Nissan Frontier: Price, Specs, Towing & Pros and Cons
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup for buyers who want a standard V6, a traditional body-on-frame truck, and a choice of work and adventure configurations. The 2027 lineup starts at $32,490 before a $1,775 destination charge. It offers a King Cab with a six-foot bed or a Crew Cab with a five-foot bed; SV and PRO-4X Crew Cabs can also have a six-foot bed.
Every version gets a 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic. Its trade-offs are tangible: Nissan’s published EPA combined estimates are 18–21 mpg, the King Cab rear seat is tight, and the separately rated 2026 Crew Cab has mixed IIHS crash-prevention results.
WheelPedia Rating: 7.2/10
The Nissan Frontier earns a 7.2/10 WheelPedia Rating for its standard V6, useful cab and bed choices, and genuine off-road equipment on PRO-4X.
| Rating Category | Score | Weight |
| Safety | 6.5/10 | 20% |
| Reliability and ownership | 7.0/10 | 15% |
| Performance and driving | 8.0/10 | 15% |
| Comfort and practicality | 7.5/10 | 15% |
| Efficiency | 6.5/10 | 15% |
| Features and technology | 7.5/10 | 10% |
| Price and value | 8.0/10 | 10% |
| Overall WheelPedia Rating | 7.2/10 | — |
See how we rate cars for the full scoring method.
Key Highlights
- Starts at $32,490 MSRP for the 2027 S King Cab 4×2, before the $1,775 destination charge.
- Every version has a 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 and nine-speed automatic.
- King Cab seats four and has a six-foot bed; Crew Cab seats five and has a five-foot or available six-foot bed.
- Rear-wheel drive is standard; part-time four-wheel drive is available.
- Maximum towing is 7,150 lb and maximum payload is 1,590 lb, both on S King Cab 4×2.
- The 4×2 grades are EPA-estimated at 21 mpg combined; PRO-4X is rated at 18 mpg combined.
- PRO-4X adds low-range 4×4, an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein dampers, and skid protection.
- Best for buyers seeking traditional pickup capability and a standard V6; less suited to those who put fuel economy or rear-seat space first.
Quick Specifications
| Specification | Nissan Frontier |
| Vehicle type | Midsize body-on-frame pickup |
| Seating capacity | 4 (King Cab); 5 (Crew Cab) |
| Engine | 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 |
| Power | 310 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 rear-wheel drive or part-time 4×4 |
| Best fuel economy | 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined mpg |
| Bed floor length | 59.5 in. (five-foot); 73.3 in. (six-foot) |
| Maximum towing | 7,150 lb, S King Cab 4×2 |
| Maximum payload | 1,590 lb, S King Cab 4×2 |
| Length | 210.2 in. short wheelbase; 224.1 in. Crew Cab long bed |
| Width | 73.0 in.; 74.7 in. PRO-4X |
| Wheelbase | 126.0 in. short wheelbase; 139.8 in. long bed |
| Fuel capacity | 21.0 gallons |
| Fuel requirement | Regular unleaded gasoline |
Expert Tip
Choose the cab and bed for your passengers and cargo first. Trailer tongue weight, people, luggage, and bed cargo all use payload. Check the actual truck’s door-jamb payload label and towing equipment before applying a headline maximum to your trailer.
About the Nissan Frontier
The Frontier competes with midsize pickups such as the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Honda Ridgeline. It has a ladder-frame chassis, rear-wheel drive in 4×2 form, and available part-time four-wheel drive with low range. Nissan assembles it in Canton, Mississippi.
For 2027, SV gains an optional Sport Edition with all-terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, LED fog lamps, and black and yellow trim. Nissan also lists Dark Armor and PRO-4X R packages.
Price and Trims
The following are Nissan’s announced 2027 US MSRPs, before the $1,775 destination charge, taxes, options, and dealer fees. An S King Cab 4×2 is $34,265 including destination; an SV Crew Cab 4×4 short bed is $41,565 including destination.
| Configuration | Drivetrain and Bed | Starting MSRP |
| S King Cab | 4×2, six-foot | $32,490 |
| S King Cab | 4×4, six-foot | $35,490 |
| S Crew Cab | 4×2, five-foot | $33,890 |
| S Crew Cab | 4×4, five-foot | $36,890 |
| SV Crew Cab | 4×2, five-foot | $36,490 |
| SV Crew Cab | 4×2, six-foot | $36,990 |
| SV Crew Cab | 4×4, five-foot | $39,790 |
| SV Crew Cab | 4×4, six-foot | $40,290 |
| PRO-X Crew Cab | 4×2, five-foot | $38,890 |
| PRO-4X Crew Cab | 4×4, five-foot | $42,190 |
| PRO-4X Crew Cab | 4×4, six-foot | $42,690 |
S is the entry grade and the only King Cab choice. SV offers the widest selection of Crew Cab drivetrains and beds. PRO-X adds Bilstein dampers, all-terrain tires, and off-road styling but remains 4×2. PRO-4X adds four-wheel drive, an electronic locking rear differential, and further skid protection. The SV Sport Edition is a $990 package in Nissan’s announcement; confirm its contents and availability on the exact truck.
Engine, Powertrain, and Performance
Every 2027 Frontier has a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 310 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 281 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm, paired with a nine-speed automatic. Nissan specifies regular unleaded gasoline. Four-wheel-drive models have a part-time system with high and low ranges; PRO-4X adds the locking rear differential. Nissan has not announced an alternate engine or hybrid for this lineup.
Driving Experience
The V6’s advantage is that buyers do not need an upper trim to get it. For commuting with occasional trailer use, the Crew Cab SV is a sensible starting point. The body-on-frame chassis and leaf-spring rear suspension are built around truck work. A test drive in the cab and tire setup you intend to buy will tell you more about ride movement, steering effort, braking feel, and parking ease than a specification sheet can.
PRO-X and PRO-4X receive Bilstein dampers and all-terrain tires. PRO-X fits buyers seeking that look and mild dirt-road use in a 4×2. PRO-4X adds low-range 4×4, the rear locker, and protection for more demanding trails. Tire packages and accessories can change clearance, ride, fuel use, and payload.
Fuel Economy
Nissan publishes these 2027 EPA estimates. Every configuration has a 21-gallon fuel tank. Towing, load, tires, speed, terrain, and temperature can affect real-world results.
| Configuration | City | Highway | Combined |
| King Cab S 4×2; Crew Cab S/SV/PRO-X 4×2 | 19 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| King Cab S 4×4; Crew Cab S/SV 4×4 | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Crew Cab PRO-4X 4×4 | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg |
Interior, Comfort, and Technology
The King Cab seats four and provides 26.2 inches of second-row legroom. Its compact rear seats suit occasional passengers or interior gear storage better than regular adult travel. The Crew Cab seats five and has 33.2 inches of rear legroom. Bring your actual child seats when checking the fit.
An 8-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on King Cab S. Crew Cab S also has the 8-inch display; SV and PRO grades offer a 12.3-inch screen and wireless phone integration. A seven-inch instrument information display is standard. Depending on trim and package, equipment can include heated front seats and steering wheel, a surround-view camera, bed power outlets, a spray-in liner, and adjustable bed cleats. The upgraded Qi2 wireless charger comes through a PRO Convenience package rather than as a standard feature across the lineup.
The SV Convenience Package groups bed hardware, power outlets, a trailer hitch and wiring, heated equipment, and other features. Check its price against the individual items you would actually use.
Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality
The King Cab seats four with 26.2 inches of rear legroom; the Crew Cab seats five with 33.2 inches. The Crew Cab is the more useful passenger choice, but families should try their actual child seats before buying. The long-bed Crew Cab adds 13.9 inches of overall length compared with the short-wheelbase truck.
| Dimension | Measurement |
| Length, short wheelbase | 210.2 in. |
| Length, Crew Cab long bed | 224.1 in. |
| Wheelbase, short / long | 126.0 / 139.8 in. |
| Width, standard / PRO-4X | 73.0 / 74.7 in. |
| Front legroom | 42.3 in. |
| Rear legroom, King Cab / Crew Cab | 26.2 / 33.2 in. |
| Five-foot bed length at floor | 59.5 in. |
| Six-foot bed length at floor | 73.3 in. |
| Bed width between wheel wells | 44.5 in. |
| Bed depth | 19.4 in. |
| Fuel tank | 21.0 gallons |
A spray-in bedliner can slightly alter usable floor measurements. Measure the garage and the items you regularly carry before choosing between the five-foot and six-foot beds.
Towing Capability and Payload
Frontier tow and payload ratings vary with cab, drivetrain, bed, and trim. Nissan’s maximum figures belong to the S King Cab 4×2. A PRO-4X is better equipped for trails but has less published capacity for occupants, cargo, and trailers.
| 2027 Configuration | Bed | Maximum Towing | Maximum Payload |
| S King Cab 4×2 | Six-foot | 7,150 lb | 1,590 lb |
| S King Cab 4×4 | Six-foot | 7,000 lb | 1,430 lb |
| S Crew Cab 4×2 | Five-foot | 7,070 lb | 1,490 lb |
| S Crew Cab 4×4 | Five-foot | 6,960 lb | 1,330 lb |
| SV Crew Cab 4×2 | Five-foot / six-foot | 7,000 / 6,920 lb | 1,480 / 1,400 lb |
| SV Crew Cab 4×4 | Five-foot / six-foot | 6,880 / 6,760 lb | 1,310 / 1,200 lb |
| PRO-X Crew Cab 4×2 | Five-foot | 6,900 lb | 1,430 lb |
| PRO-4X Crew Cab 4×4 | Five-foot / six-foot | 6,270 / 6,310 lb | 1,220 / 1,100 lb |
These are Nissan’s published configuration ratings. The truck needs the correct hitch and wiring, and its loaded vehicle, trailer, and tongue weights must stay within applicable limits. A tow maximum does not mean the truck can pull that load with five people and a full bed.
Exterior Design
The Frontier has an upright pickup profile, prominent wheel arches, and a step bumper. Nissan lists LED headlights as standard for 2027. The SV Sport Edition adds black 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a front skid plate, fog lamps, exterior accents, and yellow stitching. An SV Sport 4×2 remains a rear-wheel-drive truck.
The PRO-4X combines low-range 4×4, an electronic rear locker, Bilstein dampers, all-terrain tires, and transfer-case and fuel-tank skid plates. An available Around View Monitor includes a low-speed Off-Road Mode. The optional PRO-4X R package adds a more aggressive wheel-and-tire setup.
Safety Features and Ratings
Nissan lists the following standard 2027 driver-assistance features:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Intelligent forward-collision warning
- Lane-departure warning
- Blind-spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear automatic braking and rear sonar
- Automatic high-beam assistance
- Intelligent cruise control
A surround-view camera is available on selected configurations. Confirm equipment on the specific truck.
For independent context, the 2026 Frontier Crew Cab earned Good IIHS ratings in the small-overlap front and updated moderate-overlap front tests and Acceptable in the updated side test. Its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system earned Poor under IIHS’s 2.0 test; pedestrian front crash prevention was Acceptable. Headlight results varied, and LATCH ease of use was Marginal.
IIHS says the cited crashworthiness ratings apply to 2022–2026 models. We did not verify a 2027 IIHS rating, so the 2026 findings are context rather than a 2027 award. Check the VIN for open recalls and test child-seat fit in the exact vehicle.
Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership
The 2027 Frontier is too new for a sound long-term reliability verdict. Its naturally aspirated V6 and conventional truck layout may appeal to buyers seeking familiar hardware, but those features do not establish future repair costs.
On a used truck, review service records and inspect for towing or off-road damage, tire and suspension wear, four-wheel-drive operation, and completed recall work.
| Coverage | Length |
| New vehicle limited warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Confirm them for the specific truck. Fuel, tires, brakes, insurance, and routine service should be included in the ownership budget.
Pros and Cons
What We Like
- Standard 310-hp V6 across the range
- King Cab and Crew Cab choices, including a six-foot Crew Cab bed
- Strong towing and payload ratings in the specified S King Cab 4×2
- Useful standard driver-assistance equipment
- PRO-4X has low-range 4×4, a rear locker, and skid protection
- SV offers a practical balance of price and configurations
What We Don’t Like
- 18–21 mpg combined EPA estimates
- King Cab rear seating is very tight
- Crew Cab rear legroom is modest for regular adult passengers
- PRO-4X towing and payload are below the headline maximums
- Useful bed and comfort equipment often requires packages
- Separately rated 2026 Crew Cab had a Poor IIHS vehicle-to-vehicle prevention result; a 2027 result was not verified
Competitors
Compare the Frontier with other midsize pickups according to the job you need the truck to do:
- Toyota Tacoma: Consider it for a broad configuration range and an available hybrid powertrain. The Frontier gives every trim a naturally aspirated V6.
- Ford Ranger: Compare its turbocharged powertrain choices and cabin with the Frontier’s base V6 and available six-foot Crew Cab bed.
- Honda Ridgeline: Consider it for lighter-duty use and a more car-like on-road character. The Frontier offers body-on-frame construction and available low-range 4×4.
Compare current window stickers and exact capacities rather than relying on model-wide maximums.
Our car-buying checklist can help you assess a specific new or used truck, its equipment, and the final paperwork.
Should You Buy the Nissan Frontier?
Buy the Frontier if you want a conventional midsize pickup with standard V6 power, a choice of cab and bed lengths, and useful towing capability in the right configuration.
Choose SV Crew Cab for the best balance of price, seating, and equipment. Choose S King Cab if you need the six-foot bed at a lower price and rarely carry rear passengers. Choose PRO-4X for regular off-road travel, but check its lower tow and payload ratings against your gear and trailer.
Consider a rival if you need better fuel economy, more rear-seat space, or off-road hardware without giving up as much payload. Get an itemized out-the-door quote and test-drive the exact configuration before buying.
FAQs
How much is a new Nissan Frontier?
The 2027 S King Cab 4×2 starts at $32,490 MSRP, or $34,265 with Nissan’s stated destination charge, before taxes and other fees. The Crew Cab starts at $33,890 before destination.
How much can the Frontier tow?
Up to 7,150 lb for the 2027 S King Cab 4×2 under Nissan’s rating. The PRO-4X short bed is rated at 6,270 lb and the long bed at 6,310 lb. Check the exact truck’s equipment and loaded weights.
What is the Frontier’s maximum payload?
Up to 1,590 lb for the S King Cab 4×2. PRO-4X has 1,220 lb published payload with the five-foot bed or 1,100 lb with the six-foot bed. The specific truck’s door-jamb label is the key check.
Does the Frontier have a V6?
Yes. Every announced 2027 US Frontier has a 3.8-liter V6 with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft, paired with a nine-speed automatic.
Is the Frontier available with a six-foot bed and four doors?
Yes. The SV Crew Cab and PRO-4X Crew Cab offer a six-foot bed. S King Cab also has one, but its rear seating is much tighter.
Is the Frontier PRO-X four-wheel drive?
No. PRO-X is 4×2. Choose PRO-4X for low-range four-wheel drive and an electronic locking rear differential.
Is the 2027 Frontier safe?
It has an extensive standard driver-assistance list, but a 2027 IIHS rating was not verified for this draft. The separately rated 2026 Crew Cab had Good results in two front crashworthiness categories and a Poor result for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system under IIHS’s 2.0 test.
What gas mileage does the Nissan Frontier get?
Nissan lists 21 mpg combined for 4×2 grades, 19 mpg for S and SV 4×4, and 18 mpg for PRO-4X in its 2027 specification sheets. Actual results vary with load and conditions.
Which Frontier trim is the best value?
The SV Crew Cab is our starting point for most buyers because it offers four full doors and choices of drivetrain and bed length without requiring an off-road trim. Compare the optional Convenience Package with the equipment you will use.
How many people can a Frontier seat?
The King Cab seats four, with limited rear legroom. The Crew Cab seats five and has a more useful second row. Try your regular passengers or child seats in the exact truck before buying.
Final Verdict
The Nissan Frontier makes a clear case for itself with standard V6 power, useful bed choices, and a PRO-4X that has real off-road hardware. It works best when buyers choose a specific cab and trim for their passengers, trailer, and cargo instead of shopping by the largest number in an advertisement.
For most drivers, the SV Crew Cab is the strongest starting point. The S King Cab 4×2 delivers the lineup’s maximum published towing and payload, while PRO-4X trades some of that capacity for trail equipment. Fuel use, rear-seat space, and the dated independent safety findings deserve attention before purchase.
Prices, specifications, safety ratings, and features can change by model year, trim, and market. This page uses Nissan’s 2027 US pricing and specification sheets, while the independent IIHS findings cited above apply to the 2026 Crew Cab.