Engine performance, thanks to the 2021 Frontier's newest 3.8-liter V6, is pleasing. Unfortunately, technology features, towing and hauling capabilities, on-road comfort and overall refinement are still way behind segment standards. There are simply too many drawbacks compared to other top rivals. The main reason to consider the Frontier is if you're simply looking for an inexpensive, no-frills midsize truck.
Last year for the second Frontier generation introduced for 2005
What is the Frontier?
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck that has been offered in extended-cab and four-door crew-cab body styles. For the 2020 model year, the Frontier received an upgraded 310-horsepower V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. This revised powertrain will be the last major upgrade for this Frontier generation before it is replaced by the fully redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier.
If you're considering a Frontier, we suggest waiting for the new 2022 model since the current Frontier is well behind the times. We hope the 2022 Frontier will retain the truck's favorable pricing and impressive off-road abilities and address its merely passable handling, poor fuel economy and bargain-basement interior quality.
Edmunds says
The Nissan Frontier has been one of the most affordable pickup trucks you can buy, but it's important to note that it was last redesigned in 2005. At long last, it seems likely that the Frontier will be all-new from the ground up in 2022. We expect to get more definitive details sometime this spring.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Frontier from 2008-2022.
$421/yr
vs. $451/yr for Average Midsize Truck
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.82x/yr
vs. 0.79x/yr for Average Midsize Truck
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
12.8%
vs. 13.6% for Average Midsize Truck
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
After looking at the new Ranger, the Colorado, and a few different Tacoma’s, the Frontier won me over. I’ve read a lot of the negative comments from the “expert” reviews, but the simplicity of my truck is what ultimately sold me. It took the salesman at the Ford dealership 15 minutes just to explain the infotainment system in the Ranger.
This truck is great; it handles well, has plenty … of power, and is surprisingly comfortable. For the price, it can’t be beat. I haven’t had the chance to go off road or tow yet, but I have no doubts. The technology is simple and straightforward to set up, and as a bonus the sound system is outstanding.
I don’t have many negatives. I’ve averaged around 17 mpg around town, which could be better. But honestly I’m happy as is. It's very satisfying during my daily commute, and as I’ve mentioned, I love the simplicity. I have no issues with the “dated” feel that’s prevalent in a lot of reviews.
** UPDATE 2023 **
Still going strong, zero issues. I've been on some tough trails, I've towed around 6,000lbs up the coast, and it's been my daily driver. So far only standard maintenance. The fuel economy isn't great (around 17 combined), probably the only negative.
I bought a 2019 Midnight Edition Frontier, in gunmetal with "steel" interior . It is fitted with 18" black wheels, black out trim and a really useful package of options, including tow package. The second weekend I had it, I drove it a considerable distance to spend the weekend with friends at their beach house. The bed extender came in handy with two kayaks and two mountain bikes … strapped into the bed. Nissan's Utili-track system is outstanding for this purpose. This truck is very comfortable to drive, both short and long distances. I found the steering ratio to be slower than I prefer. It took some getting used to. Brake force distribution and ABS prevent rear wheel lock-up, but add to the stopping distance at highway speeds. Around town, brakes are excellent. While the Frontier interior is minimalist, with hard plastics (except on the door arm rests), it has a simple elegance all its own. It is a pickup truck, and simplicity isn't a sin. I don't expect to take it off road very often, I have a Wrangler Rubicon for that. Yet, after airing down the tires to 18 psi, I drove the Frontier on the beach with ease. I bought the Frontier because I needed a vehicle with greater utility than my Wrangler or my 2016 1/2 Mazda CX-5 Touring. After shopping midsize pickups, and seeing ridiculous MSRPs (a Ranger Lariat at $45,655, a Colorado at $42,280 and a Tacoma at $44,148), the $34,030 sticker on the Frontier Midnight Edition was surprising. After rebates, discounts and negotiation, the bottom line price was $29,030. None of the other midsize trucks can come anywhere near that price with similar options and equipment. Therein is why I bought the Frontier. Superior reliability, and the best value for the money. By far.
Update: As of seven months of use, my Frontier has been driven from Long Island to the Space Coast of Florida and back. It carried over 1,000 lb each way. Despite the load, fuel mileage averaged 20.7 mpg. The ride was comfortable and quiet. The responsive V6 gets the truck up to highway speed effortlessly. Nissan's excellent entertainment system was flawless, streaming music and audio books. I have zero complaints to date.
Update: As of 12/28/2020, I have 17,300 miles on my Frontier. It has required nothing more than routine maintenance. No issues whatsoever. Both tires and brake pads show only about 20% wear. We have used it for towing a camping trailer. Several trips to the Carolinas and Tennessee. It's quiet and comfortable on the highways. Thus far, it had proven capable and utterly reliable.
Does it have all the fancy new technology? No. But if you don’t need all of that, or if you’re worried that all of that stuff is likely to be expensive if it fails, this is a great option!
The new 3.8 liter V6 has plenty of power and the 9-speed automatic is buttery smooth. I disagree with the Edmunds review, I think it’s very easy to drive on pavement. Of course it doesn’t have a … small turning radius, but I live in the Atlanta area, and I don’t have issues driving this little truck in a big city.
The interior is surprisingly quiet and comfortable. Through all of the years of this interior, I think they’ve perfected the design. There are no creaks, rattles, or poor fit. The materials on the dash are hard plastic, but the PRO-4X has plenty of leather that is soft on the seats and door panels.
And as far as technology goes, it’s like the old Xterra saying “everything you need, nothing you don’t”. You’ll have one USB port, an aux jack, navigation system (PRO-4X trims), a great Rockford Fosgate sound system (PRO-4X only again), power seats, heated seats, dual zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof (PRO-4X only again). I would’ve loved it if it had adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, and other modern driving aids, but I’m assuming I would be paying a lot more too! I don’t think any of the features this truck has are likely to break.
My gas mileage hasn’t been great, I’ve been averaging 17mpg in mixed driving. I’m still breaking the truck in, so I am anticipating that to change.
But the best part of this truck is the price. The MSRP for my fully loaded PRO-4X trim is over $39k, but I got mine at a tick over $34k. Dealers are discounting these because a redesign is on its way, and they know it doesn’t compete well with other trucks in the segment when it comes to features. But if you’re like me and you’re happy with the options this does have, you can get this at a bargain. Plus, at the time I bought it, this was the only mid-size truck being sold with 0% interest financing.
I think it’s worth a test-drive for buyers of mid-size trucks. I’m very happy with my Arctic Blue PRO-4X so far!
Update 7/27/2020. It’s been 13 months with the Nissan Frontier and I still like the truck a lot. I have done a few hundred miles of towing a 3500# camper and the V6 handled it quite well. Mostly I have used it for Highway driving. It handles well and has quite a bit of torque. Avg MPG overall has been 17.8 and that includes the times I was getting 10-12 while towing.
My last truck … purchase was a 2003 Ford F-150 Supercrew. After 16+ years and 140,000 miles it was time for something new. But, something weird happened to full size trucks since 2003! They all seem gi-normuos. So, I started looking at midsize.
Since the new Ranger was just coming to market, I was reluctant to give it a try - and it’s only available in 4cyl. The GM trucks just don’t appeal to me. I tried to like the Tacoma, but the price and “go cart” seating position next to the floor were deal killers.
Yes, the Frontier is an old design, but I genuinely like the look of the truck - always have. A lack of safety nanny electronics was more of a plus for me. I simply wanted a modestly sized four door truck with four wheel drive that I could afford to buy brand new.
The other benefit, was that the dealership was willing to deal on price. I’m very happy with my new truck purchase.
If you are not overly concerned about what other people think about the vehicle you buy, I’d recommend the Nissan Frontier. Some people will criticize your decision, but it’s not their money being spent. I think dollar for dollar it’s one of the best kept secret in the pickup truck market today.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Nissan Frontier, so we've included reviews for other years of the Frontier since its last redesign.
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