Retirees Should Think Twice Before Buying This Gas-Guzzling Truck

The volatility of the oil market has many Americans concerned about the cost of gas. This includes retirees, with a 2026 study by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) finding that 52% of older Americans have cut back or even delayed other purchases due to just how much gas is costing consumers. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Nissan Titan, despite its power and comfort, is one pick-up truck you may want to avoid.

Averaging just 17 miles per gallon (mpg) according to FuelEconomy.gov, the Titan is below the average of 18.5 mpg reported by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics for comparable light-duty vehicles as of 2024. Since the Titan was discontinued in 2024, it's also below the efficiency that some newer and hybrid pick-up models offer — reaching up to 38 mpg in 2026 and 2027 models, according to Kelley Blue Book. For any driver — but especially retirees who are worried about savings — there's no sense in paying more than you need to every time you fill up.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that gas prices shot up 34.2% from September 2025 to September 2026. As of October 19, 2026, gas averaged $4.28 per gallon in the U.S., per the U.S. Energy Information Administration. For retirees on a fixed income, these skyrocketing fuel prices can significantly impact a budget, making fuel efficiency more important than ever in a vehicle.

For example, fuel prices become especially clear when comparing the Nissan Titan to other popular options, like one of the best pick-up trucks for retirees, the Ford Maverick. The Maverick ranges from 23-26 mpg for a gas-powered model, or 36-38 mpg for a hybrid model, per FuelEconomy.gov. Now, consider that Americans aged 65 and up drove an average of 7,646 miles per year in 2022, the most recent data available from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. With that in mind, a Maverick driver, paying October 2026 gas prices, would spend between $861 and $1,422 in annual fuel costs. Meanwhile, a Titan driver would spend roughly $1,925 a year in fuel.

However, you don't necessarily need to buy a brand-new truck and risk falling into the "truck trap" as a retiree. There are likely more affordable options in the used pick-up market that also offer better fuel efficiency, so remember to compare a vehicle's mpg to the miles you drive in a year when shopping.