VS
At a Glance
Power
284hp @ 6400
180hp @ 5800
Torque
259lb-ft @ 4800
178lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
2700lbs
Engine
3.5 L/213ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Nissan Pathfinder and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Nissan Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 while the Subaru Outback produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Pathfinder returns 24 mpg est. while the Outback uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $41,900 for the Pathfinder and $34,995 for the Outback. 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 PathfinderSV 4WD 2026 - From $41,900
Subaru OutbackPremium AWD 2026 - From $34,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
284hp @ 6400
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
259lb-ft @ 4800
178lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/213ci
2.5 L/152ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
CVT w/OD
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21 (Est)mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26 (Est)mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
197.7in
191.7in
Width (in)
77.9in
74in
Height (in)
70.9in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
114.2in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4495lbs
3741lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
2700lbs
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Outback
Value
Outback
Practicality
Pathfinder
Pros & Cons
Nissan Pathfinder
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($34,995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pathfinder or Outback?
The Pathfinder gets 24 mpg est. and the Outback gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outback 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 Outback?
The Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque while the Outback delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Pathfinder is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Pathfinder and Outback?
The Pathfinder starts from $41,900 and the Outback from $34,995. The Outback is cheaper by $6,905 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pathfinder or Outback?
The Pathfinder has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Outback can tow 2700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Pathfinder or the Outback?
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.