Nissan Pathfinder vs. Subaru Forester MPG

Chart is based on 126 fuel economy reports for the Nissan Pathfinder and 752 fuel economy reports for the Subaru Forester.

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
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
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

Return to top

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

Subaru Forester 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
2018	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	flat	light	light	0	10	30	60	100	32.4
2017	4dr SUV turbocharged 250hp 2.0L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD	hills	light	none	11	54	2	33	93	20.5
2016	4dr SUV turbocharged 250hp 2.0L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD	flat	light	light	44	8	9	38	70	25.1
2016	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	hills	light	light	0	10	10	80	60	27.7
2015	4dr SUV turbocharged 237hp 2.0L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD	flat	med	none	4	4	19	73	118	24.6
2015	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	flat	light	light	3	7	9	81	80	30.7
2014	4dr SUV turbocharged 250hp 2.0L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD	flat	v.lt	hvy	10	40	40	10	65	27.2
Looking for a warranty? Get a quote.
2014	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	flat	light	hvy	30	20	40	10	70	24.0
2014	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD	flat	light	light	0	5	18	77	62	28.8
2013.5	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	flat	light	hvy	5	5	80	10	100	28.0
2013	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	hills	light	light	5	8	31	55	69	25.4
2013	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	light	light	0	10	41	49	70	25.6
2011	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	mtns	light	none	0	5	45	50	60	24.5
2011	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	2	15	15	69	71	24.9
2011	4dr SUV 148-horsepower 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	none	50	30	10	10	100	26.1
2010	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	18	18	35	29	65	20.3
2010	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	hills	med	none	2	18	40	42	60	24.2
2010	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	hills	light	light	6	23	26	44	62	24.5
2009	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	light	14	14	0	71	142	16.8
2009	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	med	light	15	35	20	31	71	20.4
2009	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	10	23	26	41	80	24.2
2009	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	flat	light	light	8	14	33	46	68	24.1
2008	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	0	10	70	20	55	24.9
2008	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	light	29	4	1	66	68	27.1
2007	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	light	10	0	15	75	75	20.4
2007	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	none	0	0	25	75	68	22.4
2007	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	1	36	33	30	85	25.2
2007	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	5	33	18	45	73	26.2
2006	4dr SUV turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	none	11	10	22	58	116	21.9
2006	4dr SUV turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	light	15	0	20	65	110	25.3
2006	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	none	0	0	50	50	69	25.5
2006	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	light	6	28	21	45	68	23.7
2005	4dr SUV turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	hvy	0	0	0	100	70	21.0
2005	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	lead	light	5	20	33	43	81	25.6
2005	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	hills	light	light	4	12	46	38	74	24.0
2004	4dr SUV turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	light	9	8	8	76	73	22.2
2004	4dr SUV turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	light	6	26	18	50	79	21.6
2004	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	hills	light	light	2	12	21	66	69	27.3
2004	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	none	9	33	23	36	60	23.7
2003	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	hills	med	light	9	10	28	53	68	25.3
2003	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	light	11	17	27	45	69	22.2
2002	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	hills	light	none	2	15	65	18	64	25.9
2002	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	light	5	31	19	45	59	22.9
2001	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	2	10	22	67	68	27.3
2001	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	med	hvy	4	3	82	11	59	19.4
2000	4dr SUV 165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD	flat	light	light	10	20	0	70	60	21.0

Return to top

This page shows only averages. See all the Subaru Forester fuel economy data.

See TrueDelta's information for all SUVs

See TrueDelta's information for all Nissan models and Subaru models.

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 Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2014	Subaru's latest engines when paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) earn much better EPA numbers than their ancestors. The 2013 Forester rated only 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. The 2014 checks in at 24/32, about as good as you'll find in a compact crossover with all-wheel-drive. The CR-V manages 22/30, the RAV-4 22/29. Only the Mazda CX-5 comes close, 25/31 or 24/30, depending on engine size (you want the larger one with the slightly lower EPA numbers). In suburban driving I observed trip computer averages of 23 to 27 once the engine was warmed up. But 15 for the first couple of miles--it was cold and snowy the week I had the car. (This big difference when the engine is warming up is typical, but something many people don't realize when comparing their winter averages with the EPA ratings.) Summer fuel economy should be better. see full Subaru Forester review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2015	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	I drive mainly around town and average 26 overall. On a highway drive, I get around 33. My previous vehicle was a 2009 Escape V6 AWD, this is a definite improvement on fuel economy. I could rarely get 30 on the highway. Typically around 27. see full Subaru Forester review
2014	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	The suggested/promised MPG is pretty high and, while I haven't hit those numbers on average, I can say that I'm getting better mileage than I was getting in a smaller, non-AWD, non-SUV "sporty" car with a smaller engine. The built-in value of the vehicle is top notch... For the price, I got more equipment than I would have gotten on much of the competition...! A truly great value for the bucks....! see full Subaru Forester review
2014	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	Gas mileage is excellent for a full-time AWD car. I averaged 27 in mixe driving. see full Subaru Forester review
2014	4dr SUV turbocharged 250hp 2.0L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD	26.4 mpg isn't exactly the best ever, but for a very quick family car, it is hard to top. see full Subaru Forester review
2011	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	I've been getting higher than expected fuel economy - around 28MPG, mostly highway see full Subaru Forester review
2010	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	fuel milage around town is averaging 24 miles to the gallon, but it is still new and not being loaded. see full Subaru Forester review
2009	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	I am averaging 25 mpg in a mix of in-town and highway driving see full Subaru Forester review
2009	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	better than most comparable rigs hi-way mileage even around town see full Subaru Forester review
2009	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	I am getting 27.5 mpg with 60% town driving, the rest in hilly country. Very impressed, and the car is not even broken in yet. see full Subaru Forester review
2009	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Saves over 40% compared to last SUV see full Subaru Forester review

Subaru Forester Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2014	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	Fuel economy isn't as great as I'd hoped, but better than the previous vehicle I had - which was smaller, lighter and got worse mileage. see full Subaru Forester review
2014	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 CVT AWD	Fuel econmy is OK in summer, again would be good vehicle for california. However in Canada where we get lots of cold weather fuel economy is very poor, in fact it is worse than my BMW, which has twice the horsepower and my Honda Van, what gives? Plus you are freezing inside in the winter see full Subaru Forester review
2011	4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Mileage is sub par. This Forester replaced a 2007 Ford Fusion all wheel drive. Same driving style, same route, same traffic- 2 mpg less than the V6 Fusion. see full Subaru Forester review
2010	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Handling is so pleasant that sporty driving is quite fule consuming see full Subaru Forester review
2009	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD	Only 20 mpg or so has been best fuel economy to date. see full Subaru Forester review
2009	4dr SUV turbocharged 224hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	Fuel consumption in 63000Km: -city: on the average(rush hours and non rush hours) around 15l/100Km -highway: around 9-10l/100Km at 130Km/h, 18-20l/100Km at 200-210 Km/h - other paved roads including mountain paved roads: around 11-12l/100Km - off-road: 14-16l/100Km see full Subaru Forester review
2006	4dr SUV 173-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	Fuel economy not as good as the CR-V, though the more powerful engine was the reason. see full Subaru Forester review
2006	4dr SUV turbocharged 230hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD	Some people look at the XT's ratings and think 19-24 is horrible AND you have to buy premium gas! Not me. Don't mind it one bit. Do the math: $3 extra over regular unleaded at the pump every fill-up, 4 times a month (although I fill up less), that's $12/month. Multiply by 12 months and you're looking at $144/year! That's nothing to pay for the fun added to your driving experience! Some people pay more than that for one nice dinner out! see full Subaru Forester review
2004	4dr SUV turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 5-speed manual AWD	Takes a lot of fuel and also require Super. Youve got to pay to play. see full Subaru Forester review
2004	4dr SUV turbocharged 210hp 2.5L I4 4-speed automatic AWD	Fuel economy is hit or miss. I've seen anywhere from 14-20 in the city with no discernable difference in driving habits. On the highway I've seen anywhere from 19-26. Once again, with no discernable difference in driving style, speed, or weather. There is just no predictability. see full Subaru Forester review