Nissan Frontier 4WD
19 MPG The 2026 Nissan Frontier 4WD is EPA-rated at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 21 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 789 gallons, $2526 a year in fuel, or $0.168 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2026 run it averages 17.8 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 22 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 | $0.132 | $1316 | $1974 | $2632 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.158 | $1579 | $2368 | $3158 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.168 | $1684 | $2526 | $3368 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.184 | $1842 | $2763 | $3684 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.211 | $2105 | $3158 | $4211 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.237 | $2368 | $3553 | $4737 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.263 | $2632 | $3947 | $5263 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 MPG | 17 | 21 | $3300 | 479 | 1 |
| 2025 | 19 MPG | 17 | 21 | $3300 | 470 | 1 |
| 2024 | 20 MPG | 18 | 22 | $3100 | 438 | 1 |
| 2023 | 19.5 MPG | 17.5 | 21.5 | $3200 | 453 | 2 |
| 2022 | 19 MPG | 17 | 21 | $3300 | 458 | 1 |
| 2021 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3300 | 469 | 1 |
| 2020 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3300 | 469 | 1 |
| 2019 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21 | $3550 | 513 | 2 |
| 2018 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21 | $3550 | 513 | 2 |
| 2017 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21 | $3550 | 514 | 2 |
| 2016 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21 | $3550 | 504 | 2 |
| 2015 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21 | $3550 | 505 | 2 |
| 2014 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21 | $3550 | 507 | 2 |
| 2013 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 21 | $3550 | 507 | 2 |
| 2012 | 16.5 MPG | 15 | 19.5 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2011 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 19.5 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2010 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 19 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2009 | 16.5 MPG | 15 | 19 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2008 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 19 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2000 | 17 MPG | 16 | 19 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 1999 | 17 MPG | 16 | 19 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
| 1998 | 17 MPG | 16 | 19 | $3650 | 523 | 1 |
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 10 small pickup trucks 4wd models tracked here, the Nissan Frontier 4WD ranks 3 on current figures, against a class average of 19.0 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Toyota Tacoma 4WD (21), Ford Maverick AWD (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 479 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Frontier 4WD get?
The 2026 Nissan Frontier 4WD is rated at 19 MPG combined by the EPA — 17 city and 21 highway. Across all 22 model years in the database it averages 17.8 MPG, ranging from 16 to 20 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Frontier 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 19 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 789 gallons — roughly $2526 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.168 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $3300.
Has the Nissan Frontier 4WD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 17 MPG in 1998 to 19 in 2026 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 12% across 22 model years.
Is the Nissan Frontier 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 3 of 10 in the Small Pickup Trucks 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 19.0 MPG. That is exactly 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.