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Nissan Pathfinder vs Subaru Ascent

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Nissan logo

2026 Nissan Pathfinder

Subaru logo

2027 Subaru Ascent

Overview

SpecNissan PathfinderSSubaru AscentPremium
Selected trimSPremium
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainfront wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission9-speed shiftable automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20262027

Pricing & market

SpecNissan PathfinderSSubaru AscentPremium
MSRP$37,500 (best)$40,795
Lowest listing price$14,984$12,980 (best)
Median listing price$40,448$32,080 (best)
Highest listing price$57,365$54,499 (best)
For sale now179 (best)48

Fuel economy & range

SpecNissan PathfinderSSubaru AscentPremium
Combined MPG23 MPG (best)
City MPG20 MPG (best)
Highway MPG27 MPG (best)
Fuel tank18.5 gal19.3 gal (best)

Performance

SpecNissan PathfinderSSubaru AscentPremium
Horsepower284 hp (best)260 hp
Torque259 lb-ft277 lb-ft (best)
Engine size3.5 L (best)2.4 L
CylindersV6flat 4

Size & capability

SpecNissan PathfinderSSubaru AscentPremium
Seating8 seats (best)7 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume80.5 cu ft (best)75.6 cu ft
Towing capacity3,500 lbs5,000 lbs (best)
Payload1,729 lbs (best)
Curb weight4,334 lbs (best)4,450 lbs
Ground clearance7.1 in8.7 in (best)
Wheelbase114.2 in (best)113.8 in
Length197.7 in (best)196.8 in
Width77.9 in (best)76 in
Height70.9 in71.6 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecNissan PathfinderSSubaru AscentPremium
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)4 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover4 / 5 ★ (best)
Open recalls (YMM scope)None reportedNone reported

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimNissan PathfinderSubaru Ascent
1

S

$37,500 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Premium

$40,795 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

S

$39,500 MSRP

Premium

$40,795 MSRP

3

SV

$39,900 MSRP

Limited

$47,985 MSRP

4

SV

$41,900 MSRP

Limited

$47,985 MSRP

5

SL

$42,500 MSRP

Limited Bronze Edition

$49,095 MSRP

6

SL

$44,500 MSRP

Touring

$51,165 MSRP

7

Rock Creek

$45,000 MSRP

Onyx Edition Touring

$51,995 MSRP

8

Platinum

$49,400 MSRP

9

Platinum

$51,400 MSRP

Live inventory

Nissan Pathfinder vs Subaru Ascent FAQ

Which is better: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2027 Subaru Ascent?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2027 Subaru Ascent on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2027 Subaru Ascent?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder starts lower at $37,500. Live Nissan Pathfinder listings start at $14,984. Live Subaru Ascent listings start at $12,980.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2027 Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (37,500).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2027 Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (23).
Which has better horsepower: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2027 Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads on horsepower in this comparison (295).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder or 2027 Subaru Ascent?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (6,000).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2027 Subaru Ascent?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Pathfinder (5/5 NHTSA overall).