2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew CabMSRP Range: $27,900 - $37,490
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
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. | |
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.
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
| SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB 3.8L 6cyl 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,800 |
| MPG | 18 city / 24 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB 3.8L 6cyl 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,990 |
| MPG | 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB 3.8L 6cyl 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $37,490 |
| MPG | 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB 3.8L 6cyl 9A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $32,410 |
| MPG | 17 city / 23 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 310 hp @ 6400 rpm |
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.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Not Rated |
| Driver | Not Rated |
| Passenger | Not Rated |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | Not Rated |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | Not Rated |
| Driver | Not Rated |
| Passenger | Not Rated |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | Not Rated |
| Back Seat | Not Rated |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 21.2% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Acceptable |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Nissan Frontier vs. the competition
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.
FAQ
Is the Nissan Frontier a good car?
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?
Is the 2020 Nissan Frontier a good car?
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?
More about the 2020 Nissan Frontier
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Overview
The 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is offered in the following styles: 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), SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A), SV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A), S 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A), and S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A).
What do people think of the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab and all its trim types. 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 2020 Frontier Crew Cab.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Frontier Crew Cab featuring deep dives into trim levels including SV, PRO-4X, S, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Read our full review of the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab here.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.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab?
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)
The 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $38,585. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) is trending $2,902 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,902 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35,683.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) is 7.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 8 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)
The 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,085. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) is trending $2,445 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,445 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $30,640.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) is 7.4% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 70 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)
The 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $29,895. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) is trending $2,316 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,316 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $27,579.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) is 7.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)
The 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $33,505. The average price paid for a new 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) is trending $2,400 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,400 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $31,105.
The average savings for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) is 7.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 2 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cabs are available in my area?
2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Listings and Inventory
There are currently 216 new 2020 [object Object] Frontier Crew Cabs listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $32,055 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $6,102 on a new, used or CPO 2020 [object Object] Frontier Crew Cab available from a dealership near you.
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 [object Object] Frontier Crew Cab for sale near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Frontier Crew Cab you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Nissan Frontier for sale - 3 great deals out of 16 listings starting at $20,954.
Find a new Nissan for sale - 9 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $16,679.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab and all available trim types: SV, SV, S, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Nissan lease specials