2012 Nissan Frontier

Basic Specs

Base Price TBA
Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 4233
City (MPG) 16
Hwy (MPG) 20
Horsepower 261@5600
Torque (lb-ft) 281@4000
Wheelbase 125.9
Length (in.) 205.5
Width (in.) 72.8
Height (in.) 70.1

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.

    • General
    • Body Style: Pickup Truck
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Standard
    • Weight: 4233 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 205.5 in.
    • Width: 72.8 in.
    • Height: 70.1 in.
    • Wheelbase: 125.9 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 9.8 in.
    • Front Track: 61.8 in.
    • Rear Track: 61.8 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 55/45
    • Drag Coefficient: TBD
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 101.1 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 27.1 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): N/A
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: 57.2 cu. ft.
    • Leg Room: 42.4 in.
    • Head Room: 40.0 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 58.3 in.
    • Hip Room: 55.6 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: 38.8 cu. ft.
    • Leg Room: 33.6 in.
    • Head Room: 38.7 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 58.3 in.
    • Hip Room: 58.0 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 4.0L V6
    • Power: 261 hp @ 5600 rpm
    • Torque: 281 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 20 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 16 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Rear Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Double Wishbone
    • Rear Suspension: Solid Axle
    • Wheels
    • Front: 16" Steel
    • Front Tires: P265/70R16
    • Rear: 16" Steel
    • Rear Tires: P265/70R16
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: 6300 lbs
    • Payload: 1457
    • Tongue Weight: 630 lbs
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    Step 2 - Options

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    Packages

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      S Preferred Package


      • AM/FM/CD audio system
      • Air conditioning

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    Exterior Accessories

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      Bedliner


      • Your bed takes a beating, so give it the protection it deserves.
      • Non-slip surface lessens sliding and provides loading traction
      • High-density polyethylene helps protect bed
      • High-rib design reduces moisture to help prevent rust

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      Fixed Bed Extender


      • Expand the possibilities. The Fixed Bed Extender gives you a long list of cargo options.
      • Mounts easily to rear truck bed walls; pivots forward and backward
      • Compatible with drop-in Bedliner
      • Constructed of rugged lightweight aluminum tubing
      • Locking tailgate provides added security

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      Bed Tent


      • Unfolds easily to a dome-shaped tent. Turns any Frontier bed into a sturdy, level sleeping area.
      • Easy installation, compact storage
      • Dome shape with external rain-fly

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      Bed Rail Caps


      • Protect your bed rails from heavy abuse
      • Designed to integrate with bolt-on tailgate liner

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      Splash Guards


      • Save your Frontier from an unwelcome mud bath.
      • Add value and style while helping protect your resale value
      • Contoured to match wheel openings, Splash Guards help prevent dirt and debris from nicking and scratching the finish

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      Non-sliding Toolbox


      • Tools like to travel, too. Built-in diamond-plate tool box gives you easy access to all your tools on the go.
      • Available for King Cab

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      Weight-distributing Hitch Ball Mount (Class IV)


      • Even things out. Weight-distributing hitch makes for a safer ride when towing heavy loads.
      • For towing over 5,000 lbs. and up to vehicle capacity (depending on vehicle configuration)
      • Includes Class IV Hitch Ball

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      Trailer Tow Harness (7-pin)


      • Connect with ease. Converts 4-pin harness to 7-pin harness.
      • Provides trailer lighting power and connections for trailer brakes

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      Hitch Ball, Class II


      • Rated up to 3,500 lbs.
      • Mounts on Hitch Ball Mount

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      Hitch Ball, Class III


      • Rated for towing up to 5,000 lbs.
      • Mounts on Hitch Ball Mount

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      Tow Hooks (2-piece)


      • Beefed-up Tow Hooks are ready to pull you out of sticky situations

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      Body Side Moldings


      • Arm your Frontier against parking lot dings, dents and scratches.
      • Pre-painted to match vehicle color
      • Easy to install

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      Step Rails


      • Need a boost? Step Rails are the ticket.
      • Easier access to roof
      • Provide an extra step into vehicle

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      Chrome Tailgate Appliqué


      • You can never have enough chrome.
      • Easy, no-drill installation
      • Goes perfectly with Chrome Taillight Guards

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      Fog Lights


      • They look great, but more important, they help increase your visibility in foggy conditions.
      • Lens design creates low, wide projection for foggy conditions
      • Includes Fog Lights, brackets and harness
      • White lens adds wide-angle view, increasing visibility
      • Integrate into front bumper for a factory-installed look

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      Hood Protector


      • Give your hood a fighting chance against bugs and road grime.
      • Heat-, UV- and impact-resistant acrylic
      • Deflects airflow over hood to help reduce dirt, insects and road debris
      • Aerodynamic wraparound design

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      Side-window Deflectors


      • There's nothing like fresh air. Now you can get some while reducing wind noise.
      • Help reduce wind noise
      • Fight glare
      • Easy, no-drill installation

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      Spare Tire Lock


      • Helps prevent costly spare tire theft
      • Easy, quick installation

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      License Plate Frames


      • Show your Nissan pride.
      • Choice of several finishes, with or without logos
      • Stainless steel construction

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      Nissan Valve Stem Caps


      • Show your Nissan pride.
      • Rigorously tested to resist salt spray and corrosion
      • Designed to be hand-tightened
      • Inert ABS plastic material helps caps screw on and off with ease
      • No interference with Tire Pressure Monitoring System

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      Nissan Chrome License Plate Frame & Valve Stem Caps Package


      • Show your Nissan pride
      • Valve Stem Caps screw on and off with ease
      • License Plate Frame features stainless steel construction and chrome finish
      • Valve Stem Caps do not interfere with TPMS and are designed to be hand-tightened

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    Interior Accessories

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      Carpeted Floor Mats


      • All Nissan Carpeted Floor Mats are made of high-quality material and are custom-fit.
      • Floor mat backing is designed to help position the mat in place
      • Driver's mat secures with a grommet hole/positioning hook system

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      All-season Floor Mats


      • Stepping in from the rain or snow? You need a set of All-season Floor Mats.
      • Driver's mat secures with a grommet hole/positioning hook system
      • Custom-made of durable and long-wearing material
      • Floor mat backing is designed to help position the mat in place

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      Emergency Road Kit


      • Everything you need for life's little uncertainties.
      • Basic roadside emergency supplies in a zippered nylon bag
      • Contents include: heavy-duty jumper cables, emergency reflective triangle, flashlight with batteries and hands-free stand, duct tape, two screwdrivers, battery terminal cleaner and compact thermal blanket

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      Seat Belt Extender


      • Need a little extra breathing room? The Seat Belt Extender adds up to 8 inches of length.
      • May be used for either the driver or front-passenger seating position

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      Illuminated Ash Cup


      • An Ash Cup that is hard to miss – especially in the dark.
      • White LED light automatically comes on when the lid is opened

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      Air Bag Anti-theft Bolts


      • Your safety equipment helps keep you safe, so why shouldn't you return the favor?
      • Driver and front-passenger bolts sold separately and require (retailer/dealer) installation
      • Unique keyed design provides added security

      Info
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