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Nissan Frontier

EPA MPG: 17 mpg
Average Retail Price
$7,975 - $13,525

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

This version of the Frontier shares a platform and components with the larger Titan pickup and Xterra SUV. It is a big step forward compared to the old version. We found this Frontier quick and nimble with a tolerable ride. The powerful engine gives it a V8-like feel. The tight rear seat is a drawback and the tailgate is very heavy. Side- and curtain-airbags and stability control are standard equipment.

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2013 Pickup trucks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Midsized pickup trucks Ratings

$7,875 - $13,500
economy-icon
EPA MPG 17 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$11,275 - $13,500
economy-icon
EPA MPG 17 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$11,050 - $17,000
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    extended cab
    crew cab
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
4WD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 2.5-liter 4 (152 hp)
  • 4-liter V6 (261 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 5-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2022-
Current Generation

After more than 16 years without a major update, the Nissan Frontier got a new look inside and out for the 2022 model year. The sheet metal is all new and the interior gets a much-needed upgrade. The 310-hp, 3.8-liter V6 engine and nine-speed automatic carry over from 2021. The V6 feels strong and the transmission is smooth. Handling is relatively responsive but the steering is too heavy at low speeds. The ride is stiff legged but much better than the previous generation. There is ample interior storage, and the infotainment is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The rear gate is now much easier to open and close. The Pro-4X version is off-road ready with a rear-locking differential. The previous model scored a Marginal in both driver and passenger-side of the IIHS small overlap front crash tests. FCW and AEB with pedestrian detection now come standard. BSW and RCTW are optional. For 2025, BSW, RCTW, and ACC are standard on all trims. 2025 models also received refreshed bumpers, front fascia, and grille design, as well as updated dashboard trim and a telescoping steering wheel. 


2005-2021
2005 Redesign Year
The redesigned 2005 Frontier compact pickup was a big step forward compared to its ponderously handling ancestors. It became quick and nimble, with a still-stiff though tolerable ride. The strong 4.0-liter V6 revs smoothly and feels like a V8. We chalked up an unimpressive 15 mpg overall. Base models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Transmissions include five- and six-speed manuals and a five-speed automatic. All Frontiers of this generation are either crew- or extended-cab, but rear seat room is tight in both. Side- and curtain-airbags, along with stability control are standard equipment. An optional longer (six-foot) bed arrived for 2007, but the tailgate is quite heavy. There were no major changes to the Frontier after that.
1998-2004
1998 Redesign Year

The Frontier debuted in 1998, with redesigned interior and exterior styling from the previous model, which lacked a name. But the Frontier's ride is stiff and its handling ponderous. A 3.3-liter V6 was offered beginning in 1999. A crew-cab model was added for 2000, and a supercharged version of the V6 joined the options list a year later.