Nissan Pathfinder

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Nissan Pathfinder appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 21 to 23 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,800 to $3,100 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

YearCombinedAnnual fuelVersions
201621-23 MPG$2,800-$3,1003
201721-23 MPG$2,800-$3,1003
201821-23 MPG$2,800-$3,1003
201921-23 MPG$2,800-$3,1003
202021-23 MPG$2,800-$3,1003

How it compares

Against the average small sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 24 MPG), the Pathfinder sits roughly 2 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Pathfinder for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $14,000 to $15,500, averaging about $14,750 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the Pathfinder's average combined economy improved from about 22 to 22 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2020 Pathfinder has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 22 MPG, while the 2016 is the lowest at about 22 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 Pathfinder at a glance

VersionEngineFuelCombined
Pathfinder 2WD3.5L 6-cylGasoline23 MPG
Pathfinder 4WD3.5L 6-cylGasoline22 MPG
Pathfinder 4WD Platinum3.5L 6-cylGasoline21 MPG

Use the comparison tool to set the Pathfinder against a rival, or go back to all Nissan models.