“Towing capability. 4WD is awesome. Sturdy, basic truck. I love how big the cupholders are!!”
2019 Nissan Frontier: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2019 Nissan Frontier is largely a carryover, with updated touchscreen infotainment for the lower S and SV trims as its main change. Its engines, styling, safety equipment, and basic structure remain largely unchanged.
About the 2019 Nissan Frontier
2nd generation Frontier (2005-2021 U.S. market), late-cycle year before the 2020 powertrain revision and the later full redesign.
Nissan positions the Frontier as a straightforward midsize pickup that mixes work-truck basics with real off-road credibility and proven durability. The model’s core appeal is simple: a fully boxed ladder frame, useful towing and payload, multiple cab/bed layouts, and trims that range from basic utility to trail-focused and comfort-focused versions. Against rivals, the Frontier leans less on flashy new tech and more on toughness, familiar controls, and a strong V6 option for buyers who want an uncomplicated truck.
The S is the simple, work-focused truck, while the SV adds everyday conveniences such as keyless entry, power windows, and alloy wheels. Desert Runner brings an off-road look and Bilstein shocks with rear-wheel drive, while the four-wheel-drive PRO-4X adds a locking rear differential and skid plates. The SL favors comfort with leather-trimmed seats, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a moonroof, navigation, and upgraded audio.
What changed, by category
Tech
The S and SV receive updated infotainment with a 7-inch touchscreen, replacing the older, smaller display used previously.
2019 Nissan Frontier specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter / V6, FFV, 4.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter / V6, FFV, 4.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / V6, 4.0 Liter / V6, FFV, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter / V6, FFV, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter / V6, FFV, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 15–19 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 15–17 mpg | 15 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21–23 mpg | 21–22 mpg | 21–23 mpg | 21 mpg | 22–23 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 | 3790–6370 lb | 6110 lb | 3790–6380 lb | 6290–6450 lb | 6620–6690 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 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Side Steps | |||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Subwoofer | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| 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 | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2019 Nissan Frontier compared with the 2018 model?
The main change is updated touchscreen infotainment for the S and SV trims. The rest of the truck is largely carried over, with no broad redesign or model-wide mechanical update.
Was the 2019 Nissan Frontier redesigned?
No, the 2019 Frontier was not redesigned. It remained part of the second generation sold in the U.S. from 2005 through 2021, and 2019 was a late-cycle model year with only a modest infotainment update.
Which 2019 Nissan Frontier trims received the updated touchscreen?
The 2019 Frontier S and SV received the updated 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims retained their familiar setups, including the 5.8-inch navigation screen in PRO-4X and SL models.
Did the 2019 Nissan Frontier get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2019 Frontier did not receive a model-wide engine or transmission change. The existing four-cylinder and V6 choices continued for this model year.
Is the 2019 Nissan Frontier meaningfully different from the 2018 model?
Only slightly. The clearest reason to favor a 2019 is the updated 7-inch touchscreen in the S and SV; shoppers considering other trims should expect the two years to be very similar overall.
2019 Nissan Frontier Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Nissan Frontier.
3.9
2019 Nissan Frontier
(773 reviews)
“If over 6'1 the seat does not go back far enough. Range on tank of gas is too low. I like the off road capabilities which is why I got the truck.”
“I love everything about the Frontier EXCEPT the brakes. They are inadequate for a vehicle of this size and weight. Nissan should install beefier brakes that can bring this truck to a stop quicker.”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Frontier Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Frontier Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2017 / 2017 Nissan Frontier Brochure En
- owners.nissanusa.com — Frontier / 2019 / 2019 Frontier quick reference guide
- nissanusa.com — Frontier / 2019 / 2019 Nissan Frontier owner manual