The 2023 Nissan Frontier seems brand-new, only a year after a significant facelift. The new Frontier’s throwback elements go deep, and the beautiful looks were inspired by Nissan’s Hardbody truck from the 1980s. This pickup truck has a classic body-on-frame design with a strong V6 engine. The frame is a more robust version of the Frontier’s structure. Although it is now more sophisticated, competent, and quieter than ever, it still has the familiar truck feel. More modernism wouldn’t hurt, but the sales of the outdated Toyota Tacoma (237,323 in 2022 compared to the Frontier’s 76,183) show that most purchasers of midsize trucks like the “old school” look.
After the significant revisions made last year, only minimal equipment upgrades will be made to 2023 vehicles, and even those will mainly affect the SV trim Crew Cab. The formerly optional convenience package is now included with that version, along with a new Midnight Edition with blackout accents. The four-trim lineup, 310-horsepower V6, and King and Crew cab versions are identical. The entry-level S costs $30,485 (with a $1,295 destination charge), followed by the mid-range SV ($33,185), the tough-looking PRO-X ($37,015), and the PRO-4X, which is only available with four-wheel-drive (4WD) and is designed for off-road driving.
The Frontier’s key competitors are the Chevrolet Colorado (which will get a facelift in early 2023), the Ford Ranger, and Tacoma. Because of the fierce competition with Toyota, we directly compared the Tacoma and Frontier last summer: The Honda Ridgeline, which excels in comfort, spaciousness, and safety, and the daring Jeep Gladiator, which offers full-size truck capacity and almost unparalleled off-road prowess, are other options. Meanwhile, the Honda and the Jeep are much more costly to start.
Although the V6 in the Frontier has more horsepower than any other midsize truck, its performance and gas consumption are inconsistent. The V6’s thrust outperforms the four-cylinder Chevy and Toyota vehicles on and off the road. Nevertheless, the Frontier’s towing and payload capacities fall short of those of superior substitutes. The Ridgeline will always be more ideal than the Nissan regarding on-road refinement. Still, the Nissan’s steering and suspension provide respectable handling for a truck of this size and a comfortable, controlled ride. Also a reliable off-road vehicle, the PRO-4X is more affordable than the Jeep.
With just 33.2 inches of rear legroom, the Frontier’s Crew Cab is somewhat cramped in the back, much like its competitors from Ford, General Motors, and Toyota. Despite being more than Toyota, that is still far less than Honda or Jeep. Kids are OK, but expanding families will soon need more. Although the dashboard seems busier and more contemporary than the one in the last Frontier, it has a plasticky feel, and the steering wheel is not telescopeable. Nissan’s “zero gravity” front seats are supportive and comfortable, and the infotainment system and controls are simple to operate.
On the Nissan Frontier, many active safety measures are available, but to receive all of them, you must choose at least the SV trim and the technology package. If you choose those options, you’ll receive amenities like adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic warnings, although Toyota and Honda have similar equipment. The Frontier was transformed by last year’s facelift from an antiquated also-ran to a legitimate competitor. However, there are still certain areas that may be improved. For those seeking a typical truck experience at a reasonable cost and manageable size, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Performance: Nissan Frontier
Although the Frontier’s potent 3.8-liter V6 debuted in the previous-generation vehicle in 2021, it was created for the 2022 facelift. It is paired with a fast nine-speed automatic gearbox, producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. Even though the Frontier takes more than 7 seconds to accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour, it has more horsepower than any other gas-powered midsize truck.
Although the pickup’s structure may be comparable to the previous vehicle’s, Nissan redesigned the steering to give it a better on-center feel and faster reactions. Front and rear stabilizer bars and other suspension upgrades produce a smoother, more controlled ride. While it can’t match the Ridgeline’s quiet, crossover-like handling, the PRO-4X drives more steadily on the road than the Toyota and more comfortably than the Gladiator or Tacoma TRD Pro.
On all versions, save the “PROs,” rear-wheel drive is the default, and a four-wheel drive is an option. Although the PRO-X only has a rear-drive, the PRO-4X, which only has 4WD, seems comparable. Both vehicles have more robust styling, all-terrain tires, off-road Bilstein shocks, and distinctive 17-inch wheels, but the PRO-4X is tough, while the PRO-X is satisfied to seem harsh.
A front skid plate, 2WD, 4HI, 4LO modes, and hill descent control are included with all 4WD Frontier models. However, the 4X also receives an extra terrain mode, an electronic locking rear differential, and underbody skid plate protection. Although it can’t crawl with the Gladiator, the PRO-4X is a capable adversary for the Tacoma TRD and efficiently handled very steep, muddy, and rainy slopes during our tests.
The Frontier’s towing and payload capacities are below average. Although it has a slightly lower tow rating than the Tacoma (6,720 pounds), the Ranger, Gladiator, and Colorado can all pull up to 7,500 pounds. Compared to the Ranger’s 1,860 and Tacoma’s 1,685 pounds, the Frontier’s maximum payload is 1,610.
Fuel efficiency: Nissan Frontier
The Frontier’s fuel efficiency is among the lowest in its class, along with the large Armada and Titan. The mileage is what it is since there is no mild hybrid technology, optional diesel, or turbocharged four-cylinder. According to the EPA, the rear-wheel-drive Frontier gets 20 mpg combined, 24 mpg on the interstate, and 18 mpg in the city. The integrated, highway, and city mileage ratings for the 4WD models are 17 mpg, 22 mpg, and 19 mpg. We achieved slightly under 18 mpg when testing the PRO-4X in actual driving situations.
We do not suggest the Colorado or Tacoma versions with four cylinders. The V6 Tacoma, on the other hand, is almost on par with the Frontier and somewhat poorer in the TRD PRO variants for off-road use (we recorded 16 mpg). The rear-drive Ranger does considerably better, with 26 mpg on the interstate, 21 mpg in the city, and 23 mpg overall, while the off-road Tremor variant only manages around 19 mpg overall.
Jeep’s Diesel Gladiator can get 24 combined mpg, but it is much more expensive up front, while the other Gladiators only achieve poor mileage. Although the 2023 model debuts this spring, the outstanding gas economy of Chevy’s Diesel Colorado will end.
Safety and driver support technology:
The 2023 Frontier has not yet been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Still, it has received a “superior” grade for its automated emergency braking system and a “poor” rating for its headlights. It has a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) out of a potential five stars. While none of the midsize trucks get the highest ratings from these organizations, several competitors do better.
While Nissan provides many active safety technologies on the Frontier, it loses some points in our rating since fewer of these features are standard. All variants come standard with forward collision warnings and automatic emergency braking. Still, a $990 technology package adds features like adaptive highlights, blind-spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. Most of this equipment is standard on Toyota and Honda vehicles, but practically everything is optional on the other midsize trucks.
Comfort and Space
The Frontier’s quiet cabin and cozy seats offer a minor advantage over Ford, GM, and Toyota. Even so, some shorter or taller drivers could find the absence of a telescopic steering wheel annoying. The inside of the Frontier is similar to that of the Colorado, Ranger, and Tacoma, except for the substantially bigger cabins of the Ridgeline and Gladiator: spacious up front but cramped in the back.
Although the King cab is designed for usage in the front seat and storage in the rear, most will choose the family-sized Crew cab. Even with the Ranger and Tacoma, there is 42.3 inches of legroom and 39.9 inches of headroom. Only 33.2 inches of second-row legroom remain, which is extremely little for adults. With just 32.6 inches of back legroom, the Tacoma is significantly poorer than the Ranger, which has 34.5 inches.
Compared to the rear seats of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, two considerably smaller trucks built on crossover platforms seem smaller in real life. The Frontier is suitable for compact families with young children, and there is space for car seats, while the Ridgeline and Gladiator are considerably more noticeable in the rear.
Infotainment: Nissan Frontier
Standard is an 8-inch center touchscreen, although with higher trim. All variants have a 7-inch digital driver’s display, while Frontiers receive a 9-inch display. It’s simple to pick up and utilize Nissan’s UI even while driving, but the pinch-and-zoom navigation feature should be improved. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, and the former is now wireless on the PRO-X and PRO-4X models if you don’t like the automaker’s interface.
There are four USB ports, two in each row of seats. Two 110-volt power outlets are provided by Nissan, one in the truck bed and one in the back. Nothing about the regulations or procedures of this vehicle is difficult to understand, and controls are conveniently located. The truck interior is far quieter than the previous generation, and an available 10-speaker Fender Premium Audio System system contributes to the audio’s improvement.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Although Nissan provides 5- and 6-foot beds, King cabs only have the more extended option. Crew cabs typically have a 5-footer, but the SV grade also provides a 6-foot bed with a long wheelbase behind the Crew.
The capacity of a 5-foot bed is 40.1 cubic feet in a Crew cab and 49.9 in a King cab. The tailgate is 55.4 inches wide, and the distance between the wheel wells is 44.5 inches. Comparable to the Ranger but more substantial than the Tacoma that is. Nissan also supplies a sophisticated Utili-track channel system that uses three unique “C” cross-section rails in the bed to enhance hauling versatility. Four extra fixed bed tie-down hooks are included.
The optional factory-applied spray-on bedliner, which is now standard on SV versions, may be appreciated by some purchasers but will somewhat restrict cargo space. With a large console bin and sizable door pockets, the cabin has plenty of storage space.
Design: Nissan Frontier
Nissan’s style does make this one of the most attractive trucks on the market, with its square-jawed and appealing appearance. The purchasers’ favorite Hardbody from the 1980s is referenced in the modest, intense Fender flares, and even from a distance, the square shapes and headlights are recognizable. Compared to the Ridgeline or boring Ranger, it has more personality. The Gladiator and electric Rivian R1T, although costing more than twice as much, are still perhaps the coolest-looking vehicles in this market.
The cabin isn’t nearly as gorgeous as the outside. Although the dynamic, plasticky dashboard isn’t ugly and makes the Ranger and Tacoma appear old-fashioned, it isn’t a cutting-edge design. Its horizontal lines also don’t extend to the inside door panels, contrasting with the rest of the cabin’s flowing lines.
The Nissan Frontier 2023: Is It Worth It?
Depending on your requirements, yes. The Frontier S basic model is more robust and significantly better than Colorado or Tacoma’s four-cylinder engine. However, the base-model Ranger seems to be the most excellent work-truck-grade vehicle in the midsize class because of its greater payload and towing capacities. It is also almost as quick, gets better gas efficiency, and has a higher top speed.
The SV is a far superior option. The Frontier portfolio provides the widest selection of options, including the long-wheelbase model with the 6-foot bed and the most outstanding value in terms of both price and content. It also has a Tow/Haul mode, electric outside mirrors, a six-way power driver’s seat, and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Additionally, we would choose the $990 technology package, which includes the whole set of active safety measures. When 4WD is added (and even non-PRO-4X 4WD vehicles have the practical capability), the price will probably be close to $40,000. Despite its options, the 4WD SV Crew Cab long-wheelbase model still costs less than many full-size trucks with comparable equipment.
Despite being $3,000 less expensive than the PRO-4X, the PRO-X seems to be of worse quality, primarily since it lacks 4WD. The PRO-4X costs $40,000, which is somewhat more than the Tacoma TRD Off-Road but much less than the TRD Pro ($46,000), and in comparison to that vehicle, it seems to be a real deal. While it may not be reasonably competent off-road as the Taco, driving daily or on the 100-mile highway back from your preferred mountain or desert track is more pleasant. However, be careful when choosing an option since some better off-road SUVs may cost less.
How Much Does a Nissan Frontier Insurance Cost?
The Nissan Frontier’s insurance premiums are comparable to most of its rivals. The average yearly premium for a Frontier PRO-4X for a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record is $2,020, albeit this figure is based on all 50 states. In contrast, the Colorado ZR2 costs $2,117, the Ranger XLT $1,947, the Honda Ridgeline $1,950, and the Tacoma TRD PRO $2,043 each.
Verdict
The Nissan Frontier was recently updated, having not had a significant overhaul since 2004. It still has a vintage truck vibe and some remnants of the previous design. The Frontier, however, has 310 horsepower and is quieter and more polished with a stylish new appearance. It’s a competent mover and the ideal off-road vehicle in PRO-4X configuration. However, that power doesn’t convert to a massive towing capacity, and the fuel-guzzling Frontier also falls short of specific competitors in terms of basic features.
