Nissan Xterra 2WD
18 MPG The 2015 Nissan Xterra 2WD is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 833 gallons, $2667 a year in fuel, or $0.178 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2000–2015 run it averages 17.9 MPG, falling by 1 MPG over 16 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 | $0.139 | $1389 | $2083 | $2778 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.178 | $1778 | $2667 | $3556 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.194 | $1944 | $2917 | $3889 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.222 | $2222 | $3333 | $4444 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.278 | $2778 | $4167 | $5556 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 489 | 1 |
| 2014 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 489 | 1 |
| 2013 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 489 | 1 |
| 2012 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 2011 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 1 |
| 2010 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 20.5 | $3550 | 508 | 2 |
| 2009 | 17.5 MPG | 15.5 | 20.5 | $3550 | 508 | 2 |
| 2008 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 2007 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 2006 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 20 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2005 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 20.5 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2004 | 19 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2003 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2002 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2001 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3300 | 468 | 1 |
| 2000 | 19 MPG | 17 | 22 | $3300 | 468 | 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 70 sport utility vehicle - 2wd models tracked here, the Nissan Xterra 2WD ranks 41 on current figures, against a class average of 20.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Rendezvous FWD (19), Cadillac SRX 2WD (19), Hyundai Veracruz 2WD (19), Infiniti FX35 RWD (19), Pontiac Aztek FWD (19).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 489 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Xterra 2WD get?
The 2015 Nissan Xterra 2WD is rated at 18 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 22 highway. Across all 16 model years in the database it averages 17.9 MPG, ranging from 16 to 19 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Xterra 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 18 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 833 gallons — roughly $2667 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.178 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2015 model is $3450.
Has the Nissan Xterra 2WD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 19 MPG in 2000 to 18 in 2015. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Nissan Xterra 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 41 of 70 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 20.8 MPG. That is 2.8 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.