# Nissan Frontier specs and mpg by year

- **Latest year:** 2027
- **MPG (combined):** 18-21
- **Drive:** 4WD, RWD
- **Years covered:** 2015-2027

## Quick answer

The 2027 Nissan Frontier is a midsize/large pickup rated at 18-21 mpg combined. Engines: 3.8L V6.

## Every 2027 Nissan Frontier version

| Version | Engine | Drive | Transmission | City/Hwy | Combined | Fuel cost / year | CO2 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Frontier 2WD | 3.8L V6 | RWD | Automatic | 19/24 | 21 mpg | $3,200 | 424 g/mi |
| Frontier 4WD | 3.8L V6 | 4WD | Automatic | 17/21 | 19 mpg | $3,550 | 479 g/mi |
| Frontier 4WD PRO4X | 3.8L V6 | 4WD | Automatic | 16/20 | 18 mpg | $3,700 | 504 g/mi |

Each row is a version the EPA tested. Fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles a year (55% city) at national average prices; CO2 is tailpipe emissions.

## Nissan Frontier specs by year

| Year | Engines | Transmission | Drive | MPG (combined) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2027 | 3.8L V6 | Automatic | 4WD, RWD | 18-21 |
| 2026 | 3.8L V6 | Automatic | 4WD, RWD | 18-21 |
| 2025 | 3.8L V6 | Automatic | 4WD, RWD | 18-21 |
| 2024 | 3.8L V6 | Automatic | 4WD, RWD | 19-21 |
| 2023 | 3.8L V6 | Automatic | 4WD, RWD | 18-21 |
| 2022 | 3.8L V6 | Automatic | 4WD, RWD | 19-20 |
| 2021 | 3.8L V6 | Automatic | 4WD, RWD | 19-20 |
| 2020 | 3.8L V6 | Automatic | 4WD, RWD | 19-20 |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 4.0L V6 | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, RWD | 17-21 |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 4.0L V6 | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, RWD | 17-21 |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 4.0L V6 | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, RWD | 17-21 |
| 2016 | 4.0L V6; 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, RWD | 17-21 |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl; 4.0L V6 | Automatic, Manual | 4WD, RWD | 17-21 |

EPA combined ratings. MPGe is the EPA efficiency measure for electric cars. Ranges cover every engine and drivetrain EPA tested for that year.

## How has the Frontier changed over the years?

- **2025:** combined mpg went from 19-21 to 18-21.
- **2024:** combined mpg went from 18-21 to 19-21.
- **2023:** combined mpg went from 19-20 to 18-21.
- **2020:** added 3.8L V6; dropped 2.5L 4-cyl and 4.0L V6.

## What does it cost to run a Frontier?

The EPA puts the 2027 Nissan Frontier's fuel cost at **$3,200-$3,700 a year**, against about $3,315 for other current midsize/large pickup: roughly 4% more. Over five years at 15,000 miles a year that is about $17,250 in fuel.

## Frontier vs rivals

| Model | Powertrains | Fuel economy | Range | Fuel cost / year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Chevrolet Silverado](/vehicles/chevrolet-silverado) | Diesel, Electric, Gas | 15-25 mpg | 493 mi | $1,100-$5,500 |
| [GMC Sierra](/vehicles/gmc-sierra) | Diesel, Electric, Gas | 15-25 mpg | 410 mi | $1,100-$5,500 |
| [Ford F-150](/vehicles/ford-f-150) | Gas, Hybrid | 12-24 mpg | -- | $2,800-$6,850 |
| [Ford Ranger](/vehicles/ford-ranger) | Gas | 17-23 mpg | -- | $2,900-$3,950 |
| [Toyota Tundra](/vehicles/toyota-tundra) | Gas, Hybrid | 19-22 mpg | -- | $3,050-$4,350 |
| [Ram 1500](/vehicles/ram-1500) | Gas, Hybrid | 12-22 mpg | -- | $3,050-$6,850 |
| [Chevrolet Colorado](/vehicles/chevrolet-colorado) | Gas | 16-21 mpg | -- | $3,200-$4,200 |
| [Honda Ridgeline](/vehicles/honda-ridgeline) | Gas | 20-21 mpg | -- | $3,200-$3,350 |

Other current midsize/large pickup from other makes, most efficient first.

## Nissan Frontier problems owners report most

| System (NHTSA category) | Complaints |
| --- | --- |
| Electrical System | 95 |
| Power Train | 88 |
| Service Brakes | 60 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 51 |
| Engine | 45 |
| Air Bags | 40 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 32 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 29 |

From 432 complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015-2026 models. Most-complained-about model year: **2022**.

## Guides for common Nissan Frontier problems

- **Electrical** (95 complaints): [Why does my car battery keep dying](/symptoms/car-battery-keeps-dying) - [Why are my headlights flickering](/symptoms/headlights-flickering) - [Why won't my car start](/symptoms/car-wont-start) - [alternator replacement cost](/cost/alternator-replacement) - [car battery replacement cost](/cost/car-battery-replacement) - [starter replacement cost](/cost/starter-replacement)
- **Transmission and drivetrain** (88 complaints): [Why is my transmission slipping](/symptoms/transmission-slipping) - [Why won't my car go into gear](/symptoms/car-wont-go-into-gear) - [Why does my car jerk when I accelerate](/symptoms/car-jerks-when-accelerating) - [transmission replacement cost](/cost/transmission-replacement) - [transmission fluid change cost](/cost/transmission-fluid-change) - [clutch replacement cost](/cost/clutch-replacement)
- **Brake** (60 complaints): [Why are my brakes squeaking](/symptoms/squeaky-brakes) - [Why do my brakes make a grinding noise](/symptoms/brake-grinding-noise) - [Why does my brake pedal go to the floor](/symptoms/brake-pedal-goes-to-floor) - [brake pad replacement cost](/cost/brake-pad-replacement) - [brake rotor replacement cost](/cost/brake-rotor-replacement) - [brake caliper replacement cost](/cost/brake-caliper-replacement)
- **Engine** (45 complaints): [Why is my car idling rough](/symptoms/rough-idle) - [Why is my engine knocking](/symptoms/engine-knocking-noise) - [Why is my car leaking oil](/symptoms/car-leaking-oil) - [engine replacement cost](/cost/engine-replacement) - [timing chain replacement cost](/cost/timing-chain-replacement) - [valve cover gasket replacement cost](/cost/valve-cover-gasket-replacement)

## Nissan Frontier warning lights

- [Frontier: Airbag (SRS) warning light](/warning-lights/airbag/nissan-frontier): 29 complaints
- [Frontier: ABS warning light](/warning-lights/abs/nissan-frontier): 27 complaints
- [Frontier: Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine/nissan-frontier): 24 complaints
- [Frontier: Traction control light](/warning-lights/traction-control/nissan-frontier): 12 complaints
- [Frontier: Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake/nissan-frontier): 10 complaints

## Nissan Frontier recalls (16)

| Campaign | Model years | Component | Reported |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [26V023000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V023000) | 2025-2026 | Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors | 2026-01-21 |
| [25V508000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V508000) | 2025 | Exterior Lighting: Lighting Control Module | 2025-08-08 |
| [25V324000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V324000) | 2025 | Back Over Prevention: Software | 2025-06-04 |
| [24V582000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V582000) | 2024 | Exterior Lighting: Headlights | 2024-08-06 |
| [24V479000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V479000) | 2024 | Suspension: Front | 2024-06-26 |
| [24V154000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V154000) | 2024 | Air Bags: Frontal | 2024-02-27 |
| [23V273000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V273000) | 2023 | Tires: Bead | 2023-04-17 |
| [22V772000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V772000) | 2022 | Back Over Prevention: Display Function | 2022-10-13 |
| [22V671000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V671000) | 2020-2022 | Power Train: Automatic Transmission | 2022-09-07 |
| [22V527000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V527000) | 2022 | Back Over Prevention:  Sensing System | 2022-07-21 |
| [22V457000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V457000) | 2020-2022 | Power Train: Automatic Transmission | 2022-06-24 |
| [21V958000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V958000) | 2022 | Seat Belts: Critical Fasteners | 2021-12-09 |
| [21V917000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V917000) | 2022 | Trailer Hitches | 2021-11-22 |
| [19V654000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V654000) | 2018-2019 | Back Over Prevention:  Sensing System | 2019-09-12 |
| [18V551000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V551000) | 2017-2018 | Electrical System: Ignition | 2018-08-22 |
| [16V181000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V181000) | 2016 | Electrical System: Wiring | 2016-03-31 |

Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer. Check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). Data as of 2026-11-04.

## Frequently asked questions

### What mpg does the 2027 Nissan Frontier get?

The 2027 Nissan Frontier is EPA-rated at 18-21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain. Real-world mileage varies with speed, climate and load.

### What engine does the 2027 Nissan Frontier have?

The 2027 Nissan Frontier comes with: 3.8L V6. It uses automatic transmission and is offered with 4WD and RWD.

### Is there a hybrid Nissan Frontier?

No. In the EPA data from 2015-2027 the Nissan Frontier has no hybrid version.

### Which Nissan Frontier year gets the best gas mileage?

In the EPA data, the 2027 Nissan Frontier has the highest combined rating, up to 21 mpg. Ratings for the same model can change between years when engines or test procedures change.

### How much does it cost to fuel a 2027 Nissan Frontier for a year?

About $3,200-$3,700 a year, using the EPA's assumptions of 15,000 miles (55% city, 45% highway) at national average fuel prices. Your cost depends on your local prices, mileage and driving style.

### What is the city and highway mpg of the 2027 Nissan Frontier?

The most efficient 2027 version, the Frontier 2WD, is rated 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway (21 combined). Other engines and drivetrains are rated lower; the versions table above lists each one.

### How much CO2 does the 2027 Nissan Frontier emit?

EPA rates its tailpipe CO2 at 424-504 grams per mile depending on version. Lower is better; the cleanest gas cars sit under 250 g/mi and electric cars have none at the tailpipe.

### Does the 2027 Nissan Frontier come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. The 2027 Nissan Frontier is offered with 4WD and RWD. All- or four-wheel drive usually costs 1-3 mpg compared with the two-wheel-drive version of the same engine, as the versions table shows.

### Is the Nissan Frontier cheap to run compared with other midsize/large pickups?

No, dearer than average: its EPA annual fuel cost of $3,200-$3,700 compares with about $3,315 for other current midsize/large pickup models. Fuel is only part of running costs; insurance, tires and repairs also differ.

### How many recalls does the Nissan Frontier have?

NHTSA lists 16 recalls for 2015-2026 Nissan Frontier models as of 2026-11-04, the latest reported 2026-01-21 (26V023000). Recall work is free; enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to your car.

### What is the most common problem with the Nissan Frontier?

In NHTSA owner complaints the most-reported category is electrical system, followed by power train. The 2022 model year has the most complaints (112), partly because complaint counts follow sales volume.

## Sources

- [fueleconomy.gov (US DOE and EPA)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/)
- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)

## More Nissan models

- [Nissan Altima](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-altima)
- [Nissan ARIYA](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-ariya)
- [Nissan Armada](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-armada)
- [Nissan Kicks](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-kicks)
- [Nissan LEAF](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-leaf)
- [Nissan Murano](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-murano)
- [Nissan Pathfinder](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-pathfinder)
- [Nissan Rogue](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-rogue)
- [Nissan Sentra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-sentra)
- [Nissan Z](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-z)
- [Nissan 370Z](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-370z): discontinued
- [Nissan GT-R](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-gt-r): discontinued
- [Nissan Maxima](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-maxima): discontinued
- [Nissan Rogue Sport](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-rogue-sport): discontinued
- [Nissan Titan](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-titan): discontinued

## Other midsize/large pickups

- [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ram-1500)
- [Rivian R1T](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/rivian-r1t)
- [Toyota Tundra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/toyota-tundra)
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-colorado)
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-silverado)
- [Ford F-150](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-f-150)
- [Ford F-150 Lightning](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-f-150-lightning)

## Compared with

- [Ford Ranger](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-ranger)
- [GMC Canyon](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/gmc-canyon)
- [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/gmc-sierra)
- [Honda Ridgeline](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/honda-ridgeline)
- [Jeep Gladiator](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-gladiator)

## Car care

- [How long do tires last?](https://diagxcar.com/how-long/tires)
- [How often to change oil](https://diagxcar.com/how-often/change-oil)
- [Tire size calculator](https://diagxcar.com/tools/tire-size-calculator)

---

Source page: https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/nissan-frontier
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.