Consumer Reviews of 2017 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x4 Manual Transmission
The Car Connection Skilful Review
Senior Editor
June 27, 2017
Likes
- Strong Five-6 engine option
- Simple, rugged appearance inside and out
- Practiced value, even when loaded up
- Good crash test reports
Dislikes
- Showing its historic period inside
- Base 4-cylinder isn't worth your time
- Busy, inclement ride
- Lack of standalone options may plow some off.
Ownership tip
features & specs
2017.5 Crew Cab 4x4 S Automatic
2017.v Crew Cab 4x4 SL Automated
2017.5 Crew Cab 4x4 SL Automated Long Bed
Thoroughly outpointed past its rivals, the 2022 Nissan Frontier is nevertheless worth a expect if you value its nimble feel and its surprisingly proficient value.
Mid-size trucks take made a serious comeback in the last few years, with the Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon, and Chevrolet Colorado all making news every year with redesigns, refreshes, and major updates.
But what nigh the Nissan Borderland? It'due south yet hanging in there, awaiting an upcoming redesign. Its bones bones date back more than a decade, only despite its age, it remains popular with buyers. What'south drawing them in? Well, it's a combination between value, size, and perceived durability. Five flavors are on offer: S, SV, SL, Desert Runner and PRO-4X.
We charge per unit the Frontier a 4.8 out of ten, giving it some credit for its slightly less mid-size dimensions and for its robust Five-six, merely dinging it for a mostly dated feel overall.(Read more abouthow we rate cars.)
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That doesn't mean information technology's not worth shopping; quite the contrary, information technology'south something of a classic in its own time.
Two cabs are offered, the King Cab (recollect extended cab) and the Crew Cab. With four doors and good rear seat space, the Crew Cab is the clear choice for Frontier shoppers who need to ship more 2 people regularly. All Male monarch Cabs feature a 73.3-inch bed, while the Crew Cab offers a selection betwixt 59.v- and 73.3-inch beds. A chrome-heavy front grille is augmented for 2022 on base S models by a new painted rear bumper.
Within, the Frontier's wait is chunky and boxy, with no shortage of hard plastics. SL and PRO-4X models are available with leather seating surfaces that are surprisingly high quality, nevertheless, so it'south possible to dress up your Frontier considerably. The driver and front end passenger are treated to upright, comfortable seats, just the manual seats standard on most models don't include a height adjustment. Tall drivers may find the loftier flooring level requires a legs-out seating position. The 2nd row consists of jumpseats on Male monarch Cabs that aren't suitable for more than than curt trips, simply the Coiffure Cab has decent room for adults even if the backrests are way as well upright.
Nissan Frontier operation, features, and fuel economy
Under the hood, there's a selection of a 261 horsepower, 281 pound-foot of torque iv.0-liter V-6 engine or a 152-hp, two.5-liter inline-4. The V-vi is the star of this show, with pep and pulling ability that'southward near equal to some smaller V-8s. Improvements have boosted gas mileage slightly over the years, helping to keep the V-6 competitive if certainly not class leading. The 4-cylinder is OK for the commuter who occasionally needs a pickup, just it'southward sick-suited to heavier duty, and isn't that much cheaper or more than efficient than the 5-6.
Both 4x2 (rear-cycle drive) and 4x4 drivelines are bachelor in the Frontier. In 4x2 guise, 4-cylinder models offer a pick of 5-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic; 5-half dozen models tin cull between a half dozen-speed transmission or v-speed automatic. If you desire a 4WD Frontier, the Five-half dozen engine is your only pick, mated to either a six-speed manual or v-speed automated.
All Frontiers ride a relatively unproblematic suspension setup with independent double wishbones up front and a leafage spring setup holding in a solid rear beam out back. Opt for the Pro-4X or Desert Runner and y'all'll get Bilstein shock absorbers and a manual locking rear differential. Even with its all-terrain tires, the Pro-4X is the all-time-riding Frontier. Most Frontiers stretch 205.v inches from head to toe (the long bed Crew Cabs come in at 219.4), giving them smaller dimensions than most rivals. That may rob them of some interior infinite, simply it endows these pickups with terrific effectually boondocks maneuverability for a truck.
The Frontier earned top marks of "Good" in moderate overlap front-impact, side-touch, and roof forcefulness tests from the IIHS. Federal officials haven't rated the truck beyond a calculated rollover score, for which the Frontier earns three stars with rear-wheel bulldoze and four with four-cycle drive. The Frontier lacks any sort of collision avoidance tech, unlike most of its rivals.
The base Frontier Southward is basically a work truck; information technology lacks power windows and mirrors, and has a limited number of options. The SV is designed every bit the mainstream model, adding those features plus alloy wheels. Information technology too offers a reasonably-priced package that includes unexpected niceties similar heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a rearview photographic camera, automatic climate control, a spray-in bedliner, and an alert system. SLs build on that with a Rockford Fosgate audio system, navigation, heated seats, and chrome exterior touches.
The Desert Runner is designed to be a dune-bashing truck; it'southward rear-wheel drive-just, but information technology includes its own intermission and styling. The Pro-4X, meanwhile, builds on the Desert runner with a few more convenience features plus iv-wheel drive.
No Borderland is specially thrifty, only fifteen mpg urban center, 21 highway, 17 combined for the iv-cycle bulldoze automated model isn't terrible. All models tin tow upwardly of half dozen,000 pounds, with rear-wheel drive long wheelbase Crew Cabs topping out at 6,500 pounds.
Having been on the market for a decade, the Frontier is a little too familiar now.
Familiar and comfy like a three-day beard, the Nissan Borderland manages to look pretty adept despite an increasingly large corporeality of gray hair poking through.
We're less enthused about its blocky interior, which has some odd design quirks, so we've deducted a betoken and land on a 4 out of ten.(Read more than abouthow we charge per unit cars.)
Office-first design dominates the Frontier's lines, inside and out. It'due south buff and brawny for its size, and it's hands the simplest pattern of the smaller trucks—though some of us like the square-jawed look of the GMC Coulee all-time of all. Car-like fenders cracking and bend at the wheel wells, separated at the nose by a grille that, while attempting to blend into its surround, comes off as a scrap of an afterthought.
The cabin, meanwhile, lacks the charm and warmth that GM in particular has baked into its trucks. The Frontier's cockpit is simple and make clean, only it feels every bit old as it is. And its center console has a few nooks and crannies not deep enough for real detail storage; they wait more like blanks for items y'all forgot to social club than proper storage bins. Compared to the other mid-size (and full-size) trucks, there's a less substantial experience and a lot more than hard plastic.
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With its big tires, the PRO-4X is the best-riding Borderland—and it'due south an impressive off-roader.
The Frontier is best experienced with its Five-6 engine and one of its ii off-road packages, which boast high-quality stupor absorbers and big tires.
Nosotros've deducted a betoken for a busy ride just have added another for off-road adequacy; the Pro-4X in detail is a mountain goat more than worthy of its 5 out of 10 overall.(Read more abouthow nosotros charge per unit cars.)
In the 4-cylinder Borderland, at that place's a miserly 152 horsepower available from its 2.v liters of displacement. Direct-line performance is barely adequate: it strains to striking highway speeds. What'southward worse is gas mileage that's hardly better than the V-6—it tops out at 23 miles per gallon highway, but a couple of points higher than the V-6. Opt for this engine only if you're looking to employ your Borderland around town.
Step up to the 4.0-liter 5-6, however, and the Frontier changes its tone dramatically. The V-6 kicks in 261 hp and 281 pound-anxiety of torque that makes information technology feel downright quick when unloaded, and easily upwards to the task of its working side. The Five-6 Frontiers are rated for up to half-dozen,500 pounds of towing chapters when accordingly configured.
The V-6 does thrum at idle more we've come up to look from modernistic pickups, merely it'south quiet otherwise.
The V-half dozen is as well available with a choice of manual or automated transmissions. Most will opt for the automatic, and the 5-speed gearbox does a fine job matching the Frontier'south power, torque, and utilise. The half-dozen-speed suffers from long throws, but we applaud its availability. You can order up the transmission gearbox on either a rear-bulldoze S or a four-cycle-bulldoze SV or Pro-4X, and dealers should have both transmissions in stock.
Many mid-size truck buyers aren't simply looking for meliorate gas mileage or lower prices—they oft demand better maneuverability as well. With the Frontier, you'll get it, only simply upward to a point; steering is good and the pause controls the body well, simply information technology can get inclement and harsh over broken surfaces especially with an empty bed. We find the firm steering to exist surprisingly direct, which helps this pickup become somewhat entertaining on winding roads.
Both rear-drive and four-wheel-bulldoze options are available, though 4WD is express to V-6-powered models. That 4WD system is a part-fourth dimension unit not intended for apply on dry out pavement, however. Off-roaders will find much to like with the Pro-4X, which includes a locking rear differential to help get you out of a especially sticky situation.
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Merely high-end models offer a height-adjustable driver's seat and even coiffure cabs are tight in the rear.
Front seat passengers are treated to terrific visibility and seats that are almost lounger-similar comfortable, just you'll take to spend actress to go a superlative-adjustable driver'southward seat and the rear is best for kids regardless of body fashion.
Nosotros've deducted a indicate for lousy second row accommodations, even in the Crew Cab, bringing the Frontier'southward comfort and quality to a 4 out of 10.(Read more abouthow we charge per unit cars.)
While the Borderland is mid-sized, it's certainly large enough for almost folks. It's piece of cake to enter and exit thanks to its slightly lower-than-full-size superlative, and the front seats are supportive and comfortable upright. Visibility is good throughout the Borderland range. 1 demerit is that the driver's seat is only iv-way adaptable unless you popular for the power seat; it'south included on the SL and is grouped with leather on the Pro-4X. Previously, sure Frontiers included a manual meridian-adjustable driver's seat.
King Cab Frontiers go a pair of rear-hinged doors that open up the area behind the front seats for more cargo and a pair of bound seats—but the leap seats are best reserved for kids, and small ones at that. The Crew Cab models get four full-size doors that accommodate smaller adults, with a three-across 2nd-row bench that's merely tight on elbow and shoulder room when fully loaded. That rear bench on Crew Cabs is as well especially upright, which degrades long distance comfort even farther.
Hauling things is a truck'southward job (at least in part) and the Frontier delivers with cargo-related features. A stout frame, beds upwards to 6 feet in length, and a manufactory spray-in bedliner make for a rugged, if residential-sized, work space. An bachelor Utili-Track cargo tie-down organisation is very handy for those regularly hauling weekend projects or outdoor gear.
For 2017, even the Due south is now available with a factory spray-in bedliner.
One of the Frontier's biggest downfall is its dated, plasticky cabin. Without existent change for the by half-decade, it'due south aged quickly—especially in fit and finish. Back-to-back comparisons with the GM and Honda mid-sizers show how far ahead rivals are in a comfortable, relatively loftier seating position and richly textured materials.
And then again, a loaded Frontier tops out effectually $37,000, with comfortably-equipped SVs listing for a more reasonable $32,000. That'southward easily $iii,000 to $eight,000 less than rivals, which makes it easier to forgive some of the Frontier's gaffes.
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Nosotros don't have all the crash test data yet for the Frontier, but what'due south there has been positive.
While the 2022 Nissan Frontier has performed well in the IIHS crash testing—better than some newer design rivals. Yet, the Frontier lacks the advanced rubber tech bachelor on its Honda and GM rivals.
Since we don't have all that articulate of a pic for the Borderland's crash worthiness, we can't assign it a score.(Read more than abouthow we rate cars.)
The crash information that is available isn't bad. Federal officials don't accept whatever ratings for the current truck, just the IIHS gives it "Adept" scores for the tests it has performed—salve for an "Acceptable" rating for caput-restraint protection. There's no score for the challenging small-overlap crash test, though.
A rearview camera and sonar parking sensors are available on the SV and standard on the SL, Desert Runner and Pro-4X, and hands-free Bluetooth phone connectivity is included on all models.
Frontier isn't available with as many options as its rivals, but it offers skilful value and trim levels are well-packaged.
Yous won't spend all afternoon going through the Borderland'due south available trim levels like yous might on its rivals, simply what packages Nissan does offer make sense and seem well-tailored.
We've given the Frontier an actress bespeak for its surprisingly good value, bringing it to a 6 out of 10.(Read more well-nighhow we charge per unit cars.)
All models are bachelor in either King Cab or Crew Cab configurations. The 5-half dozen is standard on all except the base rear-wheel drive S and SV models in Male monarch Cab configuration; all Crew Cabs are Five-half dozen. Most models come standard with an automated, only Nissan offers its 6-speed manual on the SV and Pro-4X Crew Cabs with four-bicycle bulldoze, as well as on the base S.
In terms of bed length, all Male monarch Cabs characteristic a 73.three inch bed. That long bed is likewise available on SV and SL Crew Cabs with 4-bicycle drive, and on SV Crew Cabs with rear-wheel drive. Otherwise, Crew Cabs characteristic a 59.5 inch bed.
Frontier S models are the workhorses of the range, minimally equipped. They include Bluetooth streaming sound too as air conditioning and cruise control, merely ability windows and locks aren't available. For 2017, S models are newly available with what Nissan deems its Work Truck package: a spray-in bedliner, rubber floor mats, mud flaps, and caps on the bed rail.
The SV is more than mainstream, including power windows, power locks with remote keyless entry, and blend wheels. For about $2,000, a Value Truck package adds some surprises: dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, a spray-in bedliner, an automatic dimming rearview mirror with a compass, fog lights, tracks in the bed flooring for property downwardly items, a backup photographic camera, and reverse sensors. It strikes united states of america equally a worthwhile package.
SLs add together to the SV leather seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, a iv-way power rider seat, Rockford Fosgate audio with navigation, side steps, and the features of the SV's Value Truck parcel. A moonroof is the only option on SLs.
Active lifestyle types can choose betwixt the rear-drive Desert Runner or the 4-wheel drive Pro-4X, which both include all-terrain tires and Bilstein stupor absorbers. The Pro-4X is a little more feature-packed with a rearview camera, heated seats, and a locking rear differential. Pro-4Xs are likewise available with a package that includes leather seats, a moonroof, and a roof rack.
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The Frontier'south fuel economy has more in common with total-size trucks than mid-sizers.
Given its historic period, we shouldn't be surprised that the Frontier inappreciably offers form-leading fuel economy.
The loftier-volume model comes in at an acceptable, just hardly impressive, 17 mpg combined, giving it a 5 out of 10.(Read more abouthow nosotros rate cars.)
The rear-bulldoze, iv-cylinder Frontier rates as high equally xix mpg metropolis, 23 highway, 21 combined when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. Opting for the five-speed automated brings those figures down to 17/23/19 mpg.
With the Five-half dozen, the rear-drive Borderland rates sixteen/22/19 mpg with a six-speed manual, or 16/22/18 mpg with the v-speed automatic.
The V-6 engine is standard on 4-wheel-bulldoze versions of the Nissan Frontier. Manual versions score 16/21/18 mpg; with the automatic, it rates 15/21/17 mpg.
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The Car Connexion Consumer Review
August v, 2018
2017 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4x2 Southward Manual
Cracking mid-size truck and best bang for your cadet if on a stock-still income.
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