Nissan Frontier
Nissan Frontier
Nissan Frontier

2017 Nissan Frontier

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.

The Facts
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

2014 Nissan Frontier
2017 Nissan Frontier
Share this: