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Nissan Frontier MPG

The 2026 Nissan Frontier gets 21 mpg combined (19 city, 24 highway): about $1,829 a year in fuel at $3.20 a gallon and 12,000 miles.

EPA fueleconomy.gov · 5 engines · 1998–2026 · Updated Nov 4, 2026
Quick answer

Against 247 other V6 cars rated 2024–2026, the Frontier sits right on their 21 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1998, the 2.4L 4-cyl (1998–2004), does 21.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.3L 6-cyl (1999–2004), 16.3: $553 a year apart.

Every Nissan Frontier engine, compared

Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.

FIG.01·Nissan Frontier gas mileage by engine
EngineCombinedCity / HighwayYearsFuel per year
2.4L 4-cyl21.320 / 23.71998–2004$1,803
2.5L 4-cyl2119 / 232005–2019$1,829
3.8L 6-cyl20.618.3 / 242020–2026$1,864
4L 6-cyl1815.7 / 21.12005–2019$2,133
3.3L 6-cyl16.314.7 / 18.21999–2004$2,356
ROWS 5·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

What that actually costs

Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford F-150 gets 21.2 mpg, the RAM 1500 18.5 mpg and the Chevrolet Silverado 21 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2026 Frontier.

FIG.02·Nissan Frontier fuel cost
MeasureValue
Cost per mile (2026)$0.152
Fuel per year$1,829
Fuel over five years$9,145
Against other V6 cars, 2024–2026about the same
EPA's own estimate$3,216 a year
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar, computed from EPA ratings

City or highway — who is this car for

The 2026 Nissan Frontier gives up 5 mpg in town: 24 on the highway against 19 in the city, $421 a year if every mile were city driving.

FIG.03·Nissan Frontier city versus highway
MeasureValueReading
City (2026)19 mpg$2,021 a year if you only drive in town
Highway24 mpg$1,600 a year if you mostly commute
Gap+5 mpg (26%)Typical for its type
ROWS 3·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

How the Frontier changed over the years

The Frontier peaked in 1998 at 22 mpg (20 city, 24 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2002 at 18.5 — 3.5 mpg apart, or $331 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 21.

FIG.04·Nissan Frontier gas mileage by model year
Model yearCombinedCity / HighwayEngines offeredFuel per year
20262119 / 241$1,829
20252119 / 241$1,829
20242118 / 241$1,829
20232118 / 241$1,829
20222018 / 241$1,920
20212018 / 241$1,920
20202018 / 241$1,920
20192017.5 / 232$1,920
20182017.5 / 232$1,920
20172017.5 / 232$1,920
20162018 / 22.52$1,920
20152018 / 22.52$1,920
20142017.5 / 22.52$1,920
20132017.5 / 22.52$1,920
20121917 / 21.52$2,021
20111917 / 21.52$2,021
20101917 / 21.52$2,021
200919.517.5 / 21.52$1,969
20081917 / 21.52$2,021
20071917 / 21.52$2,021
20061917 / 21.52$2,021
20051917 / 21.52$2,021
200419.517.5 / 222$1,969
20031917.5 / 212$2,021
200218.517 / 20.52$2,076
200118.517 / 212$2,076
200018.517.5 / 20.52$2,076
199918.517.5 / 20.52$2,076
19982220 / 241$1,745
ROWS 29·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar
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How we count

This page rests on 50 EPA ratings of the Nissan Frontier — 5 engines across 1998–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,216. Full method.

Everything on the Nissan Frontier
Recalls142 campaignsReliability3.5/5Common problems1,377 complaintsCheck a VINAgainst this exact buildDimensionsSize, weight, generationsUsed prices3,674 listingsWhat yours is worthValue by year & mileageInsurance costEstimated per yearWindow stickerOriginal Monroney labelDecode a VINWhat each character meansAbout this car1998–2026

Frequently asked questions

What mpg does the 2026 Nissan Frontier get?

21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1998 the Frontier has averaged 19.5 mpg.

Is the 2026 Frontier more efficient than the 2025?

About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.

Which Frontier year has the best gas mileage?

The 1998, at 22 mpg combined (20 city, 24 highway).

Does the Frontier get better gas mileage than the Ford F-150?

About the same: 21 mpg for the 2026 Frontier against 21.2 for the 2026 Ford F-150.

Gas mileage ratings from EPA fueleconomy.gov, unadjusted. Running cost computed by ForCar at 12,000 miles a year and $3.20 a gallon. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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