Since 1998, the Nissan Frontier has carved out a strong reputation as a dependable midsize pickup truck. Known for its ruggedness and practicality, it has consistently appealed to both weekend warriors tackling DIY projects and professionals needing a reliable work vehicle. Even after a quarter of a century, the Frontier remains a significant player in the midsize truck segment, selling 68,000 units in the US last year. While it trails the popular Toyota Tacoma, it outsells competitors like the Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, and Jeep Gladiator, proving its enduring appeal in a competitive market.
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a week thoroughly testing a 2025 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SL 4X4 with a long wheelbase. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into the latest iteration of this popular truck and allowed for a comprehensive Nissan Frontier Review.
Price and Trims: Exploring the 2025 Frontier Lineup
My test vehicle, a top-of-the-line 2025 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SL Long Wheelbase 4X4, came with a sticker price of $47,750. This included premium Bluestone Pearl paint, floor mats, and destination charges on top of the base MSRP of $45,610 for this trim. The Frontier lineup offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. The entry-level Nissan Frontier King Cab 4X2 starts at a more accessible $32,050, highlighting the breadth of choices available within the Frontier family.
Updated Design and Styling: A Modern Take on a Classic Truck
The 2025 Frontier incorporates subtle but effective styling updates, including redesigned headlights, grille, and front bumper. These changes contribute to a refreshed and modern aesthetic while retaining the truck’s inherently rugged character. The Frontier’s design successfully blends contemporary styling cues with nods to Nissan’s heritage, such as the grille vents inspired by the iconic Nissan Hardbody pickups of the late 1980s. This thoughtful combination of old and new gives the Frontier a distinctive and appealing look.
Towing and Performance Capabilities: Ready for Work and Play
The towing capacity of the Nissan Frontier varies depending on the specific configuration. My test model, the Crew Cab SL 4X4, is rated to tow up to 6,700 pounds. The maximum towing capacity within the Frontier range is 7,150 pounds, achievable with the base Frontier S King Cab 4X2. My SL trim came equipped with essential towing features as standard, including a Class IV receiver hitch, trailer sway control, and a tow/haul mode. While the Frontier’s towing capabilities are competitive within the midsize segment, those with frequent heavy towing needs might consider exploring full-size truck options.
Engine and Driving Dynamics: V6 Power and Truck-Like Handling
A key differentiator for the Nissan Frontier in its class is its standard 3.8-liter V6 engine. Sourced from Nissan’s acclaimed VQ engine family, this naturally aspirated V6 delivers 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. In a market where many competitors like the Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, and Canyon have shifted to turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the Frontier remains one of the few to offer a V6. Fuel economy for my 4X4 test truck is EPA-rated at 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. Achieving these figures required a light foot on the accelerator, but the trade-off for the V6’s smooth power delivery is a worthwhile one for many truck enthusiasts.
Driving the Frontier reinforces its truck DNA. It delivers a ride quality expected of a body-on-frame pickup, effectively absorbing bumps and providing a relatively quiet cabin even at highway speeds. The V6 engine and nine-speed transmission combination provides confident and smooth acceleration. One aspect that stood out was the heavier steering feel, which, while providing a sense of solidity, could be slightly cumbersome in tight maneuvering situations. Overall, while not as car-like as the Honda Ridgeline, the Frontier offers a comfortable and capable driving experience suitable for daily use.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Practical and User-Friendly Cabin
The Frontier’s interior prioritizes durability and usability. The cabin design is straightforward and functional, with an emphasis on robust materials. Ergonomics are well-considered, with controls logically placed and easily accessible. Large rotary dials and physical buttons are a welcome feature, particularly user-friendly when wearing gloves in colder climates. While the interior materials are predominantly plastic and monotone, the build quality feels solid and well-assembled, free from unwanted noises.
The heated leather front seats in the SL trim offered good cushioning and support. Lower trim levels feature cloth upholstery. The instrument cluster combines traditional analog gauges with a seven-inch digital information display, a practical and informative setup. Notably, the Frontier forgoes a fully digital instrument cluster found in some higher-end Nissan models, maintaining a more classic truck feel.
A significant upgrade for the 2025 Frontier is the new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. This larger screen enhances the cabin’s technology interface. While Nissan’s infotainment system itself is functional and easy to navigate, its split-screen layout somewhat limits the usable display area. However, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration utilize the full 12.3-inch screen, providing a modern smartphone integration experience. Base S trims come standard with an eight-inch display. Rear seat passengers in the Crew Cab benefit from a respectable 33 inches of legroom, along with amenities like a power socket, USB ports, and a sliding rear window. The rear seats, while in an upright position, are adequately comfortable.
Cargo Bed and Practicality: Ready to Haul
The Frontier’s cargo bed is equipped with a spray-on bedliner and LED cargo lamps for added durability and convenience. Adjustable Utili-track cargo tie-downs further enhance the bed’s versatility for securing loads. The 60/40 split rear bench seats inside the cab can be folded up, creating additional space for carrying taller items within the cabin. Underneath the rear seats, you’ll find the subwoofer for the optional 10-speaker Fender premium audio system.
Safety and Standard Features: Confidence and Peace of Mind
Nissan has equipped the Frontier with a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies. These include lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear sonar system, intelligent forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features contribute to a safer and more confident driving experience.
Final Verdict: Is the 2025 Nissan Frontier Right for You?
The 2025 Nissan Frontier successfully blends a traditional truck ethos with modern features, making it a compelling option in the midsize pickup segment. In an era of increasingly complex and technologically driven vehicles, the Frontier offers a refreshing sense of straightforward capability and reliability. From its no-frills work truck configurations to the more refined SL and off-road-oriented Pro4X trims, the core strengths of the Frontier remain consistent: a robust ladder frame chassis, a proven V6 engine, and a user-friendly cabin. Even when equipped with upscale features, the Frontier retains a solid, truck-like feel that inspires confidence.
Having last experienced a second-generation Nissan Frontier a decade ago, the improvements and refinements in this latest iteration are genuinely impressive. For those who don’t require the extreme towing capacity of full-size trucks, the Frontier delivers everything needed for everyday truck duties and more. It’s a truck that resonates with a sense of honest capability and represents a solid choice for anyone seeking a dependable and versatile midsize pickup. For many truck buyers, including myself, the Nissan Frontier would be a smart and satisfying purchase.
