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2019 Nissan Frontier review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Nissan Frontier highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Choice of manual or automatic transmissions
  • Pro-4X off-road performance
  • Manageable midsize

Cons

  • Basic, no-frills pickup
  • Unresponsive steering and braking
  • Dated technology

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

A practical and capable midsize pickup truck.

The 2019 Nissan Frontier continues the legacy of the popular third-generation design with a mix of practicality and capability that suits a midsize pickup truck. Among Nissan trucks, it is a smaller, easier-to-manage alternative that's a good option for hard work. Among compact trucks, the Nissan Frontier is built to be a daily driver, weekend recreational vehicle, and moderate workhorse all at once. It's ideal for someone who doesn't find themselves at construction jobs every day but frequently needs to move around equipment.

All Nissan Frontier years

What is new for the 2019 Nissan Frontier?

  • Flex Fuel Vehicle features are now available as options on select trims.

2019 Nissan Frontier trims

Curious how Nissan Frontier trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S

  • 15-inch six-spoke steel wheels

  • Active Brake Limited Slip

  • Seven-inch touchscreen display with AM/FM audio system

  • Bluetooth® connectivity

  • Illuminated steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls

  • Power windows and locks

  • View all Nissan Frontier S in stock

SV

  • Trim-exclusive Crew Cab Long Bed configuration

  • Available 4.0L V6 engine configuration

  • Remote keyless entry

  • 16-inch six-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels

  • Sliding rear window

  • Tilt steering column

  • View all Nissan Frontier SVs in stock

Desert Runner®

Pro-4X®

  • Body-color outside mirrors

  • Utili-track® Channel System

  • PRO-4X embroidered cloth seat trim

  • AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers

  • Bilstein® off-road performance shocks

  • Auto-dimming rearview mirror

  • View all Nissan Frontier Pro-4Xs in stock

SL

  • Leather-appointed seats

  • 18-inch six-split spoke aluminum-alloy wheels

  • Chrome front bumper

  • Chrome door handles

  • Chrome outside mirrors

  • HomeLink® Universal Transceiver

  • View all Nissan Frontier SLs in stock

Nissan Frontier photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Nissan Frontier

1. Capable performance

2019 Nissan Frontier Review: Engine | CarMax

A midsize truck doesn't have to mean midsize-performance. You can choose the standard 152 hp 2.5L four- cylinder engine if you're looking for the optional 261 hp 4.0L V6 engine if you're looking to haul around heavy gear or materials. The standard and upgraded engines push 171 and 281 lb-ft of torque respectively, which will come in handy at the workplace.

2. Towing capabilities

The 4.0L engine option offers an estimated 6,720 lbs. of maximum towing when properly equipped and a 1,430 lbs. of estimated maximum payload.

The standard engine also boasts impressive capabilities with an estimated 3,800 lbs. of towing capacity when properly equipped and an estimated 900 lbs. of maximum payload.

3. Exciting audio system options

The 2019 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X® and SL trims are an audiophile's delight with the Rockford Fosgate® audio system upgrade: your favorite songs will sound clear and full over the 10-speakers and subwoofer. The Pro-4X® and SL trims also feature a high-end audio system that is a delight for drivers and passengers alike.

4. Standard manual transmission

If you're a driver who prefers the extra control and easier braking, the Frontier is a great option for you. However, the 2019 Nissan Frontier comes standard with a five-speed or six-speed manual transmission on the smaller and larger engine options respectively. The manual transmission inclusion differentiates this truck from many in the pack.

5. Touch-screen display

2019 Nissan Frontier Review: Dashboard | CarMax

New for the 2019 model, the Nissan Frontier offers a seven-inch touch-screen display. You can easily navigate the bigger display with the upgraded interface. You’ll be able to access the dashboard and adjust settings very quickly, along with the benefits of a bigger display for reading.

Similar vehicles

If you're interested in the 2019 Nissan Frontier, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.

Image of Ford Ranger

In 2019, the midsize Ford Ranger returned to the brand's lineup after an eight-year hiatus. With a standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 2019 Ranger generates 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, plenty for your everyday travels and more. This pickup is practical and powerful but with a compact feel and is ideal for anyone looking for the right-sized truck that is welcomed everywhere it goes.

The base model of the 2019 Ford Ranger includes:

  • Lane-keeping system

  • Blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert

  • Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking

  • Rearview camera

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2019 Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck that is perfect for a workhorse. Customers love the Midnight Black color and the four wheel drive. The truck is roomy for five passengers and has a great stereo.
4
Excellent

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 Frontier

Nissan 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
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • CD Audio
  • Rear Defroster
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • 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

2019 Nissan Frontier FAQ

More about the 2019 Nissan Frontier

Color options

Exterior colors

  • Glacier White

  • Brilliant Silver Metallic

  • Gun Metallic

  • Magnetic Black Pearl

  • Arctic Blue Metallic

  • Cayenne Red Metallic

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