Nissan Pathfinder vs Subaru Ascent
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2027 Subaru Ascent
Overview
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Subaru AscentPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | S | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2027 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Subaru AscentPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $37,500 (best) | $40,795 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Subaru AscentPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG (best) | — |
| City MPG | 21 MPG (best) | — |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG (best) | — |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | 19.3 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Subaru AscentPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 284 hp (best) | 260 hp |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.5 L (best) | 2.4 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Subaru AscentPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 8 seats (best) | 7 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 80.5 cu ft (best) | 75.6 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | 1,729 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 4,334 lbs (best) | 4,450 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 114.2 in (best) | 113.8 in |
| Length | 197.7 in (best) | 196.8 in |
| Width | 77.9 in (best) | 76 in |
| Height | 70.9 in | 71.6 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Nissan PathfinderS | Subaru AscentPremium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 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 pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None 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.
| Trim | Nissan Pathfinder | Subaru 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 $42,590 MSRP | Limited Bronze Edition $49,095 MSRP |
| 6 | SL $44,590 MSRP | Touring $51,165 MSRP |
| 7 | Rock Creek $45,090 MSRP | Onyx Edition Touring $51,995 MSRP |
| 8 | Platinum $49,790 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Platinum $51,790 MSRP | — |
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.
- 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).