- Newest year: 2012
- Gas
- Standard SUVs
2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder MPG & Fuel Cost
8 model years · 14–18 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 1 of 10 standard SUV configurations, MY2012. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder at a glance
The 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder covers 8 model years in the EPA database (25 configurations in all), rated 14–18 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2012, costs about $4,620 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (17 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; 2006 repeat the values of the year before. The best combined rating in the generation, 18 MPG, was reached in 2009 and 2010.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Gas | 15–17 MPG | $4,620–$5,520 | Ratings changed |
| 2011 | Gas | 15–17 MPG | $4,620–$5,520 | Ratings changed |
| 2010 | Gas | 14–18 MPG | $4,460–$5,740 | Ratings changed |
| 2009 | Gas | 14–18 MPG | $4,460–$5,740 | Ratings changed |
| 2008 | Gas | 14–17 MPG | $4,730–$5,740 | Ratings changed |
| 2007 | Gas | 16–17 MPG | $4,730–$5,020 | Ratings changed |
| 2006 | Gas | 16–17 MPG | $3,840–$4,080 | Same EPA ratings as 2005 |
| 2005 | Gas | 16–17 MPG | $3,840–$4,080 | First year |
What the 2012 Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD costs to drive
Per month
$385
$4,620 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$7.70
Per 100 miles
$30.80
Five years
$23,100
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the standard SUV median
$1,170more a year
Class median $3,450 a year, MY2012
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2012 Nissan Pathfinder MPG
Versus 2011: The most efficient configuration stays at 17 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $4,620.
Gas configurations (3)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,620 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,900 |
| Pathfinder 5.6L 8-cyl | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,520 |
3 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2011 Nissan Pathfinder MPG
15–17 MPG · $4,620–$5,520/yr
Versus 2010: The most efficient configuration moves from 18 to 17 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $4,460 to $4,620, $160 more.
Gas configurations (3)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,620 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,910 |
| Pathfinder 5.6L 8-cyl | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,520 |
3 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2010 Nissan Pathfinder MPG
14–18 MPG · $4,460–$5,740/yr
Versus 2009: The most efficient configuration stays at 18 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $4,460.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FE (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,730 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,020 |
| Pathfinder 5.6L 8-cyl | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 14 | $5,740 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2009 Nissan Pathfinder MPG
14–18 MPG · $4,460–$5,740/yr
Versus 2008: The most efficient configuration moves from 17 to 18 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $4,730 to $4,460, $270 less.
Gas configurations (5)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FE (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,730 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,020 |
| Pathfinder 5.6L 8-cyl RWD | 5.6L 8-cyl | RWD | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,360 |
| Pathfinder 5.6L 8-cyl 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 14 | $5,740 |
5 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2008 Nissan Pathfinder MPG
14–17 MPG · $4,730–$5,740/yr
Versus 2007: The most efficient configuration stays at 17 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $4,730.
Gas configurations (4)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,730 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,020 |
| Pathfinder 5.6L 8-cyl RWD | 5.6L 8-cyl | RWD | 13 | 18 | 15 | $5,360 |
| Pathfinder 5.6L 8-cyl 4WD | 5.6L 8-cyl | 4WD | 12 | 18 | 14 | $5,740 |
4 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2007 Nissan Pathfinder MPG
16–17 MPG · $4,730–$5,020/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2006: The most efficient configuration stays at 17 MPG. Its annual cost goes from $3,840 to $4,730, $890 more.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 15 | 22 | 17 | $4,730 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,020 |
2 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2006 Nissan Pathfinder MPG
Same EPA ratings as 2005
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
EPA lists the same ratings for the 2006 Nissan Pathfinder as for the 2005 model, so the configurations and costs are the ones in the 2005 section above.See 2005
2005 Nissan Pathfinder MPG
16–17 MPG · $3,840–$4,080/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD (Most efficient) | 4.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 17 | $3,840 |
| Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,080 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD: $5,510 in California and $4,000 in Texas, a $1,510 difference.
- California $5,510
- Washington $5,180
- New York $4,560
- Florida $4,220
- Texas $4,000
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2012 standard SUV models.
Generations
- 2000-2004 (R50)
- 2005-2012 (R51)
- 2013-2020 (R52)
- 2022-2026 (5th gen)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder get?
EPA rates the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder at 14–18 MPG combined across 25 configurations and 8 model years. The most efficient version, the 2010 FE 4.0L 6-cyl RWD, is rated 18 MPG (15 city, 22 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
The FE 4.0L 6-cyl RWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 18 MPG, in 2009 and 2010. The lowest top rating, 17 MPG, was in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2012.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2006 the values repeat the year before.
How does the 2005-2012 Nissan Pathfinder compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2000-2004 Nissan Pathfinder) is rated 14–16 MPG combined and costs $4,080–$4,670 a year to fuel; the 2005-2012 model is rated 14–18 MPG and costs $3,840–$5,740 a year.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD costs about $4,620 a year. Across all 3 configurations the cost runs $4,620–$5,520 a year. That is a $900 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 100 miles?
About $30.80 per 100 miles for the Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $30.80 and $36.80 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD is rated 15 city and 22 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 7 MPG.
How does the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder compare with other standard SUV configurations?
The Pathfinder 4.0L 6-cyl RWD costs about $4,620 a year to fuel, $1,170 more than the class median of $3,450, and less than 1 of 10 standard SUV configurations. The comparison covers all 273 rated standard SUV configurations for MY2012, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder different from the 2011 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 17 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $4,620. EPA lists 3 configurations for 2012 against 3 configurations for 2011. See the 2011 Nissan Pathfinder for that year.