Nissan Pathfinder vs. Hyundai Santa Fe MPG

Chart is based on 126 fuel economy reports for the Nissan Pathfinder and 273 fuel economy reports for the Hyundai Santa Fe.

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.

Hyundai Santa Fe 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 290-horsepower 3.3L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	0	20	20	60	60	21.0
2012	4dr SUV turbocharged 194hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	0	0	15	85	60	26.7
2012	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	none	0	15	0	85	75	22.3
2012	4dr SUV 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	none	0	9	18	72	116	21.1
2011	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	5	12	40	43	95	20.4
2010	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	67	2	32	65	21.3
2010	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	5	12	17	66	88	21.1
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2010	4dr SUV 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	v.lt	none	7	21	31	41	100	22.8
2009	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	4	40	11	44	76	17.2
2009	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	med	light	1	18	27	54	109	19.5
2009	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	mtns	light	light	40	40	5	15	70	19.4
2008	4dr SUV turbocharged 148hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	3	14	3	81	100	28.8
2008	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	8	16	23	53	67	22.9
2008	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	11	23	23	43	79	18.7
2008	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	11	13	28	49	68	21.4
2008	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	0	0	31	69	60	22.5
2007	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	5	10	19	66	100	21.6
2007	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	5	12	41	42	71	19.8
2007	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	5	17	17	62	69	21.5
2007	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	10	31	2	57	97	20.0
2006	4dr SUV turbocharged 148hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	v.lt	light	40	20	20	20	60	24.0
2006	4dr SUV turbocharged 148hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	5	5	88	2	60	29.1
2006	4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	27	33	10	30	68	18.2
2006	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	5	25	50	20	70	23.3
2005	4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	0	0	50	50	60	17.0
2005	4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	0	13	45	42	68	18.6
2005	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	67	20	5	8	60	20.2
2005	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	18	6	12	64	90	20.3
2004	4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	20	60	0	20	70	18.0
2004	4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	21	25	26	30	68	19.5
2004	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	10	40	30	20	60	22.0
2003	4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	none	10	10	35	45	68	16.8
2003	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	none	8	23	30	40	65	20.8
2003	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	0	90	0	10	70	20.0
2002	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	hvy	18	5	32	46	65	21.0
2002	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	1	43	5	52	95	19.8

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This page shows only averages. See all the Hyundai Santa Fe 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

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Hyundai Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr SUV turbocharged 194hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual AWD	Date is Sept 30 2013. It has a 2.2 litre diesel engine with manual gearbox. 6th gear is very useful on a long run as it acts as an overdrive. It has travelled 7509 miles at average of 38.42mpg imperial. It will easily exceed 41mpg on a long run. My Kia Sportage diesel travelled 15051 miles and averaged 37.85mpg imperial. Both vehicles were full of luggage for 29% of their mileage. Worst fuel consumption was 32.23mpg over 495 miles, all short runs so no complaints there. Best was 41.47mpg over 523 miles. Kia Sportage best was 48.59mpg and worst was 29.88mpg see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2010	4dr SUV 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Can be better but equal to my previos 2007 tucson see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2008	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	We have only filled it up 3 times. Which only gives us two checks of MPG. First was 20.94 and the second was 21.96. With fewer than 1000 miles on the car our MPG could change. The sedan we traded averaged 22.8 so I will be happy if our mileage comes close see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2008	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I am currently getting an average of 22-23 MPG, mostly city driving in this vehicle. I previously had a Dodge Ram 1500 Quadcab 4x4 which got an average of 11-12 MPG in the same conditions. Gas prices have driven me to change vehicles. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2007	4dr SUV turbocharged 148hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	I drive the Diesel, so it is VERY economical. And here, on Aruba, Diesel is about 18cts per liter cheaper. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2005	4dr SUV 200-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Getting ~ 20MPG using BP regular unleaded from Kroger. Quick Trip in Loganville, GA for some as yet undetermined reason is consistently 1 to 2 MPG less??? Still, this is a far superior fuel economy realized from a full time 4WD SUV over my 96 Durango V-8 see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2004	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	For a car of this size and weight, fuel economy is decent. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review

Hyundai Santa Fe Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr SUV turbocharged 194hp 2.2L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual AWD	I would like 100 mpg on short trips. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2011	4dr SUV 276-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Guzzles in stop and go traffic. ECO indicator is just that and not entirely believable at that. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2010	4dr SUV 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Only getting between 22-23 mpg around town on 4 cyl. My previous 6 cyl got 23-24. But the 4 cyl is surprisingly peppy. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2009	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	It is a 3.3L 6 cylinder ( 242HP) engine, driven in mostly city driving....17.7 city MPG is realistic, but not amazing. In general, I would say the Santa Fe is average in fuel economy for a 6 cylinder SUV, but it is not outstanding in this area. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2008	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	got less MPG than the Escape see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2008	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	not bad for an SUV, but still expensive to fill its large tank. Goes about 600 km on a tank, at $1.20/L (in Canada) costs $80 see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2007	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Should be able to do better than 17 MPG around town with a 2.7L. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2007	4dr SUV 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	Expected better than 20mpg see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2007	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Not bad for its class, but certainly not a fuel sipper. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review
2007	4dr SUV 242-horsepower 3.3L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Could be better. Wish it had the 6 speed auto instead of the 5speed. see full Hyundai Santa Fe review