Part of the reason so many families prefer midsize 3-row SUVs to minivans is the rugged image. However, some SUVs are better than others at actually delivering the goods off-road. Whether you’re looking for off-road adventures or just a little extra confidence when the roads get snowy, two strong contenders in this class are the Subaru Ascent and Nissan Pathfinder.
Let’s take a closer look at these family SUVs and see which is right for you.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent packages its beloved brand’s quirkiness and off-road talent into a practical 3-row SUV. It’s as at home on the trails as it is in the mall parking lot. Its roomy 3-row interior unquestionably makes the Ascent the most family-friendly Subaru. Pricing starts at $40,330.
Subaru Ascent Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: All-wheel drive (AWD) comes as an option on the Nissan Pathfinder, but you’ll get it standard on every Subaru Ascent. It’s the key component to making the Ascent one of the best off-roaders in its class, not to mention the convenience of all-season traction.
Spacious interior: The Subaru Ascent has a little extra room in the third row, plus a bit more cargo space behind the third row than the Nissan Pathfinder. If you have third-row passengers regularly, they’ll appreciate the extra space.
Good resale value: The Subaru Ascent’s above-average resale value means more money in your pocket when you sell or trade it in. The combination of the good resale value and the reasonable price tag makes the Ascent a great value.
Read our Subaru Ascent Expert Review or see 2025 Subaru Ascent models for sale near you.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder has evolved over the years from a rugged off-roader into a practical family SUV, but it hasn’t forgotten its roots. In its current form, the Pathfinder is a 3-row family hauler with a rugged attitude and the capability to back it up. Pricing starts at $38,460.
Nissan Pathfinder Highlights
Towing muscle: The Nissan Pathfinder’s gutsy V6 engine gives it an impressive max towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the turbocharged 4-cylinder in the Ascent can only tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is average for this class.
Rock Creek model: The Subaru Ascent has some skill off-road, but so does the Nissan Pathfinder when you opt for the Rock Creek trim. In addition to a rugged appearance package and all-wheel drive, it has all-terrain tires, an off-road suspension system, and even a little extra power and torque.
Second-row center console: One of our favorite interior options in the Nissan Pathfinder is a removable second-row center console between the available captain’s chairs. It provides two cupholders and a storage cubby, but if you’d rather have that hallway open for easier third-row access, you can pop it out and leave it in the garage.
Read our Nissan Pathfinder Expert Review or see 2025 Nissan Pathfinder models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both of these midsize 3-row SUVs successfully strike a satisfying balance between practicality and ruggedness. They also have top-notch safety ratings, both earning the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Pricing
New 2025 Subaru Ascent Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$40,330 |
$37,853 |
|||
$43,730 |
$40,826 |
|||
$47,530 |
$44,155 |
|||
$48,530 |
$45,162 |
|||
$50,530 |
$47,139 |
|||
$51,415 |
$47,898 |
New 2025 Nissan Pathfinder Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$37,790 |
$35,749 |
|||
$40,780 |
$38,577 |
|||
$43,480 |
$41,132 |
|||
$45,880 |
$43,402 |
|||
$50,030 |
$47,328 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Subaru Ascent vehicles and New 2025 Nissan Pathfinder vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Subaru Ascent | 2025 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbo 2.4-liter 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 284 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 9-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 20 city/26 highway/22 combined | 20 city/27 highway/23 combined |
| Also Available | 295-hp 3.5-liter V6 (Rock Creek), AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 8 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 inches | 114.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 196.8 inches | 197.7 inches |
| Width | 76.0 inches | 77.9 inches |
| Height | 71.6 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 38.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 42.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 40.0 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.2 inches | 37.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 42.2 inches | 44.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.6 inches | 35.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 31.7 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.1 inches | 60.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 60.3 inches | 59.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 57.2 inches | 58.4 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 17.8/43.5/75.6 cubic feet | 16.6/45/80.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
These SUVs have a lot in common. The Ascent has a little extra space and the Pathfinder can tow a little more. One of these finer details could make one a clear winner over the other, but they’re similar enough that we recommend test-driving both and going with the one that feels like a better fit.
