When Nissan launched the Pathfinder back in 1986, it was a rough and tumble SUV based on the compact Hardbody pickup truck. As the years went on, the Pathfinder became more refined and eventually became one of the key sub-luxury SUVs on the market. The 2001 Pathfinder featured an all-new 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 240 or 250 horsepower, depending on the transmission. The estimated fuel economy on the 2001 Pathfinder varied, depending on the driveline.
The two-wheel-drive variants of the 2001 Pathfinder were, of course, the most fuel efficient. With the five-speed manual transmission, the Pathfinder's estimate mileage ratings were 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. The EPA rated the Pathfinder with the automatic transmission and two-wheel drive at 14 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined.
Four-wheel drive dropped the 2001 Pathfinder's estimated mileage only slightly. Regardless of the transmission, the EPA rated the Pathfinder with four-wheel drive at 14 mpg city, 17 mph highway and 15 mpg combined.
