Nissan can take credit for pioneering the compact pickup truck market starting way back in 1959, and this year, the automaker looks to continue on that tradition with a slew of updates on the latest Frontier.
Recent changes included the addition of the Sport Appearance Package with 18-inch SL aluminum-alloy wheels in dark hyper silver finish, dark grille treatment, body colored front and rear bumpers, PRO-4X style seats with gray seat bolsters and stitching, fog lights, body side “Frontier” sport graphic, white-faced gauges and Bluetooth Hands Free Phone System.
Before that the Frontier gained the PRO-4X off-road model, while the entire range got new front fascia and headlight designs, as well as newly designed 16- and 18-inch wheels.
This year, Nissan added Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) as standard features (as per federal regulations) on all Frontier models. New colors include Brilliant Silver, Metallic Blue and Lava Red.
In the automaker's time-honored tradition of offering great bang for the buck, Nissan also offers Value Truck Packages (VTP) on the Crew Cab SV and the PRO-4X trims. The VTPs are basically equipment bundles that save buyers money as opposed to picking the same options on their own.
Available in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, the Frontier is offered in four different trim levels. The base S model is essentially a work truck, powered by a 152 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 171 pound-feet of torque.
A 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque is also available on every trim level, save for the base 'S' trim.
Customers can choose between rear and four-wheel drive, and can select either a five- or six-speed manual, as well as an optional five-speed automatic transmission.
The PRO-4X model effectively replaced the Nismo trim and features Bilstein shocks tuned for greater off-road capability, more skid plates, electronic-locking rear diff, an electronic all-wheel limited slip system and unique 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior features unique accents such as a leather-appointed and red-stitched shift knob on the manual gearbox, the same treatment for the steering wheel, chrome accents on the gauges.
Opting for the PRO-4X VTP in the Crew Cab model gets black leather front seats with red stitching, with 8-way power operation for the driver seat and 4-way operated passenger seats, both heated, just like the mirrors. The rear bench gets a fold-down center armrest.
All PRO-4X trims are powered by the 4.0-liter V6 model and sport a body-colored grille, bumpers, outside mirrors, door handles and fog lamps. Standard comfort and convenience features comprise cruise control, remote keyless entry and power windows, door locks and outside mirrors.
In the bed, the Frontier has a utili-track system with movable trays, bike racks, dividers and storage systems for the truck bed. The Long Bed Crew Cab SV and PRO-4X have a truck bed that is 13 inches longer than the standard Crew Cab on the Frontier.
The King Cab has rear-hinged back doors, while the larger Crew Cab has the usual front-hinged doors. The Crew Cab models are a few inches taller than the King Cab. Inside, there is more room and the King Cab has flip-up rear seats. Side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags are optional, as is rollover protection.
The latest generation also sees three new colors, with Brilliant Silver, Metallic Blue and Lava Red.
Key competitors
Nissan's Frontier pickup competes with the segment-leading Toyota Tacoma, as well as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. When considering the four-door model, the Honda Ridgeline is also worth considering.