Used 2018 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
Used Frontier for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byDan Frio
Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.
Pros
- Pro-4X model is a capable off-roader
- Available with automatic or manual transmission
Cons
- Doesn't steer or handle with confidence on pavement
- Fuel economy lags far behind that of rivals
- Uncomfortable crew-cab rear seats have tight legroom
- Interior materials look and feel cheap
What's new
- Rearview camera standard on all models
- Some previously optional features, including air conditioning and cruise control, now standard on base S model
- Midnight Edition package adds blacked-out cosmetic enhancements (wheels, grille, mirrors and body-colored bumpers)
- Part of the second Nissan Frontier generation introduced for 2015
The midsize truck segment has undergone plenty of change in recent years. General Motors kicked off the renaissance with its redesigned Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks, and new versions of the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline soon followed. Left in the dust is the Nissan Frontier, which has loped along largely unchanged since this current generation's debut more than a decade ago.
That could change next year when an all-new Frontier is expected to arrive. But for now, the 2018 Nissan Frontier is outdated in just about every area. The interior, though certainly durable, has a low-buck look and feel to it and lets in plenty of noise. The Frontier's engines burn fuel with the abandon of a failed missile test, and technology and advanced safety features are few and far between.
On the upside, the Frontier offers a surprisingly comfortable ride, a bed with all manner of useful cleats and tie-downs, and legitimate off-road fun and capability when equipped in the Pro-4X trim. It's also relatively affordable compared to its newer rivals. As such, the 2018 Frontier could be a good pick for truck shoppers seeking simple utility and fun. For a more modern take on a midsize pickup, though, you'll want to look elsewhere.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Nissan Frontier SV Crew Cab (4.0L V6 | 5-speed automatic | 4WD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Nissan Frontier has received only minor revisions, including increased feature availability throughout various trim levels (Bluetooth, updated displays and navigation systems, for example). Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Nissan Frontier.
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.1 / 10 |
| Driving | 7.0 |
| Comfort | 7.0 |
| Interior | 7.0 |
| Technology | 6.0 |
Driving
7.0The Frontier's on-road manners aren't that impressive, but it's fun and playful, especially in the dirt. The steering is a little sloppy and the use of the brakes requires some early planning, but the truck's compact size helps make its movements predictable. It outdoes rivals with its engine torque and response.
Comfort
7.0The Frontier won't win awards for cabin comfort, but it's no penalty box either. The long suspension travel helps absorb most road blemishes without shock and jar, but there's a good bit of ocean-boat float and a tolerable degree of wind noise. The seating is basic but comfortable.
Interior
7.0The interior layout is easy to navigate thanks to the physical controls. There's no touchscreen menu-diving here. The wide-opening doors and well-placed hand- and footholds make it easy to get in and out. Rear legroom is lacking, so passengers won't want to ride back there too long.
Utility
The Frontier's short bed is a compromise. It's too short for big cargo jobs, but it's small enough to increase maneuverability. Bed rails and tie-downs enhance versatility. The flexible rear seating makes for more cargo space in the cabin, but you won't find a lot of room for personal items.
Technology
6.0The Frontier's tech is about as old-school as it gets, with only minimal concession to modern needs. The stereo system is good, the voice controls are basic, and the smartphone integration is rudimentary. A lack of driver aids probably won't bother many truck buyers, but these features are still conspicuous by their absence.
Which Frontier does Edmunds recommend?
The Frontier is offered in five trim levels, but the Pro-4X is the one to get. It benefits from a strong V6 with loads of low-end torque and its off-road worthiness is nearly equal to that of any of its rivals. You also get maximum utility, with features such as a bed extender and spray-in liner, plus a maximum tow capacity of 6,290 pounds
2018 Nissan Frontier models
The 2018 Nissan Frontier is a midsize truck offered in two body styles (the King extended cab or four-door crew cab) and with 5-foot and 6.1-foot bed lengths. Two engines are available, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (152 horsepower, 171 pound-feet of torque) or a 4.0-liter six-cylinder (261-hp, 281 lb-ft). Both can pair to either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission (the four-cylinder is also available with a five-speed manual). There are five trim levels: S is the base model; the SV, with an upgraded interior; the Desert Runner, which pairs off-road-oriented features with two-wheel drive; the four-wheel-drive-only Pro-4X; and the top-tier SL, which is the best optioned overall.