Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup available in various cab styles, including an extended cab (called King Cab) and a crew cab. It seats up to five passengers and is positioned below the full-size Titan in the Japanese automaker’s truck lineup. Its most recent (third) generation debuted in 2022, featuring a more aggressive look with updated technology and comfort features. Properly equipped, the Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds.

The Frontier comes in a range of trims, including the S, SV, Pro-4X, and SL. The S and SV trims provide mostly essential features with the SV offering some additional creature comforts. The off-road-focused Pro-4X trim comes with an upgraded suspension and other off-roading components, while the SL trim is the most luxurious with leather seating and premium features, such as a sunroof.

From 2013 through 2021, the Frontier was offered with one of two engines: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 152 horsepower or a 4.0-liter V6 producing 261 hp. Both could be paired with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 was also available with a six-speed manual in some trims and configurations. In 2022, the third-generation Frontier introduced a new 3.8-liter V6 producing 310 hp, mated to a nine-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive (4WD) is optional on all trims except the Pro-4X, which includes 4WD.

Second-generation Frontiers (2013-2021) offer a standard 5-inch infotainment display with an upgraded 6.1-inch touchscreen available on some higher-level trims. With the introduction of the third generation in 2022, the Frontier received a standard 8-inch touchscreen (or optional 9-inch unit) that for the first time includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The 2022 model year is also the first to offer a range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Given the significant improvements in the latest-generation Frontier, we recommend 2022 or newer models, particularly in the SV or Pro-4X trims. These model years offer a better balance of modern features, performance, and value for most used truck buyers. However, if you're looking primarily for a budget-friendly pickup and don't prioritize tech and safety features, an earlier model can still be a reliable and capable choice.