Nissan Frontier
2019 Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is known as the Nissan Navara or Nissan NP300 in other markets, and its production began in 1997. This midsize pickup is known for delivering an excellent value and being an auto that you can count on to last. The only downside of the Frontier is that it is due for an update. The most recent version has gone without any major changes to the structure and shape in over a decade. Even so, drivers continue to choose the Nissan Frontier for its reliability. The styling of the Frontier does show its age, featuring a clunky exterior with wide headlights and bulky fenders.
When it comes to configurations, the Nissan Frontier is available in your choice of five trim levels. You can get an extended cab and a 6-foot truck bed or a slightly smaller bed with a four-door crew cab. The entry-level Frontier has some very bare-bones features, like cloth seats, manual locks, a manual transmission, manual windows, and steel wheels. Oddly enough, a rearview camera, 7-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth join those features.
2017 Nissan Frontier
Moving up to the second-lowest trim does not add much to the price tag but adds keyless entry, power accessories, and upgraded cloth. You can also get features like a tailgate extender, upgraded audio, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, heated seats, leather, navigation, and a spray-in bedliner. Unfortunately, there is no advanced safety technology available, even on the top trim level. The closest the Frontier gets is the standard rearview camera and the parking sensors on the Value Truck package.
While the base 152-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is efficient, it is not necessarily powerful or fun. If you plan to use your Frontier for anything other than daily drives and the occasional trip that requires a truck, you will want to upgrade. That is why most of the latest Frontiers use the 261-horsepower 4-liter V6 engine that can tow 6,710 pounds. Sticking with the 4-cylinder keeps your towing capacity at just 3,500 pounds.
The ride of the Nissan Frontier is not too harsh, particularly considering that it is a pickup with a short wheelbase. The tiller also stays put without wandering when at highway speeds, a positive for drivers. The standard 6-speed transmission has long shifts and gets good reviews. You also can go with an optional 5-speed automatic. If you want to take your Frontier’s dependability off the road, go with the Pro-4X trim with its locking rear differential and other off-road-friendly features.
