2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2025 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder roars into contention with a healthy 284 hp, offering superior straight-line punch compared to the Subaru Ascent's 260 hp. This energetic V6 coupled with a responsive 9-speed automatic transmission gives the Pathfinder an edge for drivers prioritizing power. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Ascent grips the road tenaciously with its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), leveraging 277 lb-ft of torque to maintain traction, even if its CVT dampens outright excitement. Priced notably lower at $36,400 versus the Ascent's $39,995 MSRP, the Pathfinder presents a strong initial saving. While the Ascent boasts slightly better fuel economy at 23 MPG combined for the Pathfinder, the difference is negligible. For sheer utility, the Ascent offers a superior 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft, making these two capable crossovers fundamentally distinct choices based on power versus standard capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder's standard Front-Wheel Drive setup paired with better combined MPG (23 MPG vs 22 MPG) makes it slightly more efficient for daily point-to-point driving.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent provides more usable interior space, boasting 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder's V6 engine delivers 284 hp and utilizes a more engaging 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the Ascent's CVT.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder undercuts the Ascent by $3,595 with an accessible MSRP of $36,400.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You crave the thrill of more horsepower, as the Pathfinder delivers 284 hp.
- You want to save $3,595 upfront, with an MSRP of $36,400.
- You prefer the direct engagement of a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- All-weather capability is non-negotiable, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You require maximum utility from the rear cargo area, offering 17.8 cu ft.
- You value higher torque delivery, as the Ascent produces 277 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Pathfinder | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.7" | 196.8" |
| Width | 77.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 70.9" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 114.2" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/499.5 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 42.3 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 44.3 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.8 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 58.3 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.5 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 59.6 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/60R18 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and 2025 Subaru Ascent.
Which vehicle has better straight-line performance?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder holds the horsepower advantage with 284 hp, beating the Ascent's 260 hp output. Additionally, the Pathfinder uses a 9-speed automatic, which enthusiasts often find more direct than the Ascent's standard CVT.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the two?
The difference is marginal for daily driving; the Pathfinder achieves 23 MPG combined, while the Ascent posts 22 MPG combined. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
Does one SUV come standard with AWD?
Yes, the 2025 Subaru Ascent includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment. The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive.
Which crossover offers more interior space for cargo?
The Subaru Ascent provides slightly more flexibility for hauling gear, featuring 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the third row. The Pathfinder offers 16.6 cubic feet in the same configuration.
What is the price difference for these two models?
The Pathfinder offers substantial immediate savings, starting at $36,400 compared to the Ascent's starting MSRP of $39,995, leading to a $3,595 gap.
Which vehicle has more torque for pulling power?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent wins on low-end grunt, producing 277 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Pathfinder produces 259 lb-ft of torque.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool