2013 Nissan Frontier Review
2013 Nissan Frontier Review
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Used Frontier for sale
Appraise This CarNissan Frontier model years
Nissan Frontier types
- Crew Cab
- King Cab
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sturdy chassis
- strong V6
- easy-to-use cabin controls
- stout bed lining and tie-down points
- agile handling.
Cons
- Regular cab body style not available
- limited rear legroom on crew-cab models
- uncomfortable rear seats.
What’s new
The 2013 Nissan Frontier receives a few engine and aerodynamic tweaks that improve fuel economy slightly. Inside, there are some new available features, including a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control and a navigation system. Nissan has also revised the truck's trim level names and option packages, including the addition of a new Desert Runner trim.
Edmunds says
The 2013 Nissan Frontier is a top pick in the midsize pickup segment thanks to its brawny nature, relatively nimble handling and innovative features.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Nissan Frontier S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$202/mo for Frontier S
Frontier S
vs
$233/mo
Avg. Compact Truck
Vehicle overview
Being a midsize pickup, the 2013 Nissan Frontier is considerably smaller than traditional full-size pickup trucks. Even so, you'll find it's still quite capable of tackling all sorts of workhorse duties thanks to its powerful V6 engine, relatively nimble handling and rugged body-on-frame construction.
Of course the Frontier is capable of more than just off-the-beaten-path exploration. Thanks to plenty of different variations, Nissan's smallest pickup works equally well in the city whether you're looking for a no-nonsense work truck or something to schlepp teenagers around in. In fact, the biggest negative you're likely to find here is that the rear seats force occupants to sit bolt upright, especially in extended cab models.
All this isn't to suggest you shouldn't take the time to examine your options. Topping the list of alternatives is the 2013 Toyota Tacoma pickup, which is the most direct rival now that GM has discontinued the Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon twins. If you're looking for the practicality of a truck with the more refined road manners of a car, the 2013 Honda Ridgeline is also worth a look. But for a truck that's less expensive than the typical full-size model yet still plenty capable, the 2013 Nissan Frontier is an excellent choice.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Nissan Frontier is offered with a choice of two engines. Extended-cab S and SV models come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder good for 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual and rear-wheel drive are standard, and a five-speed automatic is optional. EPA fuel economy estimates are 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and 17/22/19 with the automatic.
Optional for the SV extended cab and standard for all other models is a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The S, SV and four-wheel-drive Pro-4X can be had with either a standard six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic, while the two-wheel-drive Desert Runner and SL are automatic only. Also available is a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 15/20/17 for two-wheel-drive automatic-transmission-equipped models, while the ratings drop to 14/19/16 for four-wheel-drive models fitted with the automatic. The manual achieves 16/20/17 with rear-wheel drive and 15/20/17 with four-wheel drive.
Properly equipped, four-cylinder models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while V6-powered versions can tow as much as 6,500 pounds. In Edmunds performance testing, a V6-powered Pro-4X Crew Cab went from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds.
Safety
Every 2013 Nissan Frontier comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Also, V6 models have a brake-activated limited-slip differential. Hill descent control and hill-start assist are included with the automatic-equipped two-wheel-drive SL and Pro-4X. In Edmunds brake testing, a Frontier Pro-4X came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet -- impressive for a truck.
The Frontier received the top rating of "Good" in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Driving
On the road, the 2013 Nissan Frontier's performance depends on what's under the hood. While the 2.5-liter four-cylinder will go a couple of miles farther on a gallon of gas, the significantly more muscular 4.0-liter V6 delivers much more satisfying acceleration and towing capacity. Though we applaud the availability of the five- and six-speed manual transmissions, we think most folks will be better served by the well-tuned five-speed automatic.
Complementing this powertrain are steering and suspension hardware that make for a fairly agile driving experience as trucks go. Ride quality is better than you'd expect on most Frontier models, the notable exception being the trail-ready Pro-4X.
Interior
Inside the 2013 Nissan Frontier you'll find a good balance between comfort and practicality. The dashboard and various cabin controls in the Frontier are basic and functional. They're easy to find and operate, but they do seem a bit outdated.
Extended King Cab models feature rear-hinged doors that swing open to reveal a pair of fold-down jump seats that are really only useful for an occasional short trip due to their vertical seatbacks and limited legroom. The Crew Cab's rear seat is better for folks who regularly carry more than one passenger, though it's still not all-day comfortable because of the severely upright angle of the seatbacks, low bottom cushions and lack of headroom. In short, if the comfort of backseat passengers is important to you, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.
When it comes to transporting cargo instead of people, the Frontier gets higher marks. For items you'd rather not leave in the bed to tempt sticky fingers, the rear seats in both body styles fold to create a secure storage area. As far as the bed itself is concerned, the 6-foot version available as an option on Crew Cab models is the way to go if you plan to do any serious hauling. The available movable tie-downs offer added flexibility when it comes time to secure that load.
2013 Nissan Frontier models
The 2013 Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck that's offered in extended-cab (King Cab in Nissan-speak) and crew cab body styles. King Cab models come with fold-down rear jump seats and a 6-foot cargo bed, while crew cab versions get a 60/40-split-folding rear bench and a choice of a standard 5-foot or optional 6-foot bed. There are also five trim levels available: S, SV, Desert Runner, Pro-4X and SL.
The entry-level S is a rather bare-bones affair, with a standard equipment list that includes 15-inch steel wheels, variable intermittent wipers, rear privacy glass, a flat-folding front passenger seat and cloth upholstery. The S Preferred package adds air-conditioning and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player.
Stepping up to the SV trim level gets you the contents of the Preferred package, along with 16-inch wheels (steel on models with four-cylinder engines and alloy on V6-powered versions), a sliding rear window and keyless entry. Inside you'll find nicer cloth upholstery, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, satellite radio and an additional 12-volt power outlet. Options for the SV (V6 model) include a Value Truck package that adds foglights, rear parking sensors, a sliding bed extender, enhanced cargo tie-downs, a Class IV trailer hitch, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a rearview camera.
The Desert Runner (two-wheel-drive only) gains special exterior and interior styling details, Bilstein shock absorbers, off-road tires and an eight-way manual driver seat. For those who plan on taking the road less traveled, there's the Pro-4X, which features the off-road tires and Bilstein shocks along with a locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a trip computer and a first aid kit. The Pro-4X Luxury package (crew cab models only) adds a sunroof, roof rack with cross bars, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, heated power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), a rear-seat center armrest, Bluetooth audio connectivity, Pandora radio capability and a navigation system.
The top SL trim, which is only offered on crew cab models, loses the Pro-4X's off-road-oriented equipment but retains most of the items in the Pro-4X Luxury package except for the sunroof, which is available as an option. Additional standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels and side steps that make for easier access to the cab.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#2 out of 8 among Midsize Trucks
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Frontier from 2008-2022.$421/yr
vs. $451/yr
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).0.82x/yr
vs. 0.79x/yr
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).12.8%
vs. 13.6%
for Average Midsize Truck
for Average Midsize Truck
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Nissan Frontier.
5 star(38%)
4 star(52%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(7%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
@1000 miles
dmantic, 08/16/2013
2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
So far, truck is working out well. Minimal road noise for a pickup. Plenty of power. Steering tracks very good, especially at high speed. Seats firm and comfortable. Interior not well thought out. Too many cup holders that could have been used for storage compartments. Cheap plastic chrome exterior trim. 21+mpg mixed hwy/city. Overall, good value when compared to competition with similar … equipment. Fun to drive.
5 out of 5 stars
2013 SVV6 KC AT 2WD
rubbleb, 07/05/2015
2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
This make's my 2nd Nissan Truck. Purchased New 7/3/13, so far so good. A very nice Truck, with lot's of power. So far I get 20.6MPG Averaged, in mixed driveing, which is about the same that I was getting with a '93 Nissan KC 4 cylinder AT 2WD that I had purchased New 20 year's before. No problem's after 2 year's as only vehicle. I looked at and drove them all. Came down to Tacoma, … Siverado, But Nissan Frontier came out on top,, with Most Truck for the Money.
UPDATE @ 3 Years: So far so good with no problem's. One advice that I can give, is to not put these Truck's in Mud, Water, or Rough Off Roading. I don't think these Truck's will stand up to that type of abuse.
So Far I'm Pleased with this 2013 SVV6 KC AT 2WD Nissan Truck.
UpDate 1/8/17: So far so good. It's the Best Truck so far, that I've ever owned. Just got a fillup and got 21mpg mixed driveing. Plenty of power to pull my utility trailer. Take's curve's better than the '93 Nissan Truck that I had previously. Truck is so Tight,, that it took about 8K Mile's to start limbering up. So Far no problem's, and so far, it is a very good truck for the money. If you get one, Stay out of the Mud, Water and any Rough Off Roading like some Dumb Punk's do that abuse their Truck's and don't care if their Truck will last and be dependable.
UpDate @ 4 Years 7/9/17: So Far So Good. Still the Best Truck so far that I've ever owned. Am Averageing 20.4 MPG. Steering was very tight in the beginning,, but limbering up nicely at almost 10 K Mile's. Much better to be too tight than too loose. Get you one now,, before this 2nd Generation Frontier is upgraded with a New Style Model, and enjoy saveing Money. When the New Style Model come's out,, they'll have to pay for the New Style Cost's,, and they will cost you more. Don't Put it in the Mud, Water, and Severe Offroading, Like Some Dumb Punk's do, if You Want Your Truck to Last and Be Dependable. Remember this; Marketing show's Severe Activitie's,, which a Pickup Truck is not intended for. Remember those Commercial's showing Truck's Pulling Tree Stump's Out Of The Ground. Don't be a Dumbo; A Big 4 Wheel Drive Tractor can't even do that without first haveing to dig the Stump out with a Backhoe or Pushed over with a Bull Dozer before the Tree is Cut Off. These are not Heavy Duty Truck's,, but if used according to the Owner's Manual, ie Transporting People, Cargo, and Pulling a Trailer within the Maximum Tow Rateing,, then I think that these Truck's will last a long time. If you want the Paint to stay Nice and Shiney, use Meguiar's #6 Mirror Glaze Professional Cleaner/Polish/Wax Regularly. Save Money and Get You One before the New Style Model come's out.
**UpDate @ 4.5 years** 1/12/18
So far so good. No problem's. Motor run's smooth. Average MPG is 20.4 mpg. Still on original battery. So far no oil consumption. Engine seem's to like midgrade gas better than Regular Grade. My advice is keep them out of the Mud and Water. If you want Mud and Water get a Jeep or a Tractor. Use the Nissan Truck's for their intended Purpose, Transportation, Hauling Cargo, and Pulling a Trailer within their Rated Range, if you want them to last. Don't get suckered into Rock Climbing and other OffRoad activitie's that will do your truck in, and don't buy one that has been abused by Mud, Water, Rock Climbing and Other OffRoad Activitie's cause you'll be buying a messed up Nissan Truck. A Nissan Truck is the Least Expensive Truck that's available New,, and there are Many Punk's out there that buy them to Abuse them because they are the Least Expensive New Truck, then they get rid of them after the Warranty Run's Out. Don't buy a Punk Driven Truck of any Brand.
4 out of 5 stars
So-far-so-good
deemery, 11/21/2013
2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
This replaced my 2000 4x2 Frontier (I got from a friend after he adopted 2 kids and needed a vehicle that could hold multiple car seats :-)
That truck ran great, good mileage, relatively low maintenance costs (except for the leaky fuel pump at 100k that cost $1100 to fix).
After 800 miles, performance is very good (I'm not used to this much power), gas mileage as expected (4x4 not a … winner there), comfort is good, interior features are generally good.
Overall quite satisfied.
4 out of 5 stars
2013 SV 4X4 fan
Ryan K, 08/19/2015
2013 Nissan Frontier SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)
perfect truck --- I run royal purple
-- 02/20/2021 updated review -- 5+ years owned -- Nissan Frontier still perfect! -- 16.86 MPG average -- 107K miles -- just did a Royal Purple oil/ filter change and replaced the brake rotors/ pads w/ Duralast at home. I now drive with highway tires KUMHO CRUGEN HT51 265/70R/16 and ride is so smooth.
2013 Frontier Highlights
Crew Cab
S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,030 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Max Towing Capacity | 6,300 lbs. |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Frontier include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover21.2%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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