Avg. Price Paid:$14,462 - $24,281
Original MSRP: $18,200 - $32,080
MPG: 19 City / 23 Hwy
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Nissan Frontier Performance

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall: 2011 Nissan Frontier U.S. News Best Cars 8.5
Critics' Rating: 9.1
Performance: 8.8
Interior: 7.8
Safety: N/A
Reliability:
How we calculate scores
Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

  • Powerful optional V6
  • Long options list for the class
  • Excellent off-roading performance
  • Limited passenger space
  • Low-grade interior materials

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Review Last Updated: 11/30/10

 Test drivers are impressed with the Nissan's performance, and say the truck manages to combine terrific off-road chops with composed on-road ride and handling -- something that's rare in this class. However, reviewers say that unless you’re really concerned with fuel economy, take a pass on the base 2.5-liter engine.

  • "On a curvy mountain road, it is composed, communicative, and even a little bit fun. Like the Titan, it drives better than expected for a truck." -- Car and Driver
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Acceleration and Power

The Nissan Frontier is available with two engines. The King Cab and Crew Cab S engine is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The SV, 4X-Pro and SL trims for both King and Crew Cab have a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. The Frontier is available with either two- or four-wheel drive. The base model has a five-speed manual transmission, but Frontiers also come with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

The majority of reviewers tested the 4.0-liter V6 engine and liked it, but aren’t as kind about the 2.5 liter four cylinder engine. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the four-cylinder Frontier at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 23 mpg on highways with the manual transmission and two-wheel drive. With an automatic, the EPA rates the Frontier at 17 mpg on city streets, 22 mpg cruising highways. Add a V6 engine, four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission and the EPA rates the Frontier at 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on highways. The Frontier does slightly better with a manual transmission, 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg for the highway. Mileage is also better if you pair the V6 with two-wheel drive. The EPA rates the Frontier at 15 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on highways with the automatic transmission, and 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on highways using the stick shift. These fuel economy numbers are typical for the class.

  • "The Frontier's four-cylinder models make it a fair choice as an inexpensive light-duty work truck, especially considering higher fuel prices. However, for those who need anything above "just getting around," the V6 is really the only choice." -- Edmunds
  • "the engine provides neck-snapping acceleration on demand, with gobs of usable torque across the powerband and in every gear." --Four Wheeler
  • "V6 models are strong from a stop and around town, especially the lighter King Cabs. The automatic transmission kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch." -- Consumer Guide

Handling and Braking

Reviewers tend to be big fans of the Frontier's handling. Whether buyers choose a smoother experience with the basic suspension set up or opt for more off-roading ability in the Pro-4X trim, most reviews say the Frontier feels solid.

  • "The truck performed flawlessly, offering a compliant and controlled ride throughout by soaking up bumps and easily managing steep hill climbs comprised of loose and pebbled dirt." -- PickupTrucks.com
  • "Nicely balanced for a pickup truck. The steering feels weighty and direct, but is slow to react in tight U-turns and parking spots. Body lean is evident in corners but well-controlled, and Frontier never feels tippy." -- Consumer Guide
  • "On a curvy mountain road, it is composed, communicative, and even a little bit fun. Like the Titan, it drives better than expected for a truck." -- Car and Driver

Off-Roading

Reviewers are pleased with the Pro-4X off-roading trim, and report that the Frontier is a fun and capable off-road rig.

  • "And while the name has changed, it's thankfully still the same terrific grab-bag of Nismo goodies we've tested and loved in the past: Bilstein high-pressure shocks, pushbutton rear locking diff, full underbody skidplating, and 75-series BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires on newly designed 16-inch alloy rims . . . the Pro-4x package includes Hill Descent and Hill Hold/Assist controls, both of which are a boon on steep inclines. We tested both systems recently on an '09 model, and they're both quite effective, though the solenoid-happy Descent Control is a little "poppy" and loud-it works just fine once you get used to it, though." -- Four Wheeler
  • "The Frontier has great approach and departure angles, and the underbody mechanicals and precious parts are tucked up into the frame rails for a minimum of 8.9 inches (in the four-wheel-drive Frontier) or 8.6 inches (rear-wheel drive) of running ground clearance on PRO-4X models." -- PickupTrucks.com
  • "Frontier 4x4 models are capable off-roaders, thanks to a maximum ground clearance of 10.1 inches and an abundance of suspension travel. For those seeking an even more accomplished off-road ride, the PRO-4X model is definitely the pick of the litter." -- Edmunds

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