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2021 Nissan Frontier review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Nissan Frontier highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Powerful V6
  • Pro-4X off-road abilities
  • Easy-to-operate cabin controls

Cons

  • Harsher ride
  • Outdated tech
  • Subpar seat comfort

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 23 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

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Price
Year

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All Nissan Frontier years

What is new for the 2021 Nissan Frontier?

  • Bed Cover features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SV trim now comes with Parking Sensors as standard equipment.

2021 Nissan Frontier trims

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

S:

SV:

PRO-4X:

King Cab:

  • Includes all features available on the PRO-4X
  • No significant upgrades found on the King Cab

Nissan Frontier photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Nissan Frontier

1. Two body styles

The 2021 Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck that's available in a choice of two body styles, depending on how many friends or coworkers are coming along for the ride. The King Cab seats four, and rear space is at a premium. The Crew Cab seats five and has a choice of bed lengths: 6.1-ft or 5.0-ft.

2. Responsive engine

The 2021 Nissan Frontier has a 3.8L V6 direct injection gasoline engine delivering 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque—plenty for a compact pickup. Power is put down to the road via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Even with all its power, the 2021 Frontier 2WD achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway.

3. Available four-wheel drive

While it can easily cruise around town or along the highway, the 2021 Nissan Frontier can also handle rougher terrain with its all-wheel-drive system. Standard on the top-spec Pro-4X Crew Cab but optional on other Frontier models, you can choose between two-wheel drive (2WD), 4H, or 4LO settings to prioritize efficiency on-road or the ability to tackle more irregular terrain. In addition, active brake limited slip, hill start assist, hill descent control, Bilstein® off-road performance shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential are standard to keep you on the straight and narrow—ideal when the going gets tougher and twistier.

4. Good towing capacity

The 2021 Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck, but it can pull bigger stuff when needed. Depending on the model, the Frontier's maximum estimated towing capacity is between 6,250 and 6,720 lbs. when properly equipped, but you'll want to choose the 4x2 models for those higher figures.

5. Three great trims

The 2021 Nissan Frontier is available in three trims: S, SV, and Pro-4X. All trims have a decent level of standard equipment. Even the entry-level S trim has features like a Bluetooth® hands-free mobile phone system, a seven-inch color touchscreen display, and a USB port. If you're looking for luxury, top-trim Pro-4X models add features like SiriusXM® Radio and Traffic systems, heated mirrors, navigation, and a power sliding glass moonroof to make the 2021 Frontier stand out from the crowd.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.7 out of 5

3 customer reviews
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

SV 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
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • CD Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.8L

Horsepower

310

Torque (ft-lbs)

281

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

21.1

Wheelbase

139.9"

Overall length

219.4"

Width

72.8"

Height

70.1"

Leg room

F 42.4"/R 33.6"

Head room

F 39.9"/R 38.6"

Front tires

P265/70TR16

Rear tires

P265/70TR16

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

650/6500 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Nissan Frontier FAQ

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