2026 Nissan Frontier Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

17-07-2025

Overview
The Nissan Frontier takes an old-school, no-nonsense approach to mid-size trucking. It's simple, capable, affordable, and highly configurable. While most mid-size pickups offer limited customizability these days, the Nissan Frontier still lets you mix and match: configurations include either rear- or four-wheel drive, an extended cab or a crew cab, a five- or six-foot bed, and the choice of five distinct trim levels. The Frontier only comes with one engine, though, a smooth and responsive 310-hp 3.8-liter V-6 paired to a nine-speed automatic.
The Frontier was last redesigned for 2022, and it is beginning to lose its edge next to recently refreshed models such as the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. But its solid value proposition and rugged simplicity make the Frontier a solid choice in its segment.
Expert Tip: While the Frontier's 7150-pound maximum towing capacity isn't bad, other mid-size options such as the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are better picks for heavy hauling.
What's New for 2026?
Other than a refresh last year that brought revised exterior styling, a larger optional infotainment touchscreen, and new connectivity features, the Frontier has remained largely untouched since it entered its third generation in 2022. We don't expect any major changes for 2026, either.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Nissan Frontier is expected to start around $34,000 and go up to $44,000 depending on the trim and options.
S
$34,000 (est)
SV
$36,000 (est)
PRO-X
$40,000 (est)
PRO-4X
$44,000 (est)
SL
$44,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k
We think the SV trim level has the best mix of standard features and value. Our ideal version starts with the crew cab—the larger of the two available cab sizes—and four-wheel drive. A 12.3-inch touchscreen (including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat are standard, but we'd upgrade our truck with the Convenience and Technology packages.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engine: 310-hp 3.8-liter V-6
310-hp 3.8-liter V-6 Transmission: 9-speed automatic
9-speed automatic Drivetrains: rear-wheel drive; four-wheel drive
The Frontier is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 with 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive. Our driving impressions revealed that the Frontier's V-6 provides adequate thrust and smooth operation.
We drove the off-road-oriented PRO-4X model that's ready and willing to tackle rugged terrain, even if it's not as capable as the Jeep Gladiator or other rivals with off-road packages such as the Ford Ranger Raptor. We also appreciated the Nissan's new quicker and more direct steering and the other chassis enhancements that help the truck feel more composed and refined.
0–60-MPH Times
C/D 60-mph Test: 7.3 seconds
In Comparison: The Frontier PRO-4X's 7.3-second 60-mph sprint was a little slower than the time we recorded with a Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, which managed a 6.8-second 60-mph run.
View Exterior Photos
Marc Urbano
|
Car and Driver
Towing and Payload Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for the Nissan Frontier is 7150 pounds. That means it falls just short of rivals such as the Chevy Colorado, the GMC Canyon, and the Jeep Gladiator, all of which can pull at least 7650 pounds. The Nissan's maximum payload is 1610 pounds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 20 mpg (PRO-4X)
20 mpg (PRO-4X) EPA City Ratings: 16-19 mpg
16-19 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 20-24 mpg
The EPA hasn't released fuel economy for the 2026 Frontier yet, but last year's rear-wheel-drive model was rated at 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. With four-wheel drive, those figures dropped to 17 mpg city and 21 highway. Without any significant changes, we expect the 2026 Frontier to achieve similar results.
During our 75-mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, a 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X managed 20 mpg. For more information about the Frontier's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: The Frontier's interior design and materials are far from low rent, but they aren't quite as fancy as what you'll find in newer rivals such as the Colorado or Tacoma. The cabin is dressed in snazzy-looking trim pieces, soft-touch surfaces, and contemporary features, but some hard plastic persists on the door panels and lower dash. The gauge cluster includes both analog gauges and a 7.0-inch color display.
Second Row: The Frontier is available in either two-door or four-door configurations. The four-door crew cab is the one to pick if rear-seat comfort is a priority. But even with the crew cab's additional 7.0 inches of rear legroom, it is a tight fit for adults back there.
Cargo Capacity: The Frontier offers two bed lengths. The short bed measures just under five feet, and the long bed extends just over six feet. In addition to the flat storage out back, the Frontier has some in-cab storage solutions, including a bin on top of the dashboard and a place to store items under the back seat.
View Interior Photos
Marc Urbano
|
Car and Driver
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen (standard), 12.3-inch touchscreen (optional)
8-inch touchscreen (standard), 12.3-inch touchscreen (optional) Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 4-speaker audio system (S), 6-speaker audio system (SV, PRO-X, PRO-4X), 10-speaker Fender audio system (optional)
The Frontier's infotainment system operates through a standard 8.0-inch or optional 12.3-inch touchscreen. A pair of physical knobs for adjusting the stereo's volume and tuning settings is present and located below the screen.
The most desirable standard connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and several charging outlets, including a USB-C port. The Frontier can also be had with a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless smartphone charging. The sound system can also be upgraded to a nine-speaker Fender unit for an additional cost.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Frontier offers an assortment of driver-assistance technology as part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 system, including automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection is standard, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam headlamps, and adaptive cruise control.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control
For information about the Frontier's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Nissan offers competitive limited and powertrain warranties compared with other mid-size pickup trucks. However, almost every competitor—apart from the Honda Ridgeline—also includes some type of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: none
C/D Test Results and Specs
We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.
Specifications
Specifications
2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $43,280/$50,245
ENGINE
DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 232 in3, 3799 cm3
Power: 310 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 281 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 11.7-in vented disc/11.3-in vented disc
Tires: Hankook Dynapro AT2
265/70R-17 1155 M+S 3PMSF
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 139.8 in
Length: 224.1 in
Width: 74.7 in
Height: 72.9 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/43 ft3
Curb Weight: 4852 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.7 sec @ 89 mph
100 mph: 21.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 113 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 183 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.76 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/20 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED