-Passenger 2026 - From $51,165
Performance
Power Output (hp)
284hp @ 6400
260hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
259lb-ft @ 4800
277lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/213ci
2.4 L/146ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
CVT w/OD
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21 (Est)mpg
19mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26 (Est)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
19.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.7in
196.8in
Width (in)
77.9in
76in
Height (in)
70.9in
71.6in
Wheelbase (in)
114.2in
113.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4506lbs
4590lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
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
—
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
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Pathfinder
Value
Pathfinder
Practicality
Ascent
Pros & Cons
Nissan Pathfinder
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($44,500)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Ascent
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pathfinder or Ascent?
The Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. and the Ascent gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Pathfinder 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 Ascent?
The Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque while the Ascent delivers 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pathfinder and Ascent?
The Pathfinder starts from $44,500 and the Ascent from $51,165. The Pathfinder is cheaper by $6,665 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pathfinder or Ascent?
The Pathfinder has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Ascent can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pathfinder or the Ascent?
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.