2025 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$36,400 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the roomy, powerful 2025 Nissan Pathfinder and the efficient, capable 2026 Subaru Outback often comes down to balancing muscle versus mileage. If you need pavement-pounding power for highway merging, the Pathfinder offers a hefty 284 hp compared to the Outback's 180 hp, a significant 104 hp advantage. However, that extra oomph costs at the pump; the Pathfinder manages only 23 combined MPG, whereas the Outback shines with 27 combined MPG. For families prioritizing space, the Pathfinder is physically larger at 197.7 inches long, but the Outback surprisingly offers substantially more utility with 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft. While the Pathfinder starts slightly higher at $36,400 versus the Outback's $34,995 MSRP, understanding these core trade-offs—power/size versus efficiency/cargo—is key to making the right choice for your daily drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Pathfinder's 23 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Despite being smaller overall, the Outback provides far more usable space with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder delivers significantly more performance with 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers better inherent value by providing superior MPG and much greater cargo capacity while costing $1,405 less than the Pathfinder.

Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...

You regularly need to pull or tow, benefiting from the 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the traditional feel and driver engagement of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You need the larger exterior dimensions (197.7 inches long and 70.9 inches tall) for a commanding road presence.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Saving money on fuel is a priority, as the Outback offers 27 combined MPG.
Maximum storage is essential, given the Outback boasts 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prioritize all-weather confidence with the standard all-wheel drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Pathfinder	Subaru Outback
Length	197.7"	191.7"
Width	77.9"	74.0"
Height	70.9"	67.5"
Wheelbase	114.2"	108.1"

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	3
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	284 hp @ 6400 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/499.5 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	18.0 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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.1 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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.3 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Manual	Power
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.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.5 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.6 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	55.1 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/60R18	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 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 Outback.

How much does the power difference between these two crossovers affect daily driving?

The 2025 Pathfinder offers 104 more horsepower (284 hp vs. 180 hp), making highway passing and merging noticeably quicker. Conversely, the Outback prioritizes efficiency, using its lower torque (178 lb-ft) to achieve 4 more MPG in combined driving (27 MPG vs. 23 MPG).

Which vehicle is genuinely better for hauling cargo?

Even though the Pathfinder is the longer vehicle at 197.7 inches, the 2026 Outback wins hands down for storage. It offers 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is more than double the Pathfinder’s 16.6 cu ft.

If I drive long distances for work, which car saves me more money on gas?

The Subaru Outback is the clear long-haul winner for commuters. Its 25/31 MPG split (27 combined) beats the Pathfinder’s 20/27 MPG split (23 combined) comfortably, especially in highway driving where the Outback pulls ahead by 4 MPG.

Are the base prices significantly different for these models?

Yes, the 2026 Outback starts at a lower MSRP of $34,995, making it $1,405 cheaper than the 2025 Pathfinder's starting price of $36,400. Both models use regular unleaded fuel.

How does the drivetrain affect performance on rough roads?

The Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive, giving it a natural advantage in poor weather or on slippery terrain. The Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with front-wheel drive, requiring an optional upgrade for AWD capabilities.

What transmission differences should a buyer be aware of?

The Pathfinder utilizes a conventional 9-speed shiftable automatic, offering distinct gear steps. The Outback uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which generally promotes smoother acceleration and better efficiency but lacks the stepped shifts of the Pathfinder's gearbox.