The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD 3.5L V6 gets 23 MPG combined. While it’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV, it offers a reasonable balance for families who want a capable and comfortable vehicle without the cost of a luxury SUV. This Pathfinder is a practical choice, and its fuel economy reflects that. It’s good enough to get the job done without being class-leading.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD gets 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. These numbers depend a lot on how you drive. Stop-and-go traffic will lower the city MPG, while consistent highway driving at reasonable speeds should deliver numbers close to, or even better than, the EPA estimate. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is designed for optimal fuel efficiency. It constantly adjusts gear ratios to keep the engine in its most efficient range. However, CVTs in vehicles like the Pathfinder can sometimes feel strained when accelerating quickly or climbing steep hills, which can decrease efficiency. Understanding how the CVT works and adapting your driving style is key to getting the EPA numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD 3.5L V6 at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual costs may be different, depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. The Pathfinder is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, but some drivers may choose premium in the hopes of improving performance or fuel economy. Unless Nissan specifically recommends it, the added cost of premium fuel probably won’t be worth it. You can compare PATHFINDER MPG across all years here.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Under typical driving conditions, expect to see numbers somewhere between the city and highway estimates, closer to the combined figure of 23 MPG. Heavy loads, frequent short trips, and aggressive driving can all lower fuel economy. Gentle acceleration, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you get numbers closer to the EPA highway estimate. Online forums and fuel tracking apps have data from other Pathfinder owners, which can give you a more realistic idea of what to expect.

How it compares

The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder’s fuel economy is about average compared to its competitors. The Toyota Highlander LE, for example, gets 21 MPG city and 29 MPG highway with its standard V6 engine, which is slightly better on the highway. The Honda Pilot LX gets 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway, about the same as the Pathfinder. The Ford Explorer XLT, with its 2.3L EcoBoost engine, gets 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. These small differences can add up over a year. Buyers considering the Pathfinder probably prioritize space, price, and reliability over fuel economy. Knowing what the competition offers helps with making an informed decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the levels in your owner’s manual.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Nissan Pathfinder, especially with the CVT, works best with smooth, gradual acceleration. Look ahead and avoid sudden stops. This will improve fuel economy and reduce wear and tear on your brakes.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Extra cargo reduces fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need, especially heavy ones, to reduce the load and improve efficiency. Remove roof racks when you’re not using them.

Plan your trips efficiently. Avoid detours and combine errands into one trip. This reduces the number of cold starts, which use a lot of fuel. A good route can save time and fuel.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine is more efficient. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual, including regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections. You can also view all Nissan fuel economy data on FuelEconomyHub.