Three-row SUV comparison · West Palm Beach, Florida
2027 Subaru Ascent vs. 2027 Nissan Pathfinder in West Palm Beach
The 2027 Ascent is the stronger shortlist choice for shoppers who want standard AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance, more third-row legroom and stronger regular-grade torque. The Pathfinder may suit families who prioritize its larger maximum cargo figure, V6 and nine-speed automatic, or available 6,000-pound towing capacity. Nissan owns the maximum-towing and cargo advantages; Ascent counters with AWD included, higher clearance and a roomier published third-row legroom figure.
Which one belongs on your shortlist?
Choose the 2027 Subaru Ascent if…
- You want AWD standard rather than moving from a front-wheel-drive headline price.
- You value 8.7 inches of clearance for rough roads, ramps and trail approaches.
- You need 31.7 inches of published third-row legroom.
- You prefer 277 lb-ft of regular-grade torque and a 5,000-pound towing maximum.
Keep the Nissan Pathfinder on your list if…
- You want a V6 with a conventional nine-speed automatic.
- You need up to 80.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume.
- You require up to 6,000 pounds of towing with the proper equipment.
- You prioritize 284 horsepower over Ascent's stronger published torque figure.
Compare exact configurations and decision points
This table keeps both vehicles in eight-seat, four-wheel-drive form. Nissan calls its system Intelligent 4WD; Subaru uses standard Symmetrical AWD.
| Decision point | 2027 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger 2.4L turbo / CVT / AWD | 2027 Nissan Pathfinder SV 4WD 3.5L V6 / 9-speed / 4WD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP before destination | $40,795 | $41,990 for SV 4WD; $39,990 headline is SV FWD |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD standard | Intelligent 4WD in the cited configuration; FWD also offered |
| Published output | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | 284 hp / 259 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | Nine-speed automatic |
| Passenger seating | 8; seven-seat layout also available | Up to 8 |
| Third-row legroom | 31.7 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Maximum published cargo volume | 75.6 cu. ft. | 80.5 cu. ft. |
| Minimum ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.1 inches; Rock Creek 7.7 inches |
| Maximum towing capacity | 5,000 lb. when properly equipped | 6,000 lb. available with applicable tow hitch/equipment |
Manufacturer MSRPs exclude destination, taxes, title, license, options, dealer-installed equipment and dealer charges unless specifically stated. Dealer prices vary. EPA estimates are for comparison and actual mileage varies. Schumacher Subaru of West Palm Beach can provide current inventory and itemized pricing only for the Subaru vehicles it sells; it cannot quote or verify another dealer's price, fees, incentives or payments.
Where Nissan Pathfinder has an advantage—and what Ascent offers instead
Pathfinder tows up to 1,000 pounds more
Nissan's available 6,000-pound rating is a real advantage for shoppers whose loaded trailer exceeds 5,000 pounds. Ascent does not overcome it. Subaru counters with 8.7 inches of clearance, more third-row legroom and AWD included at its lower published starting MSRP.
Pathfinder has more maximum cargo space
Nissan publishes 80.5 cubic feet versus Ascent's 75.6. Ascent's counterbalance is 3.7 more inches of third-row legroom and standard AWD, but families should test the cargo opening and passenger/cargo balance in person.
Pathfinder offers a V6 and nine-speed automatic
Pathfinder has 24 more horsepower and a conventional automatic. Ascent has 18 more lb-ft of torque on regular trims and standard AWD. Neither advantage makes transmission feel subjective, so an actual drive matters.
What if fuel economy or a hybrid is the priority?
The cited 2027 Ascent and Pathfinder lineups are gasoline-only. Ascent does not offer a hybrid for this model year, and Nissan's official Pathfinder press kit does not list a hybrid configuration.
If a hybrid is required now, neither exact vehicle meets that requirement. If gasoline remains acceptable, compare the exact 4WD fuel-economy labels, seating, towing equipment and real cargo needs rather than using a front-wheel-drive headline number.
Build a useful West Palm Beach comparison drive
Schumacher Subaru serves West Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and communities north toward Jupiter and Stuart. A short route can reveal more than a generic ranking:
- Place the regular third-row passengers in both vehicles and compare the published 3.7-inch legroom difference in real seating positions.
- Use Okeechobee Boulevard and an I-95 merge to compare the turbo/CVT and V6/nine-speed powertrain behavior.
- Load the gear you actually carry and keep the third row in its normal position; maximum cargo numbers assume seats are folded.
- If towing, calculate loaded trailer weight, passengers and cargo, then verify the individual vehicle's equipment and owner's manual.
Visit Schumacher Subaru: 3021 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. Contact Sales before traveling so the exact Ascent trim and test-drive time can be confirmed. Courtesy delivery for a completed new-vehicle purchase may be available to agreed locations from West Palm Beach through Port St. Lucie; ask the team to confirm eligibility and timing.
Questions shoppers ask about Ascent and Nissan Pathfinder
Which can tow more?
Pathfinder offers up to 6,000 pounds with the applicable tow hitch/equipment. Ascent publishes up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Which has more third-row legroom?
Subaru publishes 31.7 inches for Ascent, compared with Nissan's 28.0 inches for Pathfinder.
Which has more cargo room?
Pathfinder publishes 80.5 cubic feet maximum, versus 75.6 for Ascent Premium.
Can Schumacher Subaru quote a Nissan Pathfinder?
No. We can provide current availability and itemized pricing for an Ascent. Nissan specifications and MSRP references come from Nissan's official press kit.
Compare the Subaru before you decide
Tell our West Palm Beach team which priorities control your decision. We can show an available Ascent, explain its exact equipment and provide itemized Subaru pricing. You do not need to own the competing brand or have a trade.
Optional: estimate the value of any trade. A trade is not required to use this guide or contact the Sales team.
