Family-friendly suv showdown: subaru ascent vs nissan pathfinder – which one will win your heart?

In the competitive world of 7-passenger SUVs, the Subaru Ascent and the Nissan Pathfinder stand out as formidable contenders. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and impressive off-road capabilities. But which one emerges as the ultimate choice for discerning drivers? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the details of the Subaru Ascent vs Pathfinder to help you make an informed decision.

Interior Space and Comfort

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent boasts a cavernous cabin with ample headroom and legroom for all three rows of seating. The second row offers adjustable seats with generous legroom, while the third row provides comfortable accommodations even for adults. With 19.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, the Ascent offers ample storage for family adventures.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder’s interior is equally spacious, featuring a well-designed layout that maximizes passenger comfort. The second-row captain‘s chairs offer exceptional legroom, and the third row folds down easily to expand cargo capacity to 16.6 cubic feet. However, the Pathfinder’s overall cargo space is slightly less than the Ascent’s.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers ample power for everyday driving and towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. While it offers slightly more horsepower, the Pathfinder’s fuel economy is slightly lower, with ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Its towing capacity is also lower at 6,000 pounds.

Safety Features

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder also earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It offers an equally impressive array of safety features, including Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Off-Road Capabilities

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent’s standard all-wheel drive system, X-Mode, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provide impressive off-road capabilities. It can tackle rough terrain with ease and offers a comfortable ride on paved roads.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder’s all-wheel drive system, Intelligent 4×4, and 7.9 inches of ground clearance offer decent off-road performance. However, it may struggle on more challenging terrain compared to the Ascent.

Technology and Connectivity

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. It also offers a variety of advanced driver assistance systems, such as lane centering assist and adaptive headlights.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder’s infotainment system is equally advanced, featuring a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Bose Premium audio system. It offers a similar range of driver assistance features, including ProPILOT Assist, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Reliability and Resale Value

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent has a solid reputation for reliability, with few reported major issues. It consistently ranks high in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study. The resale value of the Ascent is also expected to be strong, thanks to its high demand and reputation for durability.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder has a slightly lower reliability rating than the Ascent, but it is still considered a reliable vehicle overall. It has improved significantly in recent years, and its resale value is expected to be comparable to the Ascent.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Subaru Ascent: The Ascent is available in six trim levels, ranging from the base Premium to the top-of-the-line Touring. Prices start at $33,495 for the base model and go up to $48,395 for the Touring trim.

Nissan Pathfinder: The Pathfinder is offered in five trim levels, from the S to the Platinum. Prices start at $36,850 for the base model and top out at $50,200 for the Platinum trim.

Summary: The Ultimate Choice

The Subaru Ascent and the Nissan Pathfinder are both excellent 7-passenger SUVs that offer a wide range of features and capabilities. However, the Ascent emerges as the overall winner due to its superior interior space, better fuel economy, and more advanced safety features. Its off-road capabilities are also more impressive, making it the ideal choice for adventurous families.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?
The Subaru Ascent has a larger cargo capacity than the Nissan Pathfinder, with 19.6 cubic feet behind the third row compared to 16.6 cubic feet.

2. Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
The Subaru Ascent offers slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Pathfinder, with ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

3. Which vehicle has more advanced safety features?
Both the Subaru Ascent and the Nissan Pathfinder offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, but the Ascent’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is considered to be more advanced and effective.