more about this model If the 2017 Nissan Frontier had a theme song, we could imagine it being the triumphant anthem from the movie Rocky. After all, this midsize pickup is something of an underdog, going up against superior talent with little more than grit and determination.
While that may be a little too much anthropomorphism for your taste, the fact remains that the Frontier is at a distinct disadvantage compared to its recently updated competitors. Both the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins and the Toyota Tacoma have received extensive makeovers in the past two years that have left the decidedly dated Frontier design eating their dust.
Which isn't to say the Frontier doesn't have its high points. Topping that list is the rugged Pro-4X model, which has a well-earned reputation for being a rather stout and reliable off-roader. The available Desert Runner model offers many of the same rugged styling cues, but is strictly two-wheel drive.
As you'd expect, the Frontier is offered in both two- and four-wheel drive, and with a choice of inline four-cylinder or V6 power. Tow ratings run from a fairly typical 3,500 pounds with the four-cylinder engine, to a respectable 6,500 pounds on V6 models.
EPA fuel economy estimates range from 21 mpg combined (19 city/23 highway) for the 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission and two-wheel drive, to 17 mpg combined (15 city/21 highway) for the 4.0-liter V6-automatic transmission combo with four-wheel drive. To put those numbers in perspective, several competitors manage to wring more miles out of a gallon of gas.
As for other downsides, it bears noting that the Frontier feels somewhat unrefined with on-road handling and steering, which don't inspire a great deal of confidence. Somewhat counterintuitively, the Frontier's ride quality is actually quite good.
Both extended cab (a.k.a. King Cab) and crew cab body styles are offered, but legroom is in notably short supply even in the crew cab's backseats. Limited seat and steering wheel adjustability may also make it difficult for some drivers to find an ideal driving position.
Elsewhere in the interior, the large swaths of hard plastics give the cabin a low-budget look. On the upside, gauges and controls are well-placed and user-friendly. Out back, an available spray-in bedliner, bed extender and a well-thought-out system of adjustable cargo tie-downs add flexibility when it comes time to secure a variety of different-size items in the bed.
Ultimately, while the 2017 Nissan Frontier may not be leading the pack of midsize pickups, it remains a viable alternative to newer models, primarily in its rugged off-road-oriented Pro-4X trim level, which has more than enough guts to make Rocky Balboa proud.
2017 Nissan Frontier Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Nissan Frontier and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 Frontier featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Nissan Frontier and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Frontier 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2017 Frontier.
Vehicle
SV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The steering and parking are better than my old Dakota. The lights are brighter and the mirrors show more than my last truck. The cruise stays constant - my other truck would slow down on hills and speed up after the climb or descending a hill.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2017 Nissan Frontier
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
The 2017 Nissan Frontier earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "GOOD" ratings from the IIHS in the following caregories: and a JD POWER overall quality rating of 5.0 out of 5. Among Edmunds' many tools and resources for finding your perfect car are detailed safety ratings and analysis from NHTSA, IIHS, and JD Power, including overall ratings, frontal barrier crash ratings, side impact tests and crash ratings, rollover test results, roof strength tests, rear crash protection and head restraint ratings, side barrier ratings, combined side barrier and pole ratings, and more.
Available Nissan Frontier 2017 Submodel Types: Crew Cab, King Cab, Extended Cab
Available Trims: SV, S, PRO-4X, SE, LE, SL, XE, XE-V6, Desert Runner, Nismo, SE-V6, LE-V6, SC-V6, SVE-V6, Standard, XE V6
Exterior Colors: Glacier White, Magnetic Black, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Gun Metallic, Lava Red, Night Armor, Cayenne Red, Arctic Blue Metallic, Avalanche, Radiant Silver, Metallic Blue, Storm Gray, Super Black Clearcoat, Red Brick, Red Brawn, Aztec Red Clearcoat, Graphite Blue, Navy Blue, Radiant Silver Metallic Clearcoat, Red Alert, Storm Gray Metallic Clearcoat, Forged Copper, Granite Metallic Clearcoat, Majestic Blue, Sand Dune Metallic Clearcoat , Silver Ice Metallic , Alpine Green Metallic, Aztec Red, Canteen Metallic Clearcoat, Charcoal Mist, Cloud White, Electric Blue Metallic Clearcoat, Gold Rush Metallic , Granite Metallic, Just Blue Metallic, Molten Lava Pearl Clearcoat , Sand Dune Metallic , Solar Yellow Clearcoat, Super Black
Interior Colors: Steel cloth, Graphite cloth, Beige cloth, Graphite/White cloth, Graphite/White leather, Gray, Steel leather, Graphite/Red cloth, Beige leather, Charcoal, Desert cloth, Charcoal cloth, Steel, Graphite, Graphite w/White Stitching leather
Popular Features: Rear Bench Seats, Tire Pressure Warning, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Aux Audio Inputs, 6000lb Towing Capacity, AWD/4WD, USB Inputs, Crew Cab, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Trip Computer, 6ft Bed, Extended Cab, Alarm, Towing Hitch, Heated seats, Auto Climate Control, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Parking sensors, Back-up camera, 3500lb Towing Capacity, Navigation, Power Driver Seat, Sunroof/Moonroof, Leather Seats, Post-collision safety system, Upgraded Stereo, 5000lb Towing Capacity
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (required)
Drivetrains: four wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
