The 2024 Nissan Frontier has its pros, admittedly.
Unfortunately, it also comes with a list of cons that may or may not be a deal-breaker depending on the buyer's taste in the very competitive midsize pickup lineup.
Under the hood, the truck has a nice 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 310 horsepower and 281 torque. The engine, which is powerful and proven compared to other turbocharged rivals, delivers a smooth driving experience. The Pro-4X trip is designed to tackle tough terrain confidently, thanks to its advanced off-road features such as Bilstein shocks, skid plates, and electronic locking rear differential.
With the engine's power, the truck can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is respectable but not class-leading.
The Frontier has the edge over its competitors, such as the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, on the wallet. The pickup starts slightly lower than those at $27,845 with the S trim. The Pro-4X, which is what we got to review, has a price tag of $37,645.
Inside, the truck has comfortable Zero-Gravity front seats that feel nice on trips. The seats were also spacious, specifically designed to reduce fatigue and provide support.
But, where the Frontier lacks other than its nice front seats, is everywhere else in the cabin, starting with the cramped rear seats that didn't feel ideal for carrying the kiddos -- or anything else -- around.
The infotainment system also felt outdated with its clunkiness and lack of modern features such as wireless connectivity. The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive, however, but the graphics are dated, making it feel old-fashioned.
Although the engine itself is a pro for delivering high horsepower and torque, its roar was noisy under hard acceleration--a definite drawback for those who value a quiet cabin.
The Frontier's steering also felt heavy, sometimes making it cumbersome and not ideal for casual driving. The one plus it provides is stability and control, which can be an advantage for off-road adventures.
Fuel economy is another weakness for the pickup, as it averages 18 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined -- making it feel thirsty compared to rivals such as the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline.
The Frontier's max towing capacity is 6,720 lbs -- competitive but behind the Chevrolet Colorado and Jeep Gladiator. The truck's max payload capacity is 1,610 pounds, which, again, is average. Its towing and payload capabilities make it a good choice for buyers who need a truck for work or recreation, though.
The truck has standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. The truck's safety features are decent but lack some advanced safety features that are available to other competitors. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and surround-view camera are available on higher trims.
The Frontier is worth considering if you prioritize power, durability, and affordability. But better options are available if you value comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency.