Nissan Truck 4WD
16 MPG The 1997 Nissan Truck 4WD is EPA-rated at 16 MPG combined (15 city / 18 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 938 gallons, $3000 a year in fuel, or $0.200 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1997 run it averages 16.1 MPG, falling by 1.5 MPG over 12 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 | $0.156 | $1563 | $2344 | $3125 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.219 | $2188 | $3281 | $4375 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.281 | $2813 | $4219 | $5625 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.313 | $3125 | $4688 | $6250 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 16 MPG | 15 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1996 | 16 MPG | 15 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 1 |
| 1995 | 15.7 MPG | 14.7 | 17.7 | $3983 | 569 | 3 |
| 1994 | 16.3 MPG | 14.7 | 18.7 | $3833 | 547 | 3 |
| 1993 | 16 MPG | 14.7 | 18.3 | $3917 | 560 | 3 |
| 1992 | 16.3 MPG | 15 | 18.7 | $3833 | 547 | 3 |
| 1991 | 16.3 MPG | 15 | 18.7 | $3833 | 547 | 3 |
| 1989 | 15.3 MPG | 14 | 17 | $4083 | 583 | 3 |
| 1988 | 15.3 MPG | 14.3 | 17 | $4083 | 583 | 3 |
| 1987 | 15 MPG | 14.3 | 17 | $4167 | 594 | 3 |
| 1986 | 18 MPG | 16.5 | 20 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 1985 | 17.5 MPG | 16.5 | 20 | $3550 | 508 | 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 models tracked here, the Nissan Truck 4WD ranks 12 on current figures, against a class average of 15.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: GMC Sierra 1500 2WD (16.1), Chevrolet C2500 Pickup 2WD (17), Chevrolet K2500 Pickup 4WD (17), Jeep Comanche Pickup 4WD (17), Mazda B2600i 4x4 (17).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 555 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Truck 4WD get?
The 1997 Nissan Truck 4WD is rated at 16 MPG combined by the EPA — 15 city and 18 highway. Across all 12 model years in the database it averages 16.1 MPG, ranging from 14 to 18 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Truck 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 16 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 938 gallons — roughly $3000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.200 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $3900.
Has the Nissan Truck 4WD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 17.5 MPG in 1985 to 16 in 1997. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Nissan Truck 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 12 of 29 in the Standard Pickup Trucks class on current figures, against a class average of 15.5 MPG. That is 0.5 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.