2018 Nissan Frontier review
Nissan Frontier highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Pro-4X model is a capable off-roader
- Surprisingly comfortable ride for a midsize pickup
- Available with automatic or manual transmission
Cons
- Uninspired steering and handling on pavement
- Poor fuel economy compared to rivals
- Uncomfortable rear seating, especially in crew-cab
- Lack of modern amenities
Mileage (EPA estimate)
15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2018 Nissan Frontier is a no-frills work truck that nails the basics
If you’re seeking a midsize truck that nails the basics and you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles, the 2018 Nissan Frontier might do the job. Power is delivered by either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, with either rear-wheel drive or an off-road capable four-wheel drive system. Crew cab and larger King cab body configurations are available, along with two bed lengths, 5-foot and 6.1-foot.
The basic underpinnings for the 2018 Frontier were introduced way back in 2005, and by 2018 competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Honda Ridgeline surpassed it by most metrics. Driver aids are limited to backup sensors and a rearview camera, and modern smartphone integration isn’t available (so no Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity here).
Still, the Frontier delivers on the essentials, and it has some serious off-road chops as well. The interior is roomy with decent seating, and the ride is surprisingly smooth for a small pickup. If you’re an overlander or off-road enthusiast looking for an inexpensive truck, the Frontier deserves a look.
All Nissan Frontier years
What is new for the 2018 Nissan Frontier?
- Frontier trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s) as standard equipment this year.
- The SV trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Rear View Camera and Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
- The Desert Runner trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
2018 Nissan Frontier trims
S:
- 261-hp, 281-lb-ft of torque 4.0L
- 152-hp, 171-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Rear View Camera
- Overhead Airbags
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Rear Defroster
- Automatic Transmission
- View our Nissan Frontier S inventory
SV:
- Includes all features available on the S
- Power Mirrors
- Alloy Wheels
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Power Locks
- Power Windows
- View our Nissan Frontier SV inventory
PRO-4X:
- Includes all features available on the SV
- Front Seat Heaters
- Navigation System
- Rockford Fosgate Sound
- View our Nissan Frontier PRO-4X inventory
SL:
- Includes all features available on the PRO-4X
- Leather Seats
- Power Seats
- Sunroofs
- Running Boards
- View our Nissan Frontier SL inventory
Desert Runner:
- Includes all features available on the SL
- No significant upgrades found on the Desert Runner
- View our Nissan Frontier Desert Runner inventory
Nissan Frontier photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Nissan Frontier
What We Like
Off-road capability: Especially in the Pro-4X trim, the Frontier is a surprisingly capable off-roader. It’s relatively lightweight by modern standards, and the V6 engine has plenty of torque to get the Frontier out of tough situations. It’s also a little narrower than the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, a definite plus in tight off-road situations.
Comfortable around town: Although the chassis dates back to 2005, the Frontier has a surprisingly well-composed around-town ride. The Frontier has no problem smoothing out potholes and other sharp impacts.
Overall quality: While basic inside, the materials and assembly quality of the Frontier are top-notch. Panel gaps are small, and the switches and other controls all have a satisfying “click” to them when used.
What Needs Improvement
Suffering from old age: The majority of issues with the Frontier can be traced back to its old age. By 2018, the underlying truck was a 13 year old design, and since then its competitors have introduced more modern features. We can give some things, like advanced driver assist systems, a bit more of a pass since those technologies would be harder to implement on an older vehicle. But updating the audio system to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could’ve helped the Frontier feel a bit more modern.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.8 out of 5
11 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 9 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Nissan Frontier an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Nissan Frontier 2nd out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan FrontierNissan Frontier features and specs
Desert Runner 2WD 4D Crew Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Rear Defroster
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
4.0L
Horsepower
261
Torque (ft-lbs)
281
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
21.1
Wheelbase
125.9"
Overall length
205.5"
Width
72.8"
Height
70.1"
Leg room
F 42.4"/R 33.6"
Head room
F 39.9"/R 38.6"
Front tires
P265/75TR16
Rear tires
P265/75TR16
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
630/6300 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2018 Nissan Frontier FAQ
The 2018 Nissan Frontier is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Desert Runner: 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- PRO-4X: 16 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
- S: 19 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SL: 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- SV: 19 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
The Nissan Frontier received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Nissan Frontier as 1 out of 8 among Midsize Truck
The 2018 Nissan Frontier has received an average 4.8 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Nissan Frontier, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Nissan Frontier Reviews.
The 2018 Nissan Frontier has a maximum towing capacity of between 3500 and 6500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Nissan Frontier:
- Sunroof(s)
- Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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