2021 Nissan Frontier Review

Name: 2021 Nissan Frontier Review
Brand: Nissan
Price: 23499 USD

Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab Pickup Exterior Shown

+190

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.

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Nissan Frontier model years

Nissan Frontier for Sale

Nissan Frontier types

Crew Cab
King Cab

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2021 Nissan Frontier Review

byChristian Wardlaw^{Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.}

Pros

Plenty of punch from the V6 engine
The Pro-4X model is a capable off-roader

Cons

Doesn't steer or handle with confidence on pavement
Uncomfortable crew-cab rear seats have tight legroom
Fuel economy lags behind several rivals
Interior materials look and feel cheap

What's new

No significant changes for the 2021 Frontier
Last year for the second Frontier generation introduced for 2005

Overview

A time capsule of a midsize pickup truck, the 2021 Nissan Frontier is essentially the same vehicle that first arrived in showrooms back in 2005. The rugged styling has aged remarkably well, but stepping into the plastic fantastic interior is like teleporting back to an era when Beyonce was still a member of Destiny's Child and Lance Armstrong "won" the Tour de France.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan Frontier S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) 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 $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$184/mo

$210/mo

Avg. Compact Truck

Calculate my fuel costs

In other words, the 2021 Frontier is downright ancient, and the low scores of our Expert Rating below reflects its age. A new 2022 Nissan Frontier is coming soon, however. That means, between now and the 2022 Frontier's arrival, you can likely land a great deal on the reliable workhorse that is the 2021 Frontier. It comes in extended-cab and crew-cab styles, and in three choices of trim. They all have a robust powertrain that debuted for the 2020 model year and will carry over into the next-generation Frontier.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Below Average

6.6

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7/10

How does the Frontier drive? The 3.8-liter V6 engine makes strong power. The shifts from the nine-speed automatic 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.

Comfort

6.5/10

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. The most prominent noise comes 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.

Interior

7/10

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.

Technology

5.5/10

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 the Bluetooth audio connection dropped out several times during our test.

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.

Towing and Storage

6.5/10

How are the towing and storage? The Frontier is smaller than every one of its rivals. In crew-cab form, it's about 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 with, 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.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? 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. Our Pro-4X test truck averaged 18.1 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is a mix of city and highway driving — that's not as good as we expected.

Value

7/10

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 basic 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

7/10

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?

Of the 2021 Nissan Frontier's three trim levels, we recommend the SV. It offers a wide range of configurability and available equipment, and you can add the Midnight Edition package to the SV for a blacked-out appearance.

2021 Nissan Frontier models

Nissan offers the 2021 Frontier in extended-cab (King Cab) and crew-cab styles with a 5-foot or 6.1-foot cargo bed. A 3.8-liter V6 (310 horsepower, 281 lb-ft of torque) is standard, and it runs through a nine-speed automatic transmission and the rear wheels unless you choose the optional four-wheel-drive system.

S
Tight truck-buying budgets will demand consideration of the Frontier S. This basic work truck has:

16-inch steel wheels
Rear tinted privacy glass
Locking tailgate
Cargo bed light
Air conditioning
Remote keyless entry
Push-button engine start
Tilt steering wheel
Cruise control
7-inch touchscreen infotainment display
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
Four stereo speakers
One USB input

SV
Choose the Frontier SV for more equipment and more choice in upgrades. This version of the truck includes:

16-inch alloy wheels
Exterior trim upgrades
Power-adjustable exterior mirrors
Sliding rear window

Several option packages are available for the Frontier SV:

Midnight Edition package

Black 18-inch alloy wheels
Black grille, bumpers and mirrors
Black side-step rails

Special Edition package

Silver 18-inch alloy wheels
Satin chrome grille
Body-colored rear bumper
Special Edition decals
Trip computer

Value Truck package

Spray-in bedliner
Cargo management system with tie-down cleats
Sliding bed extender
Class IV tow hitch receiver
Foglights
Rear parking sensors
Dual-zone automatic climate control system
Heated front seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Compass and outside temperature display
Security system

Pro-4X
The Frontier Pro-4X is the off-roading version of the truck, and it comes only with four-wheel drive and a crew cab. It includes most of the contents of the SV Special Edition and SV Value Truck packages, plus:

Exclusive 16-inch alloy wheel design
All-terrain tires
Bilstein off-road shock absorbers
Stronger rear axle
Electronic-locking rear differential
Underbody skid plates
Automatic headlights
Roof rack
Heated outside mirrors
Sunroof
Leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front seats
First-aid kit
Upgraded infotainment system
Navigation system
Satellite radio
10-speaker premium sound system

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#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

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

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

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 2021 Nissan Frontier.

5 (57%)

4 (25%)

3 (3%)

2 (7%)

1 (8%)

4.2

67 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Does exactly what I bought it to do

C. C. Jordan, 06/15/2019

2019 Nissan Frontier SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I bought a 2019 Midnight Edition Frontier, in gunmetal with "steel" interior . It is fitted with 18" black wheels, black out trim and a really useful package of options, including tow package. The second weekend I had it, I drove it a considerable distance to spend the weekend with friends at their beach house. The bed extender came in handy with two kayaks and two mountain bikes … strapped into the bed. Nissan's Utili-track system is outstanding for this purpose. This truck is very comfortable to drive, both short and long distances. I found the steering ratio to be slower than I prefer. It took some getting used to. Brake force distribution and ABS prevent rear wheel lock-up, but add to the stopping distance at highway speeds. Around town, brakes are excellent. While the Frontier interior is minimalist, with hard plastics (except on the door arm rests), it has a simple elegance all its own. It is a pickup truck, and simplicity isn't a sin. I don't expect to take it off road very often, I have a Wrangler Rubicon for that. Yet, after airing down the tires to 18 psi, I drove the Frontier on the beach with ease. I bought the Frontier because I needed a vehicle with greater utility than my Wrangler or my 2016 1/2 Mazda CX-5 Touring. After shopping midsize pickups, and seeing ridiculous MSRPs (a Ranger Lariat at $45,655, a Colorado at $42,280 and a Tacoma at $44,148), the $34,030 sticker on the Frontier Midnight Edition was surprising. After rebates, discounts and negotiation, the bottom line price was $29,030. None of the other midsize trucks can come anywhere near that price with similar options and equipment. Therein is why I bought the Frontier. Superior reliability, and the best value for the money. By far. Update: As of seven months of use, my Frontier has been driven from Long Island to the Space Coast of Florida and back. It carried over 1,000 lb each way. Despite the load, fuel mileage averaged 20.7 mpg. The ride was comfortable and quiet. The responsive V6 gets the truck up to highway speed effortlessly. Nissan's excellent entertainment system was flawless, streaming music and audio books. I have zero complaints to date. Update: As of 12/28/2020, I have 17,300 miles on my Frontier. It has required nothing more than routine maintenance. No issues whatsoever. Both tires and brake pads show only about 20% wear. We have used it for towing a camping trailer. Several trips to the Carolinas and Tennessee. It's quiet and comfortable on the highways. Thus far, it had proven capable and utterly reliable.

Tried and True

Jacob, 10/22/2019

2019 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

After looking at the new Ranger, the Colorado, and a few different Tacoma’s, the Frontier won me over. I’ve read a lot of the negative comments from the “expert” reviews, but the simplicity of my truck is what ultimately sold me. It took the salesman at the Ford dealership 15 minutes just to explain the infotainment system in the Ranger. This truck is great; it handles well, has plenty …

Bargain priced solid truck

Grandpa Steve, 07/15/2019

2019 Nissan Frontier SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

New 2019 Frontier SV 4x4 auto Midnight Edition, under 2000 miles. My truck has excellent steering, a speed sensitive power type with no sloppiness what so ever. I like the feel of it, not overly sensitive. Has been very good on handing from slow speeds to freeways. Trip this week via freeway at 70-75 with gusty crosswinds gave a stable ride while seeing other vehicles being moved around. …

Great for the price!

AJ, 01/29/2021

2020 Nissan Frontier 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 …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Nissan Frontier, so we've included reviews for other years of the Frontier since its last redesign.

See all 67 reviews of the Nissan Frontier

Write a vehicle review

2021 Frontier Highlights

Type:

Crew Cab

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$28,200
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	20 MPG
Cost to Drive	$184/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	6,620 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Frontier models:

Vehicle Dynamic Control: This stability control system applies the brakes to help correct an impending loss of control.
Rearview Monitor: A backup camera shows you what's behind the truck when reversing.
Siri Eyes Free: The digital voice assistant works with a connected Apple iPhone, allowing the driver to remain focused on the road ahead.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover21.2%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Acceptable

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2021 Nissan Frontier Review

2021 Nissan Frontier Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan Frontier S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) 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 $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Towing and Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Frontier does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Nissan Frontier models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Does exactly what I bought it to do

Tried and True

Bargain priced solid truck

Great for the price!

2021 Frontier Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan Frontier S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) 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 $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}