Used 2023 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab

For years, the Nissan Frontier was an also-ran in a highly competitive class of midsize pickup trucks. Fresh on the heels of a 2022 redesign, the Frontier is now much more competitive with its modern rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger. It remains a good value in this class thanks to its strong standard V6 engine, well-crafted interior with comfortable seats and modern tech features, and affordable pricing. Truck buyers looking for a good off-roader should consider the rugged PRO-4X model with Bilstein shocks, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential.

The comfort and ride quality of the Nissan Frontier are more refined than you might expect from a pickup truck in this price range. It has a smooth ride and comfortable seats. Meanwhile, the standard V6 engine delivers plenty of muscle to motivate the Frontier on the daily commute and at the work site.

The Frontier is just-right-sized for drivers who want a capable truck that’s not cumbersome to drive. The Frontier is big enough to be a useful truck but small enough to be easy to drive and park.

The Nissan Frontier is a capable off-roader when equipped with 4-wheel drive, especially in the PRO-4X trim. Its mechanical upgrades include an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks, and it has skid plates and all-terrain tires. It’s not quite as capable as more extreme off-roaders like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 or the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, but it’s also not as expensive.

The recent redesign of the Nissan Frontier repositioned it from one of the worst interiors in its class to one of the best. The interior design strikes a nice balance of modern and utilitarian. The tech features are easy to use, and the front seats are very comfortable.

The King Cab has two small rear seats that can flip up to make extra cargo room. The Crew Cab has roomier seating for up to five people, making it the more family-friendly of the two body choices.

The Nissan Frontier borrows some design cues from the full-size Titan, but it has a unique look that’s truly its own. It has the boxy shape of a traditional pickup truck but with muscular body lines and a sharp light signature that helps it look modern.

The Frontier looks nicer as you work your way up the model range. For example, the SV trim has aluminum wheels and more painted exterior accents, while the PRO-X and PRO-4X models have rugged appearance packages that hint at their off-road chops. Additionally, many dealer-installed accessories are available so you can customize the look of your truck.

The Frontier is available with a King Cab or a bigger Crew Cab. There’s a long-bed model available, but only in the SV Crew Cab configuration.

1. PRO-4X off-road model
The PRO-4X trim is more than just a rugged appearance package. It has 4-wheel drive with an electronic locking rear differential, an off-road suspension with Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and all-terrain tires.

2. Standard V6
The standard V6 under the hood of the Frontier makes 310 horsepower, which is best-in-class for a base engine in a midsize truck. It can tow up to 6,720 pounds.

3. Zero Gravity seats
Zero Gravity is just a marketing term, but the seats truly are some of the most comfortable in the class.

4. Technology Package
A Technology Package available on every trim adds more driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

5. NissanConnect infotainment system
The standard 8-inch infotainment system in the Frontier has Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free, and SiriusXM. It’s upgradeable to a 9-inch screen with navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A Fender premium audio system is also optional.

6. Utili-track Channel System
This available system makes the bed of the Frontier more flexible. It has three bed-mounted rails with sliding cleats that make it easier to secure your load.

The sole engine choice in the Nissan Frontier is a 3.8-liter V6. Since most midsize trucks have a standard 4-cylinder, this V6 delivers best-in-class horsepower for a base engine in this segment. This engine enables the Frontier to tow up to 6,720 pounds, and its maximum payload rating is 1,610 pounds.

Every Frontier employs a 9-speed automatic transmission. Like most players in this segment, rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard and 4-wheel drive (4WD) is optional.

3.8-liter V6
310 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
281 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (2WD), 17/22 mpg (4WD)