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Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy Data

4dr SUV 170-hp 3.3L V6 4-sp automatic 4WD, part-time w/low range

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
flat light none 20 10 10 60 60 20.000

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TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
YearBody/PowertrainComment
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
 

2000 Nissan Pathfinder Gas Mileage (MPG)

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Nissan Pathfinder's real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.