Nissan Xterra 4WD
17 MPG The 2015 Nissan Xterra 4WD is EPA-rated at 17 MPG combined (15 city / 20 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 882 gallons, $2824 a year in fuel, or $0.188 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2005–2015 run it averages 16.8 MPG, essentially flat across 11 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 | $0.147 | $1471 | $2206 | $2941 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.176 | $1765 | $2647 | $3529 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.188 | $1882 | $2824 | $3765 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.206 | $2059 | $3088 | $4118 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.235 | $2353 | $3529 | $4706 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.265 | $2647 | $3971 | $5294 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.294 | $2941 | $4412 | $5882 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3650 | 528 | 2 |
| 2014 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 2013 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 2012 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 2011 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 2010 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 2009 | 17 MPG | 15.5 | 20 | $3650 | 523 | 2 |
| 2008 | 16.5 MPG | 15 | 20 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2007 | 16.5 MPG | 15 | 19.5 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2006 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 19 | $3775 | 539 | 2 |
| 2005 | 16.5 MPG | 14.5 | 19 | $3775 | 539 | 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 97 sport utility vehicle - 4wd models tracked here, the Nissan Xterra 4WD ranks 51 on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Rendezvous AWD (18), Cadillac SRX AWD (18), Chevrolet Tracker 4WD Hardtop (18), Hyundai Veracruz 4WD (18), Infiniti FX35 AWD (18).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 528 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Xterra 4WD get?
The 2015 Nissan Xterra 4WD is rated at 17 MPG combined by the EPA — 15 city and 20 highway. Across all 11 model years in the database it averages 16.8 MPG, ranging from 16 to 17 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Xterra 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 17 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 882 gallons — roughly $2824 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.188 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2015 model is $3650.
Has the Nissan Xterra 4WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 17 MPG today against 16.5 in 2005 — essentially flat across 11 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Nissan Xterra 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 51 of 97 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.5 MPG. That is 1.5 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.