2013 Nissan Frontier: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2013 Nissan Frontier is the new Desert Runner, a rear-wheel-drive V6 trim with Bilstein off-road shocks and unique interior and exterior details. Most of the lineup also gets modest fuel-economy gains, while SV, PRO-4X, and SL receive equipment upgrades.

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About the 2013 Nissan Frontier

2nd generation (D40, 2005–2021), later-cycle update year; no redesign or full exterior refresh

Nissan positioned the Frontier as a manageable midsize pickup with the structure and strength associated with larger trucks. Its core identity combines a fully boxed frame, strong V6 performance, useful towing and hauling capability, and genuine off-road hardware in specialized trims. King Cab and Crew Cab layouts support work, recreation, or passenger use, while the smaller footprint makes the Frontier easier to maneuver than a full-size pickup.

The 2013 Frontier ranges from the utility-focused S to the leather-trimmed SL, with the SV serving as the practical daily-driver model. Desert Runner adds off-road style and specialized shocks without four-wheel drive, while PRO-4X pairs four-wheel drive with a locking rear differential, skid plates, and Bilstein shocks. The SL focuses on comfort with leather seating, touchscreen navigation, premium audio, and power front seats.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The new Desert Runner pairs a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission with rear-wheel drive. Lower-friction engine components help improve fuel economy on most Frontier configurations by about 1–2 mpg.

Styling

Desert Runner receives its own exterior and cabin treatment, including fog lights, white-faced gauges, and embroidered cloth seats. Aerodynamic revisions also contribute to the lineup’s fuel-economy improvement.

Tech

SV gains a 4.3-inch color audio display, Bluetooth calling, a USB connection, steering-wheel audio controls, and satellite radio. PRO-4X adds a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and automatic headlights; SL adds those features plus a 5.8-inch touchscreen navigation system. Extending sun visors become standard across the lineup.

2013 Nissan Frontier specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Nissan FrontierS3 in stock	2013 Nissan FrontierSL0 in stock	2013 Nissan FrontierSV0 in stock	2013 Nissan FrontierPRO-4X0 in stock	2013 Nissan FrontierDesert Runner1 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, 4.0 Liter	V6, 4.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, 4.0 Liter	V6, 4.0 Liter	V6, 4.0 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd	Automatic, 5-Spd
Drivetrain	2WD / 4WD	4WD	2WD / 4WD	4WD	2WD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	16–17 mpg	16 mpg	16–17 mpg	15 mpg	16 mpg
MPG Highway	22–23 mpg	22 mpg	22–23 mpg	21 mpg	22 mpg
Horsepower	152–261 hp	261 hp	152–261 hp	261 hp	261 hp
Torque	171–281 lb-ft	281 lb-ft	171–281 lb-ft	281 lb-ft	281 lb-ft
Max Towing	3500–6100 lb	6100 lb	3500–6100 lb	6100–6300 lb	6300–6500 lb
Rear Legroom	25.4–33.6 in	33.6 in	25.4–33.6 in	25.4–33.6 in	25.4–33.6 in
Seats	4–5	5	4–5	4–5	4–5
Doors	2–4	4	2–4	2–4	2–4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Cruise Control
Hill Descent Control
Hill Start Assist
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Heated Mirrors
Power Moonroof
Power Mirrors
Roof Rails
Side Steps
Tow Hooks
Trailer Hitch Receiver
Entertainment & Electronics
AM/FM Radio
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Automatic Air Conditioning
Dual Power Front Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Folding Rear Seat
Heated Front Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Power Locks
Power Windows
Remote Keyless Entry
Tilt Wheel

How the 2014 Nissan Frontier compares

The 2014 Nissan Frontier was a light carryover update, not a redesign. Its main change was a broader set of standard comfort and convenience features across nearly the entire lineup.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2013 Nissan Frontier?

The biggest change is the new Desert Runner trim. It combines a 261-hp V6, rear-wheel drive, a five-speed automatic transmission, Bilstein off-road shocks, fog lights, and unique interior details.

Is the 2013 Nissan Frontier Desert Runner four-wheel drive?

No, the 2013 Desert Runner is rear-wheel drive. It has Bilstein off-road shocks and rugged styling, but it does not have the PRO-4X model’s four-wheel-drive system or locking rear differential.

Does the 2013 Nissan Frontier get better fuel economy than the 2012 model?

Yes, most 2013 Frontier configurations improve by roughly 1–2 mpg. Nissan reduced engine friction and revised the truck’s aerodynamics to achieve the gains.

Which 2013 Nissan Frontier trims received the biggest technology upgrades?

The SV, PRO-4X, and SL received the main technology upgrades. SV gains color-display audio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, steering-wheel audio controls, and satellite radio; PRO-4X and SL add parking aids, dual-zone climate control, and automatic headlights, while SL also gets touchscreen navigation.

Is the 2013 Nissan Frontier a redesigned model?

No, the 2013 Frontier is not a redesign. It remains part of the second generation and receives a new trim, better fuel economy on most configurations, and targeted equipment updates.