Nissan Frontier 2WD
21 MPG The 2026 Nissan Frontier 2WD is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2026 run it averages 19.8 MPG, essentially flat across 29 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2950 | 423 | 1 |
| 2025 | 21 MPG | 19 | 24 | $2950 | 432 | 1 |
| 2024 | 21 MPG | 18 | 24 | $2950 | 437 | 1 |
| 2023 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3025 | 441 | 2 |
| 2022 | 20 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3100 | 444 | 1 |
| 2021 | 20 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3100 | 445 | 1 |
| 2020 | 20 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3100 | 445 | 1 |
| 2019 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3213 | 462 | 4 |
| 2018 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3213 | 464 | 4 |
| 2017 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3213 | 464 | 4 |
| 2016 | 19.3 MPG | 17.3 | 22.3 | $3250 | 462 | 4 |
| 2015 | 19.3 MPG | 17.3 | 22.5 | $3250 | 462 | 4 |
| 2014 | 19.3 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3250 | 463 | 4 |
| 2013 | 19.3 MPG | 17 | 22.5 | $3250 | 464 | 4 |
| 2012 | 18.5 MPG | 16.8 | 21.3 | $3388 | 484 | 4 |
| 2011 | 18.5 MPG | 16.8 | 21.3 | $3388 | 484 | 4 |
| 2010 | 18.5 MPG | 16.8 | 21.3 | $3388 | 484 | 4 |
| 2009 | 18.8 MPG | 16.8 | 21.3 | $3338 | 477 | 4 |
| 2008 | 18.5 MPG | 16.8 | 21.3 | $3388 | 484 | 4 |
| 2007 | 20 MPG | 18 | 22.5 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 2006 | 20 MPG | 18 | 22.5 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 18 | 22.5 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 2004 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23 | $3075 | 436 | 2 |
| 2003 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 22.5 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 2002 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 22.5 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 2001 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 23 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 2000 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 23 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 1999 | 20 MPG | 18.5 | 23 | $3125 | 445 | 2 |
| 1998 | 20.5 MPG | 18.5 | 23 | $3075 | 436 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 29 standard pickup trucks 2wd models tracked here, the Nissan Frontier 2WD ranks 4 on current figures, against a class average of 18.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Mazda B2300 2WD (22), Ford Ranger 2WD (23), Ram 1500 HFE 2WD (23).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 423 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Frontier 2WD get?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier 2WD is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 19 city and 24 highway. Across all 29 model years in the database it averages 19.8 MPG, ranging from 17 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Frontier 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2950.
Has the Nissan Frontier 2WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 21 MPG today against 20.5 in 1998 — essentially flat across 29 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Nissan Frontier 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 4 of 29 in the Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.6 MPG. That is 2.4 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.