Compared: 2024 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2024 Subaru Ascent

Subaru and Nissan both offer spacious SUVs, but they differ in their details.

Brennan Sullivan | 

May 1, 2024 | 3 min read

Subaru | Nissan

If you have children or you frequently play chauffeur for your friend group, there's likely an appeal to a spacious and versatile three-row SUV such as those sold by Subaru and Nissan. Subaru's 2024 Ascent, the automaker's largest vehicle, offers a lower base price, but Nissan's 2024 Pathfinder has more cargo space. The vehicles will carry the same number of passengers. Their differences lie in the details.

Subaru

The Ascent Is Cheaper and Includes Standard AWD

The Ascent's base model starts just under $36,000 and boasts a significant feature: standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Seven additional trims follow, including the Limited 8-Passenger — starting at more than $43,000 — with leather upholstery and retractable rear window sunshades.

The $50,000 Touring is the priciest variant, including a 360-degree camera system and a panoramic moonroof. All models are powered by the same 2.4-liter turbo boxer engine producing 260 horsepower, which is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

The Pathfinder is slightly more expensive, with the base S model costing more than $37,000, while the $44,000 SL offers midrange upgrades such as leather seats. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on all trim levels except the four-wheel-drive-only (4WD) Rock Creek, which offers rugged styling touches and easy-clean synthetic leather interior.

Choosing a 4WD configuration will add $1,900 to every trim level where it's not standard. The Pathfinder Platinum 4WD is the top-of-the-line version, priced at more than $52,000. It comes with amenities such as quilted leather seats and Bose speakers. Most Pathfinder versions use a 284-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a CVT; the Rock Creek version has 295 horsepower.

Nissan

The Pathfinder Leads in Cargo Space and Towing Capacity

While the Ascent and the Pathfinder retain the same passenger capacity — both can fit seven passengers if equipped with second-row captain's chairs and eight passengers with a bench seat — the Nissan boasts more cargo room. Behind the front seats, the Pathfinder has 80.5 cubic-feet of space, compared with the Subaru's 75.6 cu-ft. The Pathfinder can also tow more: up to 6,000 pounds of payload, compared with the Subaru's 5,000.

The Ascent offers excellent standard equipment, including roof rails and an 11.6-inch dash-mounted screen. That said, the Pathfinder may come with a stock 8.0-inch unit, but it has an available 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system.

Subaru

The Pathfinder Is the More Fuel Efficient of the Pair

In terms of EPA fuel-economy figures, the base version of the Ascent averages 20/26/22 mpg in city/highway/combined driving, while certain trims, such as the Limited, are reduced to 19/25/21 mpg.

The 4WD and 2WD versions of the Pathfinder achieve nearly the same consumption averages, scoring 21/27/23 mpg and 20/27/23 mpg respectively. The Platinum trim takes a minor hit, falling to 20/25/22 mpg in city/highway/combined driving.

Brennan Sullivan

Brennan Sullivan is a writer and lifelong car fanatic. With an appreciation for all makes and models, Brennan is particularly passionate about the rich history of the automotive industry. In his spare time, he's the caretaker of a 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, and a Golden Retriever named Willow.