The Nissan Pathfinder Ti is the most economical vehicle of the three medium four-wheel drives tested, with a weekly average running cost of only $233.79 per week.

Compared with the Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero models tested, the Pathfinder Ti is between $18 and $23 per week cheaper to operate.

In the large four-wheel drive category the Nissan Patrol ST 3.0-litre diesel and Patrol ST 4.8-litre petrol came first and second respectively, ahead of the Toyota LandCruiser petrol and diesel models.

The popular Patrol 3.0-litre turbo-diesel was easily the least expensive large four-wheel drive to operate with a weekly cost of just $228.40 – its nearest Toyota rival cost over $40 per week more to run.

Surprisingly, running costs for the Patrol 3.0-litre were lower than all the medium four-wheel drives assessed, as well as large sedans like the V8 powered Holden Statesman and Ford Fairlane Ghia.

In producing the results, the RACV based its total average costs per week on the most likely usage scenarios.

All calculations were made on the assumption that privately owned vehicles are operated for five years and travel an average annual distance of 15,000kms.

According to Nissan national marketing manager, Philip Brook, the Patrol and Pathfinder offer excellent value and the RACV’s survey provides solid evidence of this fact.

“The RACV’s results support our belief that we not only sell great four-wheel drive vehicles, but they are amongst the most economical to own as well,” said Mr Brook.