2023 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X
Class: Midsize Pickup Truck
Shade: Boulder Grey
Miles pushed: 181
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortC+
Energy and PerformanceB+
Match and FinishB
Gas EconomyC
ValueB
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not replicate Client Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup.
Huge & Tall Consolation
Huge GuyB
Tall GuyB
Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs310-horsepower 3.8-liter
Engine TypeV6
Transmission 9-speed computerized
Drive WheelsAWD
Noticed gasoline economic system: 17.1 mpg
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 17/22/19 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Snow Efficiency: N/A
Base worth: $38,720 (not together with $1295 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at automobile: Particular paint ($395), Professional Comfort Bundle ($2190), Professional Premium Bundle ($2790), Expertise Bundle ($990)
Value as examined: $46,380
Fast Hits
The good: Clean energy supply, common refinement
The great: Higher than anticipated trip and dealing with
The not so good: So-so gasoline economic system
Tom Appel:
After shrinking to a handful of autos only a few years in the past, the midsize pickup truck section has rebounded, in an enormous method, and now consists of choices from Chevrolet (Colorado), Ford (Ranger), GMC (Colorado), Honda (Ridgeline), Nissan (Frontier), and Toyota (Tacoma). Additionally accessible is Jeep’s Wrangler-based Gladiator. Although succesful, the Jeep is simply too expensive to compete instantly with many of those vehicles, particularly at decrease trim ranges.
Each truck on this listing has both been not too long ago up to date, or is about to be up to date, save for Honda’s unconventional Ridgeline, which, in contrast to the opposite vehicles on this listing, options carlike unibody development and a one-piece mattress and physique.
Redesigned for 2022, the Nissan Frontier could be the most-traditional providing on this listing, as it’s subjectively essentially the most standard trying, and is among the many final to supply V6 energy. Not that there’s something mistaken with being standard, because the Frontier is at the moment considered one of Client Information’s favourite class choices. This, as a result of we worth simplicity and stable execution.
What’s the Cybertruck?
Although Client Information frolicked with a 2023 Frontier, there’s little that adjustments for 2024. Updates for the brand new yr included a brand new topline SL trim degree, in addition to a brand new Hardbody retro-theme trim that features callback design parts from the Nissan Hardbody pickups of the Eighties.
What’s the F-150 Lobo?
For 2024, the Frontier is obtainable in base S, sporty SV, upscale SL, off-road prepared PRO-4X, and the aforementioned Hardbody retro trim degree. Gone is the midlevel Midnight trim degree. Frontier is obtainable in standard 4-door Crew Cab trim, and extend-cab King Cab configurations. Not like the Crew Cab, the King Cab’s rear doorways are hinged on the rear, and may solely be opened when the entrance doorways are additionally open.
All Frontier trim ranges are supplied with the Crew Cab physique, whereas simply the S and SV are supplied in King Cab type. All Crew Cabs come commonplace with a 5-foot mattress. A 6-foot “lengthy mattress” is obtainable on Crew Cabs in SV trim, and is commonplace on all King Cabs. Energy for all Frontiers comes from a 310-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 mated to a 9-speed computerized transmission. The powertrain consists of fuel-saving engine cease/begin performance. Excellent news: The cease/begin system operates very easily.
Client Information not too long ago spent every week behind the wheel of a 2023 Frontier PRO-4X in Boulder Grey and that includes the Professional Comfort Bundle. Notice: The game bar seen within the pictures right here is an official Nissan accent, and isn’t a part of the Professional-4X tools group. The game bar, which incorporates an built-in LED brake mild, will be ordered on-line or by your vendor, half quantity T99Y4-9BU25; it lists for $1093, not together with set up.
The Frontier PRO-4x cabin is a tidy affair, extra sporty than premium in really feel, although the red-upholstery stitching and crimson door accents give the inside a wholesome dose of distinctiveness. The infotainment system is simple to make use of, and although the touchscreen appears small by modern requirements, most-used capabilities are straightforward to determine and easy to make use of. Moreover, we discovered the Fender-branded audio system to be of usually good high quality, although lower than the constancy of many premium-brand techniques.
Cabin area is nice throughout, although neither the entrance nor second row will be described as genuinely spacious. This massive creator would respect just a bit extra seat journey, as he felt somewhat too near the steering wheel throughout his time within the truck.
On the highway the V6 powertrain shines. Although Frontier just isn’t objectively quick, the largish engine and smooth-operating transmission serve up immediate throttle response and loads of low-speed torque for easy passing and merging. The engine sounds good, too, with a sporty however muted exhaust word and refined growl from beneath the hood.
Coming Quickly? 2025 Toyota Stout Pickup
On the transfer the Frontier PRO-4X rides and handles fairly properly. Journey high quality is respectable, although the off-road tires appear contribute to additional up-and-down movement over bigger highway imperfections. That stated, the suspension soaks up ruts and potholes properly sufficient, and never matter the highway floor, the trip by no means turns harsh.
One grievance now we have is the Frontier’s appreciable turning radius. The mix of heavy steering—which we usually respect—and enormous turning circle, make the Frontier a handful to pilot by tight parking tons and parking garages.
Over our practically 200-mile analysis, we common 17.1 mpg, somewhat disappointing, however not shocking given the big, old-school V6.
The Frontier—particularly in PRO-4X trim—just isn’t excellent, however does most all the pieces a small truck proprietor may anticipate it do pretty properly. We respect the refined energy ship, sporty dealing with, and the promise of great off-road enjoyable. We’d like somewhat extra cabin area, and somewhat extra tight-space maneuverability, however nonetheless discover the Nissan’s midsize pickup a superb alternative within the section, and one which leans in the direction of affordability for those who go straightforward on the choices.
Coming Quickly: 2024 Ram Rampage
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
Comply with Tom on Twitter
2023 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Gallery
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
Coming Quickly: 2025 Fisker Alaska
Client Information Automobile Stuff Podcast, Episode 187: Discount Jeep Grand Cherokee, Future Automobile Options, Faux Automobile Colours