Pros: Strong V6; comfortable ride for a truck; great off-road capability in PRO-4X models; extensive selection of models and optional equipment
Cons: Interior materials not as refined as class competitors; cramped, uncomfortable back seat in “King Cab” extended-cab models; tall step-in height on 4WD models
CG Says: The Nissan Frontier is essentially unchanged for 2017. A new Work Truck Package with a spray-in bedliner is available for S models. Nissan’s compact pickup is available in extended cab and crew cab versions that seat five passengers. The extended cab has a 6-ft bed, while crew cabs offer both 5-ft and 6-ft beds. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four cylinder with 152 horsepower. A 261-hp 4.0-liter V6 is available on extended-cab trucks and is standard on crew cabs. The four-cylinder can be ordered with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the V6 is available with a 6-speed manual. Both engines mate to a 5-speed automatic. The redesigned Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma easily trump the long-running Frontier simply by the virtue of being new designs. Still, Nissan’s compact pickup is laudable for its controlled handling, powerful V6, and off-road-oriented PRO-4X model. The interior offers easy-to-use controls but disappoints with too much plastic and too little rear-seat room, even in the Crew Cab. Check out the competition first, but the Frontier remains a decent choice for those who don’t need or want the bulk of a full-size pickup.
| Class | Compact Pickup Truck |
| Body Style(s) | pickup truck |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Nation of Manufacture | USA |
| Base Prices | (only select models listed) S King Cab: $18,390 Desert Runner King Cab: $25,200 4WD SV Crew Cab: $29,700 PRO-4X Crew Cab: $32,340 4WD SL Crew Cab, long bed: $36,410 |
| Base Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 152 |
| Std. Transmission 5-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 5-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 17-19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 22-23 |
| Optional Engine 4.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 261 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission 5-speed automatic |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 15-16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21-23 |
