NissanFrontier

　　

2024 Nissan Frontier Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　, rating written byDan FrioSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　It's a great time to be a midsize truck shopper. The 2024 Nissan Frontier is one of about a half-dozen pickups offering robust strength and utility without the full-size truck footprint or the full-size fuel cost. The versatile Frontier offers two cab styles (extended or crew) and two bed lengths (short or extended), plus a gutsy V6 engine, a 6,600-plus-pound max towing capacity, and a host of optional active safety aids. The Frontier remains a worthy choice with strong value. But several redesigned rivals have since raised the bar, leaving the Frontier already feeling a bit behind.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Nissan Frontier S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$185/mo  for Frontier S

　　Frontier S

　　S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $29,770 MSRPS 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $31,070 MSRPS 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $32,970 MSRPS 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $34,070 MSRPSV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $32,470 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $33,870 MSRPSV 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $35,670 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $36,700 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $36,870 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $39,700 MSRPPRO-X 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $36,300 MSRPPRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $39,300 MSRPSL 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $39,640 MSRPSL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) - $42,640 MSRP

　　vs

　　$219/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Retro, rugged and rad

For 2024, Nissan gets nostalgic and introduces a new Hardbody Edition, an appearance package that evokes the brand's Hardbody lineup from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. From the 17-inch triangular spoke wheels to the black bumpers, fender flares and roll bar of some that era's special editions, the Hardbody Edition is a fun throwback. If you were there, you know. Even if you weren't, the new package adds some literal flare to the rugged Frontier. We'd prefer it in King Cab configuration, similar to the original, but that's quibbling. A new SL premium trim is also offered this year and introduces luxuries such as leather upholstery, a sunroof and an upgraded audio system.

　　

Competitors to consider

Once a desert, the midsize truck landscape is thriving. Both the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma have been redesigned for 2024, emphasizing more power, comfort and improved tech. The recently redesigned (for 2023) Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon offer class-leading towing capacity, while the Jeep Gladiator is formidable off-road and practical on. The Honda Ridgeline, meanwhile, goes its own way with less hauling and towing capacity but a comfortable ride, impressive fuel economy and innovative storage features.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Frontier drive? The Frontier isn't the quickest midsize truck. Our Frontier Pro-4X test truck (this is the off-road-oriented trim) accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, which is an average time for the class. But the engine really shines in day-to-day driving. There's ample midrange grunt and the transmission doles out smooth shifts even under full-throttle acceleration. The Frontier's brakes are similarly effortless. They're easy to operate in city traffic as well as powerful enough to stop the truck promptly when you need it.

　　Confident handling is another bright spot for the Frontier. The truck feels planted around turns, even with the Pro-4X test truck's all-terrain tires. But the very heavy steering is a head-scratcher. It requires a considerable amount of effort to maneuver the Nissan through a parking lot or over a trail at low speeds. On the upside, the Frontier can take on its fair share of rugged terrain.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Frontier? The highlight here is the Frontier's comfortable ride quality. Big dips and bumps are simply shrugged off at high speeds, and the Frontier remains similarly composed around town. Other aspects of the Frontier aren't as polished. The front seat's padding is a bit too firm and flat, and a lack of seat adjustments means you might find it hard to settle into an optimal seating position.

　　The climate control system is relatively straightforward to operate and is able to maintain a comfortable temperature on a hot day. But we were disappointed that our Frontier didn't have air vents for rear passengers. We also noticed an excessive amount of wind noise on the highway.

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