Nissan Pathfinder vs. BMW X3 MPG

Chart is based on 126 fuel economy reports for the Nissan Pathfinder and 79 fuel economy reports for the BMW X3.

Nissan Pathfinder MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2014	4dr SUV supercharged 230hp 2.5L I4 Hybrid CVT 4WD	hills	light	light	5	15	25	55	70	20.6
2013	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 CVT FWD	flat	med	light	12	11	54	23	79	18.0
2013	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 CVT 4WD	flat	light	none	7	7	28	58	60	22.2
2011	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	light	0	7	37	57	70	21.8
2011	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	light	hvy	0	0	60	40	75	19.0
2010	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD	flat	light	none	0	33	33	33	60	15.5
2010	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	light	light	15	8	40	38	95	16.0
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2009	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD	flat	light	none	10	19	57	14	60	18.6
2008	4dr SUV 310-horsepower 5.6L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD	flat	med	light	0	37	5	58	78	15.9
2008	4dr SUV 310-horsepower 5.6L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	5	5	14	76	71	15.6
2008	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD	flat	med	hvy	30	10	10	50	70	18.5
2008	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	med	none	7	17	22	55	77	17.0
2008	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	8	13	15	65	64	17.6
2008	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	hills	light	hvy	10	30	30	30	60	19.2
2008	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	hills	med	light	1	10	35	55	68	16.7
2007	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	light	light	0	0	60	40	70	16.0
2007	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	hills	light	light	6	5	53	36	83	19.6
2007	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	15	45	10	30	60	13.6
2006	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	none	30	10	10	50	75	17.1
2006	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	light	none	0	20	29	51	66	18.8
2006	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	3	35	24	38	63	17.7
2005	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD	hills	med	none	24	20	16	40	69	17.1
2005	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	med	light	7	35	19	39	71	16.0
2005	4dr SUV 270-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	7	10	13	70	78	17.5
2004	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	hvy	50	30	20	0	0	19.9
2004	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	hills	light	light	5	17	12	67	68	18.7
2004	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	none	10	10	45	35	100	14.9
2003	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	med	light	13	28	13	46	66	17.1
2003	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	med	light	5	17	17	62	117	17.1
2002	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	light	light	10	25	24	40	76	17.4
2002	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	light	20	43	17	21	88	16.5
2001	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic RWD	flat	med	hvy	6	12	27	56	67	18.5
2001	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	light	none	15	35	0	50	75	10.5
2001	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	flat	light	none	5	80	10	5	100	13.3
2000	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 3.3L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	flat	light	none	20	10	10	60	60	20.0
1999.5	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 3.3L V6 4-speed automatic RWD	mtns	light	hvy	60	20	10	10	60	15.0

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This page shows only averages. See all the Nissan Pathfinder fuel economy data.

BMW X3 MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2014	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	5	10	0	85	70	25.5
2014	4dr SUV turbocharged 180hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	v.lt	light	17	50	8	25	90	31.8
2013	4dr SUV turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	17	39	20	24	58	19.7
2012	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	2	20	3	75	70	26.8
2011	4dr SUV turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	30	10	20	40	70	22.8
2011	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	30	10	60	74	24.6
2009	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	10	10	50	30	75	21.0
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2008	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	13	13	24	51	74	20.8
2008	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	med	light	0	10	20	70	65	21.0
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	11	23	11	55	69	20.0
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	light	light	20	50	0	30	60	20.1
2006	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	21	14	31	34	75	19.3
2005	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	5	47	12	36	70	17.3
2005	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 6-speed manual AWD	hills	light	light	44	0	0	56	60	22.5
2005	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	none	16	13	13	59	115	20.2
2004	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	2	9	27	62	73	20.6
2004	4dr SUV 184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	light	light	4	9	39	49	71	23.1

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This page shows only averages. See all the BMW X3 fuel economy data.

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TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	Among those zigs, Nissan placed a big bet on continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Many people don't like how CVT-based powertrains sound and feel (which is a bit much like a slipping conventional transmission). But CVTs can hold an engine at a set, optimal rpm, either low for economy or high for performance, as the vehicle accelerates. Unlike the related Infiniti JX, the new Nissan Pathfinder gets Nissan's latest CVT, which has a broader range (6.4 vs. 5.4 multiple between the highest and lowest possible ratio) and lower internal friction. So it has even more flexibility to maximize either performance or fuel economy. On the performance front, the CVT makes the most of a 3.5-liter V6 that, with 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, under-performs the V6s in most competitors. Though a touch slow off the line, the 4,471-pound Pathfinder Platinum feels stronger than the quarter-ton-heavier GMC Acadia, and is generally as quick as anyone needs this sort of vehicle to be. Plant your foot, and it'll get to sixty in about eight seconds. Personally, I don't even mind how Nissan's CVT feels when paired with a V6 (though I do prefer the more direct feel of the CVT in the new Honda Accord). The CVT's real forte, though, is fuel economy. The front-wheel-drive Pathfinder earns EPA ratings of 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. The 4WD Pathfinder does only a single mpg worse, 19/25. This is much better than the Acadia's 16/23, and also better than the Ford Explorer's 17/23, Honda Pilot's 17/24, the Toyota Highlander's 17/22, and the related Infiniti JX35's 18/23 (all with AWD). For higher fuel efficiency in a relatively affordable three-row crossover, you'd have to get a Highlander Hybrid (28/28). Or wait until next year, when Nissan will offer a hybrid version of the new Pathfinder (25/27). Unlike with competitors, you can lock the Pathfinder into two-wheel-drive. This might boost fuel efficiency a little. Four-wheel-drive isn't much necessary for dry-road performance or handling--the front tires manage the V6's torque well in all but the most energetic driving. In typical suburban driving after the engine was warmed up, the trip computer reported averages in the low 20s, and as high as 26 when I was especially easy on the gas and had good luck with traffic signals--impressive for a large crossover. A final bonus: unlike with the Infiniti JX, premium fuel isn't recommended. see full Nissan Pathfinder review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 CVT FWD	My first trip consisted of mostly highway driving in Texas. Speeds varied from 60 to 75 mph on the highway with very little in-town driving. Overall average was around 23.7 mpg (Calculated) which agreed very closely with the on-board computer. I am hoping that the mpg will increase as the car is broken in more. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2013	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.5L V6 CVT FWD	With 10,000 miles on the car, we have averaged overall 21.3 mpg, according to the trip computer. Our average speed is 35 mph. Most of our driving is in town and it still seems to get great mileage for such a large car. see full Nissan Pathfinder review

Nissan Pathfinder Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2008	4dr SUV 310-horsepower 5.6L V8 5-speed shiftable automatic 4WD w/low range	The fun of a V8 in a 5k+ lb vehicle had its penalties. Admittedly heavy on the gas, I averaged 13mpg in town and was lucky if I obtained 18mpg on long trips cruising at a steady 75mph. Manual said Premium fuel was recommended but regular worked fine. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2008	4dr SUV 266-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	When compared to the other engines in its class the truck has less than average fuel economy. but with 266 horsepower and 6000lb towing that is to be expected. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2003	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range	13-14 mpg is real in city conditions because of 4 speed auto. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2003	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	16MPG city, 19-20 MPG highway leaves much to be desired. Changing the spark plugs every 100,000km (well ahead of the suggested interval) makes a large difference, but economy is still lacking. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2002	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	What can you say--it's powerful, heavy and not very efficient by todays standards. Still given my current millage of 10,000 Km/year, it's not a good enough reason to trade the vehicle. see full Nissan Pathfinder review
2002	4dr SUV 240-horsepower 3.5L V6 4-speed automatic 4WD w/low range	Compared to more fuel efficient SUVs, it is rather low. But is OK for what it is. see full Nissan Pathfinder review

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the BMW X3

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	While the boosted four has a clear performance advantage, the swap was motivated primarily by the push for better fuel economy. EPA ratings are 21 mpg city, 28 highway, vs. the 2012 six's 19/25. An Audi Q5 comes close, 20/28, but with 211 horsepower isn't as strong. Despite weighing about 400 pounds less than the X3's 4,112, a Ford Escape with a similarly spec'd engine does no better. A Mercedes GLK350? 19/24. The Volvo is even worse. Compared to cars, the X3 doesn't fare as well. The roomier, nearly as heavy 528i rates 22/33. The crossover's larger frontal area and higher ground clearance take their toll as speed climbs. In our real-world sub-freezing suburban driving, the trip computer usually reported about 21 once the engine was warmed up, matching the EPA rating and quite good for a powerful, two-ton, all-wheel-drive vehicle. Engage an aggressive Eco Pro mode for a Prius-like throttle response and ultra-low rpm shifts, and mid-20s are easily achievable while high 20s are possible. I even observed 32 over one short trip where the lights were in my favor. But the cars behind you won't be happy. Conversely, enjoy the turbo at every opportunity and fuel economy will fall into the teens. A defeatable standard auto start/stop system operates a little more smoothly than in last year's 3-Series, but not as smoothly as it ought to. see full BMW X3 review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the BMW X3

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2007	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	We get 22.5 mpg consistently in overall averaging and 26 to 27 on open road trips. see full BMW X3 review

BMW X3 Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	4dr SUV 260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Have noticed as low as 10 mpg in start and stop city driving. Average for daily driving is 14 mpg. It uses premium fuel so driving this car is already very expensive. see full BMW X3 review
2006	4dr SUV 225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	City driving fuel economy is not bad for an SUV. I average around 16MPG battling heavy traffic and my need for �enjoying using the accelerator�. Highway mileage is not so great. Cruising at 70-80MPH returns around 22MPG. see full BMW X3 review