Nissan Pathfinder 2WD
23 MPG The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD is EPA-rated at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 652 gallons, $2087 a year in fuel, or $0.139 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–2026 run it averages 18.4 MPG, improving by 8 MPG over 37 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.109 | $1087 | $1630 | $2174 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.130 | $1304 | $1957 | $2609 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.139 | $1391 | $2087 | $2783 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.152 | $1522 | $2283 | $3043 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.174 | $1739 | $2609 | $3478 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.196 | $1957 | $2935 | $3913 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.217 | $2174 | $3261 | $4348 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 23 MPG | 21 | 27 | $2700 | 382 | 1 |
| 2025 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 390 | 1 |
| 2024 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 388 | 1 |
| 2023 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 390 | 1 |
| 2022 | 23 MPG | 21 | 26 | $2700 | 386 | 1 |
| 2020 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 392 | 1 |
| 2019 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 395 | 1 |
| 2018 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 395 | 1 |
| 2017 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 395 | 1 |
| 2016 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 390 | 1 |
| 2015 | 23 MPG | 20 | 27 | $2700 | 389 | 1 |
| 2014 | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
| 2013 | 22 MPG | 20 | 25 | $2850 | 406 | 1 |
| 2012 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2011 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2010 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2009 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20.5 | $4850 | 558 | 2 |
| 2008 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4850 | 558 | 2 |
| 2007 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 2006 | 17 MPG | 14 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 2005 | 17 MPG | 14 | 21 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 2004 | 16 MPG | 15 | 19 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 2003 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 18.5 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 2002 | 16 MPG | 14.3 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 3 |
| 2001 | 16 MPG | 14.3 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 3 |
| 2000 | 15.5 MPG | 14.5 | 17.5 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 1999 | 16 MPG | 14.3 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 6 |
| 1998 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 1997 | 16 MPG | 15 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 1996 | 16 MPG | 15 | 18.5 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 1995 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 1994 | 15 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
| 1993 | 15.5 MPG | 14.5 | 18 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 1992 | 15.5 MPG | 14.5 | 18 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 1991 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 18 | $3900 | 558 | 2 |
| 1990 | 15.5 MPG | 14.5 | 17.5 | $4025 | 574 | 2 |
| 1989 | 15 MPG | 14.5 | 16.5 | $4150 | 592 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 70 sport utility vehicle - 2wd models tracked here, the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD ranks 12 on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Ford Escape FWD FFV (24), Hyundai Tucson 2WD (24), Jeep Compass 2WD (24.3), Jeep Patriot 2WD (24.3), Chevrolet HHR FWD (24.8).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 382 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD get?
The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder 2WD is rated at 23 MPG combined by the EPA — 21 city and 27 highway. Across all 37 model years in the database it averages 18.4 MPG, ranging from 15 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Pathfinder 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 23 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 652 gallons — roughly $2087 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.139 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2700.
Has the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 15 MPG in 1989 to 23 in 2026 — an improvement of 8 MPG, or 53% across 37 model years.
Is the Nissan Pathfinder 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 12 of 70 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 20.7 MPG. That is 2.3 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.