Nissan Truck Cab Chassis 2WD
12 MPG The 1989 Nissan Truck Cab Chassis 2WD is EPA-rated at 12 MPG combined (12 city / 12.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1250 gallons, $4000 a year in fuel, or $0.267 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1985–1989 run it averages 12.4 MPG, falling by 1.5 MPG over 5 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 | $0.208 | $2083 | $3125 | $4167 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.292 | $2917 | $4375 | $5833 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.375 | $3750 | $5625 | $7500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.417 | $4167 | $6250 | $8333 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 12 MPG | 12 | 12.5 | $5225 | 746 | 2 |
| 1988 | 12 MPG | 12 | 12.5 | $5225 | 746 | 2 |
| 1987 | 12 MPG | 11.5 | 12 | $5225 | 746 | 2 |
| 1986 | 12.7 MPG | 12.7 | 13 | $4967 | 709 | 3 |
| 1985 | 13.5 MPG | 13.5 | 14 | $4625 | 659 | 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 special purpose vehicle 2wd models tracked here, the Nissan Truck Cab Chassis 2WD ranks 26 on current figures, against a class average of 18.9 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: GMC S15 Cab Chassis 2WD (14), Chevrolet Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD (15), GMC Canyon Cab Chassis 2WD (15), Cadillac Commercial Chassis (16), Chevrolet Silverado Cab Chassis 2WD (16).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 746 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 11.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Truck Cab Chassis 2WD get?
The 1989 Nissan Truck Cab Chassis 2WD is rated at 12 MPG combined by the EPA — 12 city and 12.5 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 12.4 MPG, ranging from 11 to 14 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Truck Cab Chassis 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 12 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1250 gallons — roughly $4000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.267 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $5225.
Has the Nissan Truck Cab Chassis 2WD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 13.5 MPG in 1985 to 12 in 1989. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Nissan Truck Cab Chassis 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 26 of 29 in the Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.9 MPG. That is 6.9 worse 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.