2020 Nissan Frontier
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2020 Nissan Frontier Review
- New 3.8-liter V6 packs plenty of punch
- The Pro-4X model is a capable off-roader
- Doesn't steer or handle with confidence on pavement
- Fuel economy lags far behind rivals
- Uncomfortable crew-cab rear seats have tight legroom
- Interior materials look and feel cheap
- All-new 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower replaces previous engines
- New V6 is paired exclusively with new nine-speed automatic transmission
- Push-button start and redesigned center console
- Part of the second Frontier generation introduced for 2005
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup that competes with trucks such as the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma. This current-generation truck is quite old — its last full redesign was during the second George W. Bush administration — but it is getting a few updates for 2020.
The most important development is that Nissan has outfitted the 2020 Frontier with a new 3.8-liter V6 engine making 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This V6 is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that's similar to the one in its Titan and Titan XD full-size trucks. The combination replaces both previously available powertrains in the Frontier, a weaker 4.0-liter V6 and four-cylinder paired to a choice of two manual transmissions or a five-speed automatic.
Inside, the Frontier is a throwback in more ways than one. Compared to other midsize trucks, it has a rudimentary interior with limited small-item storage. It feels well built — there are tight panel gaps, and our test truck didn't have any squeaks or rattles — but none of the interior surfaces feel as if they're made from high-quality materials. What's more, it's missing many of the modern amenities that are either standard or optional on competitors. Looking to get a truck with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, multiple USB ports and adaptive cruise control? You're out of luck here.
Overall, the 2020 Nissan Frontier isn't as appealing as its rivals. The new V6 engine is nice, but there are too many other drawbacks compared to the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator and Tacoma. The main reason to consider the Frontier is if you're simply looking for an inexpensive, no-frills midsize truck.
Our verdict | |
Engine performance, thanks to the Frontier's newest 3.8-liter V6, is pleasing. Unfortunately, technology features, towing and hauling capabilities, on-road comfort and overall refinement are still way behind segment standards. There are simply too many drawbacks compared to other top rivals. The main reason to consider the Frontier is if you're simply looking for an inexpensive, no-frills midsize truck. | |
How does the Frontier drive? | |
The 3.8-liter V6 engine makes strong power. The shifts from the nine-speed auto are quick and smooth, and the truck scoots around town with relative ease. Maximum acceleration, though, is pretty average. Our test Frontier sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is about the same as a V6-equipped Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma. The Frontier's brakes feel soft, and there's a long pedal travel before they start to work. The combination gives the driver little confidence in hard braking scenarios. The steering is extremely vague, communicating very little about what's happening with the front tires. And while the Frontier's handling is likely within the limits of what you'd expect from a pickup, midcorner bumps upset the rear end, more so than in rivals. Off-roading capability is pretty good, though, thanks to some added equipment from the Pro-4X trim, including a locking rear differential and skid plates. | |
How comfortable is the Frontier? | |
This Frontier seems harsh even up against rough-and-tumble rivals such as the Jeep Gladiator and the Tacoma. The front seats lack sufficient bolstering and don't have much lumbar support. The back seats are even flatter, with a pretty upright position that would make road trips uncomfortable. The ride quality is poor as well, with many sharp and harsh bumps making their way into the cabin. By truck standards, it's relatively quiet inside the Frontier, with the most prominent noise generated from wind moving over the large sideview mirrors. The climate control system works well, with the A/C cooling things down quickly on a hot day. The heated seats, however, are less impressive. They don't get very warm and after the initial warm-up period, they fizz out to mediocre pretty quickly. | |
How’s the interior? | |
For the driver, the Frontier has a spacious feel and good forward visibility. The tall side windows and large windshield offer an expansive view of the road. The cabin controls, while small and dated, are easy to find and operate. The large side mirrors provide a good view of the adjacent lanes, but the large front pillars and rear headrests obstruct your view through turns and directly behind pretty significantly. Getting into the front seat, even in the off-road-oriented Pro-4X model, is surprisingly easy thanks to wide-opening doors. Getting into the rear seat isn't as easy — we had to duck quite a bit. | |
How’s the tech? | |
There isn't much tech in the Frontier to speak of. What does exist falls well below class standards. There's only one USB port in the cabin, and if you use it to connect your smartphone, there's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration on the other end. Bluetooth is an option, but during our test, the Bluetooth audio connection dropped out several times. Navigation is present on the Pro-4X's 5.8-inch touchscreen, but you'll need to type in most of your destinations since the voice controls have a hard time understanding most addresses or any natural language. Driver aids are also absent in the Frontier, with no adaptive cruise, forward collision, blind-spot monitoring or other high-tech systems to speak of. The rearview camera worked just fine, but the display is small and low-resolution. | |
How’s the storage? | |
The Frontier is smaller than every one of its rivals. In crew-cab form, it's 7 inches shorter than the Colorado and nearly 13 inches shorter than the Gladiator. That means less space for cargo on the inside and a smaller bed. Small-item storage is limited, and even fitting large items in the back seat was tough due to the optional Rockford Fosgate subwoofer under the rear seat. The Frontier's bed side rails and movable tie-down cleats are helpful for securing cargo. Towing and hauling capabilities are enough to get by but they're on the low end in the midsize truck segment. Maximum payload capability is 1,460 pounds, and towing capacity is 6,720 pounds when properly equipped. | |
How economical is the Frontier? | |
With four-wheel drive, the Frontier gets an EPA estimate of 19 mpg combined. That's on par with other midsize trucks with a V6 engine and automatic transmission. On our 115-mile evaluation route, which is a mix of city and highway driving, our Pro-4X test truck averaged 18.1 mpg, which is not as good as we expected. | |
Is the Frontier a good value? | |
Depending on the trim level you choose, the Frontier can be priced a bit lower than most of its rivals. But with the truck's base four-cylinder engine no longer on offer, much of the Frontier's "basic-but-cheap" status goes out the window. When you spec it up to match even the lowest of rival trims, the Frontier has less available equipment and an antiquated interior. Build quality is good, with no squeaks or rattles from the interior, but the materials feel and look cheap — and you've got to look at those on a daily basis. Similar to the competition, the Frontier offers a three-year/36,000-mile warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance. The roadside assistance covers flat tires, fuel delivery, jump-starts and lockouts. | |
Wildcard | |
If you want something basic, the Frontier is a good choice. Go ahead — drive over speed bumps, take rain puddles at full clip, do it all. But in the city, on curving roads or anywhere that isn't an off-road park with lots of mud, it's not enjoyable to drive. This truck looks and feels like it time-warped in from 2005. | |
Which Frontier does Edmunds recommend?
We think the SV is the best all-arounder of the Frontier's lineup. It gives you the most flexibility for configuration (it's the only trim to offer the 6.1-foot cargo bed, for instance) and it's more affordably priced than the decked-out Pro-4X.
Nissan Frontier models
The 2020 Nissan Frontier is available in King Cab (extended cab) or four-door crew-cab body styles in S, SV and Pro-4X trim levels. The standard bed length is 5 feet; Nissan offers a 6.1-foot bed for the crew-cab SV. All Frontiers are powered by a 3.8-liter V6 (310 horsepower, 281 lb-ft of torque) that's connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is an option.
Save as much as $5,981 with Edmunds
2020 Nissan Frontier pricing
in Ashburn, VA
SV
3.8L 6cyl 9A
Edmunds Suggested Price$26,737
13 for sale in 20147
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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Nissan Frontier.
Trending topics in reviews
- interior
- appearance
- value
- comfort
- reliability & manufacturing quality
- transmission
- maintenance & parts
- seats
- driving experience
- ride quality
- off-roading
- dashboard
- road noise
- visibility
- fuel efficiency
- handling & steering
- technology
Most helpful consumer reviews
5/5 stars, Great for the price!
AJ,
PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)
Does it have all the fancy new technology? No. But if you don’t need all of that, or if you’re worried that all of that stuff is likely to be expensive if it fails, this is a great option!
The new 3.8 liter V6 has plenty of power and the 9-speed automatic is buttery smooth. I disagree with the Edmunds review, I think it’s very easy to drive on pavement. Of course it doesn’t have a small turning radius, but I live in the Atlanta area, and I don’t have issues driving this little truck in a big city.
The interior is surprisingly quiet and comfortable. Through all of the years of this interior, I think they’ve perfected the design. There are no creaks, rattles, or poor fit. The materials on the dash are hard plastic, but the PRO-4X has plenty of leather that is soft on the seats and door panels.
And as far as technology goes, it’s like the old Xterra saying “everything you need, nothing you don’t”. You’ll have one USB port, an aux jack, navigation system (PRO-4X trims), a great Rockford Fosgate sound system (PRO-4X only again), power seats, heated seats, dual zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof (PRO-4X only again). I would’ve loved it if it had adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, and other modern driving aids, but I’m assuming I would be paying a lot more too! I don’t think any of the features this truck has are likely to break.
My gas mileage hasn’t been great, I’ve been averaging 17mpg in mixed driving. I’m still breaking the truck in, so I am anticipating that to change.
But the best part of this truck is the price. The MSRP for my fully loaded PRO-4X trim is over $39k, but I got mine at a tick over $34k. Dealers are discounting these because a redesign is on its way, and they know it doesn’t compete well with other trucks in the segment when it comes to features. But if you’re like me and you’re happy with the options this does have, you can get this at a bargain. Plus, at the time I bought it, this was the only mid-size truck being sold with 0% interest financing.
I think it’s worth a test-drive for buyers of mid-size trucks. I’m very happy with my Arctic Blue PRO-4X so far!
5/5 stars, Reasonably priced basic truck
New Owner,
S 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)
I've only had mine for a few days, but if you bargain you can get one for much less than a Ranger, Colorado or Tacoma and, at the end of the day, it does what a truck is supposed to do; haul stuff around that won't fit inside a cabin. The motor has as much power as you will find in this segment, it drives and rides fine, you just don't get much in the way of advanced electronics or creature comforts. It's not in the drop downs, but I have the S Crew Cab with a 6 ft bed.
5/5 stars, Top of the Line.
Johnny ,
PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)
I’m very grateful and happy with my new 2020 Nissan Frontier Pro 4x in the Color Blue. The truck it’s a beautiful truck over all. it’s a beautiful truck it runs smoothly, all the gears change pretty nice and smooth. It makes very little noise, you can’t even feel like you’re driving on the freeway. It drive beautiful, it just a enjoyable ride. I love the interior it’s easy to clean up. The track System on the bed is amazing for my furniture store.
4/5 stars, 2020 Frontier SV Midnight 4x2
Mac,
SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)
Everything is perfect but the seats are pitiful they have no lateral support and they are only 2 way unless you get PRO-4X. So if comfort is important then get the upscale model. I have a 2003 frontier and those seats do not hurt my back. It’s like they want to upsell people to get a Titan. It’s a shame in my opinion. Not worth $28,000. I am 6’0” and 165 pounds with slightly longer than average torso. This truck seriously lacks in comfort and I am trading it for a luxury sedan and will just use my old truck when I need a truck.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Frontier safety features:
- NissanConnect Audio Interface
- Upgraded emergency services such as automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator and remote alarm notification are available.
- Zone Body Construction
- Front and rear crumple zones, Nissan says, can further reduce the chance of injury in a collision.
- Airbags with Rollover Sensors
- Roof-mounted supplemental curtain side-impact airbags with rollover sensors can protect the heads of outboard occupants in both rows.
Nissan Frontier vs. the competition
2020 Nissan Frontier
2020 Honda Ridgeline
Nissan Frontier vs. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is one of the most versatile haulers you can buy. It benefits from a smooth-riding fully independent suspension, a two-way tailgate, and a large lockable trunk in the bed. It's much more comfortable than the Frontier and comes with more plentiful and modern features.
Nissan Frontier vs. Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is an anomaly in the truck class as the only entry that features a removable roof and doors, just like the Wrangler that it's based on. And just like the Wrangler, the Gladiator has excellent off-road abilities. The Gladiator is hardly a paradigm of modernity, but compared to the Frontier, it's practically cutting-edge.
Nissan Frontier vs. Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma gets high marks for its off-road abilities, especially in TRD form. Toyota also offers stripped-out work truck models if you need something basic. The Tacoma comes with many more convenience-oriented features than the Frontier and offers several standard advanced safety features that aren't even available on the Nissan.
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FAQ
Is the Nissan Frontier a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Frontier both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.6 out of 10. You probably care about Nissan Frontier fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Frontier gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg to 20 mpg, depending on the configuration. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Nissan Frontier. Learn more
What's new in the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Nissan Frontier:
- All-new 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower replaces previous engines
- New V6 is paired exclusively with new nine-speed automatic transmission
- Push-button start and redesigned center console
- Part of the second Frontier generation introduced for 2005
Is the Nissan Frontier reliable?
To determine whether the Nissan Frontier is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Frontier. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Frontier's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2020 Nissan Frontier a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Nissan Frontier is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Frontier and gave it a 6.6 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Frontier is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2020 Nissan Frontier?
The least-expensive 2020 Nissan Frontier is the 2020 Nissan Frontier S 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $27,900.
Other versions include:
- SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $28,800
- SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $31,990
- PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $37,490
- SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $32,410
- SV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $31,410
- S 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $27,900
- S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) which starts at $31,290
What are the different models of Nissan Frontier?
If you're interested in the Nissan Frontier, the next question is, which Frontier model is right for you? Frontier variants include SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A), SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A), PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A), and SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A). For a full list of Frontier models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more