Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the Pathfinder beats their 21 mpg average by 2 mpg, about $159 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1987, the 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid (2014–2015), does 26 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.6L 8-cyl (2004–2012), 14.7: $1,135 a year apart.
Every Nissan Pathfinder engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl Hybrid | 25 / 28 | 2014–2015 | $1,477 | |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 19.4 / 25.7 | 2003–2026 | $1,753 | |
| 4L 6-cyl | 14.8 / 21.8 | 2005–2012 | $2,220 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 15 / 17.7 | 1987–1989 | $2,400 | |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 14.4 / 18 | 1996–2002 | $2,400 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 14.6 / 17.3 | 1987–1995 | $2,510 | |
| 5.6L 8-cyl | 12.8 / 18.2 | 2004–2012 | $2,612 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Cherokee gets 37 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2026 Pathfinder. The Pathfinder costs the most of them to run: $632 a year more than the Jeep Cherokee.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026 | −$159 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,767 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder gives up 6 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 21 in the city, $407 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +6 mpg (29%) | Typical for its type |
How the Pathfinder changed over the years
The Pathfinder peaked in 2015 at 24.5 mpg (22.5 city, 27.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2004 at 15 — 9.5 mpg apart, or $993 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 23. The biggest single-year change came in 2013: 16 to 22 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2025 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2024 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2023 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2022 | 21 / 26 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2020 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2019 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2018 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2017 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2016 | 20 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 22.5 / 27.5 | 2 | $1,567 | |
| 2014 | 22.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,600 | |
| 2013 | 20 / 25 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2012 | 14 / 20 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2011 | 14 / 20 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2010 | 14 / 20 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2009 | 14 / 20.5 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 2008 | 14 / 20 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 2007 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2006 | 14 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2005 | 14 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 2004 | 13.5 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,560 | |
| 2003 | 14 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2002 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2001 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 2000 | 15 / 17 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1999 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1998 | 14 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1997 | 15 / 18 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1996 | 15 / 19 | 1 | $2,400 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 50 EPA ratings of the Nissan Pathfinder — 7 engines across 1987–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,767. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder get?
23 mpg combined, 21 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1987 the Pathfinder has averaged 18.1 mpg.
Is the 2026 Pathfinder more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which Pathfinder year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 24.5 mpg combined (22.5 city, 27.5 highway).
Does the Pathfinder get better gas mileage than the Jeep Cherokee?
No: 23 mpg for the 2026 Pathfinder against 37 for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, about $632 a year more to run.
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