2024 Subaru Ascent vs 2024 Nissan Pathfinder

Buyers looking for a modern three-row crossover SUV have some strong choices in both of these Japanese brand vehicles. Making the right decision on your own is sometimes not that easy. In this article, we share with you what these two contenders have to offer.

Read on as we share in detail the comfort features, engines and important considerations like safety and cargo-carrying capability that these vehicles offer prospective owners. 

2024 Subaru Ascent

The 2024 Subaru Ascent, as a seven or eight-seater, is the largest vehicle that Subaru manufactures and was first introduced in 2018 with production based in the USA.

Refreshed in 2023, the Ascent sees few changes for the 2024 model, and buyers get to choose from eight trim levels: 

• Base eight-passenger
• Premium eight-passenger
• Premium seven-passenger
• Onyx Edition seven-passenger
• Limited eight-passenger
• Limited seven-passenger
• Onyx Edition Limited seven-passenger 
• Touring seven passenger

2024 Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan's mid-size SUV continues into 2024 with few changes to the redesign seen in 2022. This last refresh saw the Pathfinder getting a new rugged exterior, upgraded cabin space and enhanced AWD capability.

The 2024 model is available in five grades: S, SV, Rock Creek, SL, and Platinum.

Powertrains

Subaru has kept things simple with a single engine choice fitted across the range. The tried and trusted 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder DOHC engine makes 260 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm and has a torque output of 277 pounds per foot @ 2,000 - 4,800 rpm. 

The standard transmission is a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) coupled with the standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with X mode.

This drivetrain endows the 2024 Subaru Ascent with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. For 2024, the Nissan Pathfinder continues with a 3.5-liter, 24-valve direct injection gasoline V-6, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode.

This engine makes 284 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 259 foot-pounds of torque @ 4800 rpm, with the range-topping Rock Creek trim pushing 295 horsepower @6400 rpm and 270 foot-pounds of torque @ 4800 rpm.

Standard front-wheel drive is fitted with the option of an available all-wheel drive system. All-wheel drive adds seven drive and terrain modes, offering drivers more off-road focused drive modes such as sand and a mud/ rut mode.

A standard towing capability of 3,500 pounds is offered across all trims, and up to 6,000 pounds is available with various drivetrain options.

Exterior

The Ascent features three rows of seats accommodated in its overall length of 196.8 inches. Key highlights on the exterior are LED steering responsive headlights, a gloss black and chrome front grille, Crystal Black Silica-finish folding side mirrors are fitted on selected trims and body-color door handles are standard. Convenient raised roof rails are standard, while a power moonroof is optional on top trims.

The base model sees 18 x 7.5-inch alloy wheels fitted, going up to 20 x 7.5 inch on all other specs. Befitting its intended off-road capabilities, the Ascent offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

A total of eight exterior color choices are available for buyers of the 2024 Subaru Ascent.

On the 2024 Nissan Pathfinder, standard across-the-range features include LED headlights with LED daytime running and LED taillights, UV-reducing solar glass rear privacy glass, and a rear spoiler.

All Pathfinder models are fitted with alloy wheels ranging from 18 inches to 20 inches. Occasional off-road trail use is possible with the standard ground clearance of 7.1 inches.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Ascent features a raised driving position along with versatile seating configurations; the Subaru cabin can swallow passengers and cargo with ease. Interior appointments in upper trim levels include leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated seats, heated rear seats, a memory driver's seat, a power-adjustable passenger seat and a leather steering wheel. 

The base model sees cloth upholstery being used along with an Ivory carbon fiber-patterned accent trim, and all models feature analog instrumentation and tri-zone climate control.

Cargo carrying capacity is 43.5 cubic feet behind the second row, growing to 75.6 cubic feet behind the first seat row thanks to some clever cargo solutions, such as the velcro straps holding up the load floor for added room in the cargo area.

The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder offers cloth seat trim as standard on lower S and SV trims, with leather-appointed seating standard on the SL trim level. The platinum trim level sees quilted, semi-aniline leather seating and trim-dependent luxury features like heated front seats plus a panoramic sunroof fitted.

The Pathfinder features conveniently integrated storage cubbies throughout the cabin, and numerous storage areas are found in the way of bins and pockets for small items like smartphones and sunglasses.

Cargo loading is made easy with the folding EZ Flex seating, which allows the second and third-row seats to fold down, making for a cargo space of 80.5 cubic feet. An optional motion-activated liftgate makes cargo loading easier.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Ascent is fitted with a standard Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch display multimedia system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Six speakers are standard fitment with top trims having 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability and fitment of a Harman Kardon premium audio system and upgraded multimedia navigation.

The standard infotainment system in the Pathfinder is an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with a Nissan Connect software interface. SL and Platinum trims add a larger 9.0-inch display with standard Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto.

All trims use a six-speaker setup as standard, while the 13-speaker Bose system is optional.

The top Platinum model is kitted out with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster screen, a head-up display, and a 13-speaker Bose premium audio, offering a premium listening experience.

Safety and Driver-Assistance 

The Subaru EyeSight safety suite comes standard on all Ascent trim. Active vehicle dynamics control is standard, along with a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. A full complement of front airbags, side and curtain airbags as well as driver knee airbags are fitted to ensure occupants' safety.

Other key safety features are adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning system and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. The 2024 Pathfinders standard safety equipment includes a Nissan Advanced airbag system along with numerous driver assistance features, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlamps. 

Nissan has equipped the upper SV, SL, and Platinum trims as standard with the semi-autonomous Pro Pilot Assist driving mode. 

Find your 2024 Subaru Ascent at Granite Subaru

Contact us at Granite Subaru, here in Hudson, NH, where our dedicated Subaru team will assist you in your vehicle purchase.

Find out more about the 2024 Ascent trims or view our extensive range of new and pre-owned Subaru cars and SUVs and allow us to help you find your dream car.