2020 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2020 Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and 2020 Subaru Ascent contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2020 Subaru Ascent.
When we compare the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder's and the 2020 Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars and base engine power. The 2020 Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of resale value and interior volume. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and 2020 Subaru Ascent have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder's and the 2020 Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2020 Nissan Pathfinder ranges from $18,406 to $29,851 while a used 2020 Subaru Ascent is priced between $22,499 to $33,588.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder loses 52.7 percent of its value and the 2020 Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Subaru Ascent retains 8.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder’s base engine makes 284 horsepower, and the 2020 Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. Both the Pathfinder and the Ascent are rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 527 and 521 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2020 Subaru Ascent has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, and cargo space. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and 2020 Subaru Ascent are comparable in regards to front leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder and the 2020 Subaru Ascent have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,980
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,675 - $36,120
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$31,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$23,675 - $36,120
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$23,638
Price Range:
$18,406 - $29,851
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,718
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,600 - $37,369
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
506
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
65,408
# Good or Great Deals:
216
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,038
Price Range:
$22,499 - $33,588
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,718
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,600 - $37,369
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
251
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
66,720
# Good or Great Deals:
130
Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.2 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.6
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
44.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Subaru Ascent
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 31.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
12
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1 - 31.3
Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 17Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
34 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 59Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Summary Review
The three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive segment.
Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Pros and Cons
- “Right-sized” for this three-row segment (not huge, but certainly not small)
- Selectable modes to optimize optional AWD system
- Impressive suite of standard safety features
- Intuitive touchscreen infotainment system
- No green (hybrid/electric) version available
- Handling can be lackluster
Pros and Cons
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, S, SL, SV
2020 Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
259 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 527 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
405 / 521 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
154.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
86.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4287 lbs
Width:
77.3 inches
Height:
70.6 inches
Length:
198.5 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4430 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Magnetic Black Pearl
Blue
Caspian Blue Metallic
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Not available
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
