2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the refreshed 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the all-new 2026 Subaru Ascent often comes down to prioritizing upfront cost versus standard capability. If you're looking to save significant cash, the Pathfinder starts at a friendly $36,400, significantly lower than the Ascent's $40,795 MSRP, saving you $4,395 right away. Power delivery is also distinct; the Pathfinder boasts 284 hp, outgunning the Ascent’s 260 hp, though the Subaru counters with more low-end pulling power at 277 lb-ft of torque compared to Nissan's 259 lb-ft. Both vehicles sit near the 23 MPG combined mark, with the Pathfinder achieving a slightly better 20/27 MPG city/highway versus the Ascent's 20/26 MPG, primarily because the Pathfinder is FWD standard. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on whether AWD (standard on Ascent) is a necessity over immediate savings and slightly higher peak horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder wins for commuters due to its lower entry price of $36,400 and slightly better highway fuel economy at 27 MPG.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Ascent is better for families because it includes standard All-Wheel Drive and offers slightly more utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Enthusiasts will prefer the Pathfinder for its superior peak horsepower rating of 284 hp compared to the Ascent's 260 hp.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder provides better immediate value by saving buyers $4,395 on the initial MSRP while offering better gas mileage.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You want to keep the starting price low, as the 2025 Pathfinder starts at $36,400.
- You prefer a traditional 9-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You prioritize peak horsepower, as the Pathfinder delivers 284 hp.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- All-wheel drive capability is non-negotiable, as it comes standard on the Ascent.
- You need maximum space, with the Ascent offering 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 16.6 cu ft.
- You prioritize torque for towing or acceleration, as the Ascent boasts 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 | ✓ | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| 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 2026 Subaru Ascent.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Pathfinder and the 2026 Ascent?
The Pathfinder produces more horsepower at 284 hp, making it feel punchier on paper. However, the Ascent counters with better low-end torque, delivering 277 lb-ft versus the Nissan's 259 lb-ft, which can be useful for hauling or merging.
Is the Subaru Ascent worth the extra money compared to the Nissan Pathfinder?
The Ascent costs $4,395 more upfront, starting at $40,795. You are paying that premium primarily for standard All-Wheel Drive and a slightly larger cargo capacity of 17.8 cu ft.
How do their fuel economy ratings compare?
Both are rated around 22-23 MPG combined, but the Pathfinder is slightly better on the highway at 27 MPG versus the Ascent's 26 MPG, largely because the Pathfinder comes standard with front-wheel drive.
Which vehicle is physically larger, the Pathfinder or the Ascent?
While the Pathfinder is slightly longer at 197.7 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches, the Ascent is noticeably taller, measuring 71.6 inches high versus the Nissan's 70.9 inches.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, thankfully both the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2026 Subaru Ascent specify regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep running costs predictable for both.
Which crossover offers better interior utility space?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers a slight advantage in overall cargo room behind the third row, measuring 17.8 cubic feet, while the Pathfinder offers 16.6 cubic feet.
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