Nissan Xterra V6 2WD
16.3 MPG The 2004 Nissan Xterra V6 2WD is EPA-rated at 16.3 MPG combined (14.7 city / 19 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 920 gallons, $2945 a year in fuel, or $0.196 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2000–2004 run it averages 15.9 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.153 | $1534 | $2301 | $3067 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.184 | $1840 | $2761 | $3681 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.196 | $1963 | $2945 | $3926 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.215 | $2147 | $3221 | $4294 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.245 | $2454 | $3681 | $4908 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.276 | $2761 | $4141 | $5521 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.307 | $3067 | $4601 | $6135 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 16.3 MPG | 14.7 | 19 | $4150 | 546 | 3 |
| 2003 | 15.8 MPG | 14.5 | 18.3 | $4463 | 566 | 4 |
| 2002 | 15.5 MPG | 14.5 | 18 | $4525 | 574 | 4 |
| 2001 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 17.5 | $3900 | 555 | 2 |
| 2000 | 16 MPG | 14.5 | 18 | $3900 | 555 | 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 70 sport utility vehicle - 2wd models tracked here, the Nissan Xterra V6 2WD ranks 62 on current figures, against a class average of 20.8 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Chevrolet Blazer 2WD (16.5), Ford Explorer 2WD (16.5), GMC Envoy 2WD (16.5), GMC Yukon 1500 2WD (16.5), GMC Yukon XL 1500 2WD (16.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 546 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Nissan Xterra V6 2WD get?
The 2004 Nissan Xterra V6 2WD is rated at 16.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 14.7 city and 19 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 15.9 MPG, ranging from 15 to 17 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Nissan Xterra V6 2WD cost in fuel per year?
At 16.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 920 gallons — roughly $2945 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.196 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2004 model is $4150.
Has the Nissan Xterra V6 2WD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 16.3 MPG today against 16 in 2000 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Nissan Xterra V6 2WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 62 of 70 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD class on current figures, against a class average of 20.8 MPG. That is 4.5 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.