2019 Nissan Frontier Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert 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.

　　

What's new

Larger 7-inch touchscreen display added to S and SV trimsPart of the second Frontier generation introduced for 2005

　　If ever a company subscribed to the product theory that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," it's Nissan and its 2019 Frontier. This truck hasn't changed in three presidential administrations, not even in the face of renewed competition from rivals such as the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline. The Frontier lopes along with mechanicals that are more than a decade old. Inside, it's about as utilitarian as you can get, and modern tech is nowhere to be found.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Nissan Frontier S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) 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 $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$183/mo  for Frontier S

　　Frontier S

　　S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $19,290 MSRPS 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 5A) - $23,360 MSRPS 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M) - $25,250 MSRPS 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $26,300 MSRPS 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $29,690 MSRPSV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 5M) - $24,160 MSRPSV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.5L 4cyl 5A) - $25,210 MSRPSV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $25,920 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $27,050 MSRPSV 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $28,810 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $29,660 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $30,240 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $30,660 MSRPSV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M) - $33,080 MSRPDesert Runner 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $26,600 MSRPDesert Runner 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $28,030 MSRPPRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M) - $33,440 MSRPPRO-4X 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $33,730 MSRPPRO-4X 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $34,490 MSRPSL 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $34,310 MSRPSL 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A) - $37,150 MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　Changes for 2019 are predictably minimal. The base and next-up trim levels get a larger touchscreen display, and the slick Midnight Edition style package returns for another year. But in just about every other area, the 2019 Nissan Frontier is outdated. The interior, though durable, has a low-buck look and feel. The cabin allows in plenty of noise. The Frontier's engines burn fuel with the abandon of a failed missile test, and technology and advanced safety features are few and far between.

　　Yet, the Frontier still appeals. It offers a surprisingly comfortable ride, a bed with all manner of useful cleats and tie-downs, and legitimate off-road fun and capability when equipped in the Pro-4X trim. It's also relatively affordable compared to its newer rivals. If you have modest requirements for modern creature comforts in a pickup, the Frontier is still a good deal.

　　But if you like this kind of no-frills pickup, act soon. A redesigned Frontier is due for 2020 (for real this time, really). And while it's likely to remain a good midsize pickup value, the Frontier will face its stiffest competition yet when a new Jeep Wrangler pickup arrives along with the reintroduced Ford Ranger. The 2019 Frontier could be a good pick for truck shoppers seeking simple utility and fun. But for a more modern take on a midsize pickup, you'll want to look elsewhere.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

6.8 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Nissan Frontier SV Crew Cab (4.0L V6 | 5-speed automatic | 4WD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	6.8 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	6.0

　　

Driving

7.0

　　The Frontier's on-road manners aren't that impressive, but it's fun and playful, especially in the dirt. The steering is a little sloppy and the use of the brakes requires some early planning, but the truck's compact size helps make its movements predictable. Engine torque and response are better than in rivals.

　　

Acceleration

7.5

　　The Frontier's 261 horsepower is lowest in class, but the stout 281 lb-ft of torque makes up for it. The 4.0-liter V6 engine feels very responsive and fun, and it generates power with minimal pedal effort. In our testing, the Frontier posted a 0-60 mph time of 8 seconds. That is slower than the segment leaders but adequately quick for a midsize pickup.

　　

Braking

6.0

　　The brakes engage smoothly and slow the truck easily in everyday driving. But in panic-stop situations, the front end dives and the pedal goes soft. You'll want plenty of room to slow the Frontier from highway speeds. In our emergency brake test, the Frontier needed 135 to stop from 60 mph. That is a long distance by any measure, even for a pickup.

　　

Steering

5.0

　　Compared to other midsize and full-size trucks, the Frontier's steering is loose and sloppy, with a lot of steering wheel free play. Accuracy is more an idea than a reality. But the truck is still easy to maneuver. You can adapt to the Frontier's wide margin of steering motion, but one shouldn't have to.

　　

Handling

7.0

　　The Frontier is compact and stable when going around turns. It stays fairly controlled and, despite its height, doesn't feel too top-heavy. Steering that is both mushy and numb limits how much you'll want to push this truck on the road, but we suspect there's much fun to be had in the wide-open dirt.

　　

Drivability

7.5

　　Its five-speed transmission seems ancient, but long gear ratios suit this engine well. The quick throttle response might be too quick for some drivers, but we prefer it to the sluggish pedal feel in Toyota and Chevy competitors. Quick power delivery also helps make the truck feel light and nimble in traffic.

　　

Off-road

8.5

　　You get more off-road gear in the Pro-4X model, but our SV trim test truck is plenty capable in the rough. With 8.9 inches of ground clearance (slightly taller at the rear differential) and generous approach and departure angles, the Frontier is at home on the trails and in the mud.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　The Frontier won't win awards for cabin comfort, but it's no penalty box either. Long suspension travel helps absorb most road blemishes without shock and jar, but there's a good bit of ocean-boat float and a tolerable degree of wind noise. The seating is basic but comfortable.

　　

Seat comfort

7.0

　　The relatively formless seats are standard work-truck fare, but they do the job. With a minimal range of adjustments, they're definitely not from Nissan's line of NASA-derived Zero Gravity seats. The rear seatbacks are pretty straight and not suited for long rides.

　　

Ride comfort

7.5

　　The Frontier's ride is surprisingly supple for a pickup. Knobby tires create some consistent bump, and the chassis has the cabin in a constant state of bobbing and weaving. But sharper potholes and other road impacts are nicely ironed out.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.0

　　You'll hear the dull hum from knobby tires as well as plenty of wind noise when the wind rushes over the windshield and roof. But the cabin feels surprisingly tight with no excessive rattling or vibrations coming through the cowl or panels. It's about what you'd expect from a midsize pickup but noisier than its newer rivals.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　Like most of the truck, it's just the basics here, with three knobs and a handful of vent select buttons. The dual-zone automatic control and heated seats on this trim give the truck some modernity, but old-school LCD temp readouts remind you of the interior's age. But it's effective, and the system heats and cools the cabin quickly enough.

　　

Interior

7.0

　　The interior layout is easy to navigate thanks to the physical controls. No touchscreen menu-diving here. Wide-opening doors and well-placed hand- and footholds make it easy to get in and out. Rear legroom is lacking, so passengers won't want to ride back there too long.

　　

Ease of use

8.0

　　Beyond the climate and audio controls, there's not much to fuss over. A row of buttons fore of the gear selector includes traction control, seat heating and a cargo bed light. A simple knob engages and selects 4WD modes (low, high, 2WD). Controls are clearly marked, and you won't need to crack the manual.

　　

Getting in/getting out

7.5

　　The doors open wide — nearly 90 degrees — which not only makes cargo loading easy, but it also allows plenty of space for passengers getting in and out. The Frontier does ride a little high, but grab handles, narrow doorsills and, in the case of our test truck, side steps make it easy to hop in and out of the cabin.

　　

Driving position

7.0

　　The seat height is fixed, and there's a minimum of seat adjustment. But we didn't have any trouble finding a comfortable position. The Frontier provides good visibility, comfort, and a feeling of confidence and control.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　The cabin is roomy, at least up front. There's suitable elbow room between front passengers and door panels. In back, the seatbacks are set upright, and the front seats have a noticeable rearward rake even when set at a neutral position. That results in less legroom than average. Six-foot-tall people will be cozy.

　　

Visibility

6.0

　　There's decent visibility to the side and rear sides since cabin pillars aren't too wide to intrude on the view. The rear-seat headrests are a different story: They're ginormous and ugly and they interfere with the view out the back, even with a good expanse of rear glass.

　　

Quality

7.5

　　Despite an aging interior, the Frontier remains solid and well-built. Its robust frame and suspension and plastic interior encourage heavy use and enjoyment. While we're sure shakes and rattles come with time — though we didn't experience any — it's easy not to be precious with the Frontier.

　　

Utility

7.0

　　The Frontier's short bed is a compromise. It's too short for big cargo jobs but it's small enough to increase maneuverability. Bed rails and tie-downs enhance versatility. The flexible rear seating makes for more cargo space in the cabin, but you won't find a lot of room for personal items. It trails the competition in terms of rated payload and towing capacity.

　　

Small-item storage

7.0

　　Small-item storage is limited to the center console, a molded bottle holder and door pocket in each door, and a small shelf fore of the shifter suited to a phone or small device. Molded storage area under the rear seats is useful for storing tools, straps and other accoutrements of work-truck or off-road utility.

　　

Cargo space

7.5

　　There's not a lot of cargo space in the rear cab, but the seat cushions flip up to create an open floor. A molded cubby box under the seats offers room for small items, but it also compromises floor space and hinders loading long, flat items.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

　　LATCH anchors are easy to access just below the surface of rear seat cushions. Top tether anchors are attached to the rear back cab wall. Tight backseat space and straight seatbacks may prevent larger rear-facing seats from a good fit without first sliding the front seat far forward.

　　

Towing

6.0

　　The Frontier's towing capacity ranges from around 6,100 pounds to 6,500 pounds, depending on trim, transmission, drivetrain and bed length. These are the lowest tow ratings in the class — except for the Ridgeline. The new Ranger can tow 7,500 pounds, and the Jeep Gladiator can pull 7,650.

　　

Hauling

6.0

　　Integrated bed side rails and movable tie-down cleats make a handy way to secure cargo, especially for outdoor gear such as dirt bikes. Payload varies by configuration, but even the most capable version, the 4x2 extended-cab model, trails all similar competition. Our test truck's crew cab 4x4 configuration is the most popular, and it easily has the lowest rating in the segment at just 1,039 pounds.

　　

Technology

6.0

　　The Frontier's tech is about as old-school as it gets, with only minimal concession to modern needs. The stereo system is good, the voice controls are basic, and smartphone integration rudimentary. A lack of driver aids probably won't bother many truck buyers, but these features are still conspicuous by their absence.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.0

　　The Frontier's audio system is basic but sounds surprisingly good. Clarity, definition and accuracy at high volume are good — even the bass is fairly punchy. Our SV test model didn't include navigation, but it's available on upper trim levels.

　　

Smartphone integration

5.0

　　Our test truck came with Bluetooth and a single USB port for phone or device connection. Probably not an issue if driven mostly by a solo driver, but passengers who ride in back are left out. A single 12-volt power point at least offers the possibility of using a third-party dual-port USB charger. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? This truck is way too old for that kind of tech.

　　

Driver aids

5.0

　　Our truck had rear parking sensors and a rearview camera, and that's it. The sensors were optional, but common aids such as blind-spot warning, forward collision alert or automatic braking aren't available on any Frontier. Their absence might burnish the Frontier's credibility, but many drivers will expect more.

　　

Voice control

6.5

　　Nissan's onboard system in our test truck was limited to basic hands-free phone functions: searching phonebook, placing calls and reviewing call history. Siri Eyes Free is included (accessed by a long press of the talk command switch on the steering wheel), opening up additional functions for iPhone users.

　　

Which Frontier does zzdcar recommend?

　　The Frontier's appeal spans from work truck to dirt jumper, so the best Frontier for you depends on your plans. Of the Frontier's five trim levels, we think the Pro-4X is the best all-arounder. A strong V6 peels off loads of low-end torque and its off-road worthiness is nearly equal that of its rivals.

　　

2019 Nissan Frontier models

　　The 2019 Nissan Frontier is a midsize truck offered in two body styles (extended cab or four-door crew cab) and with 5-foot and 6.1-foot bed lengths. Two engines are available: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (152 horsepower, 171 pound-feet of torque) or a 4.0-liter six-cylinder (261-hp, 281 lb-ft). Both can pair to either a manual transmission (five speeds for the four-cylinder or six for the V6) or a five-speed automatic transmission.

　　There are five trim levels: the base model S; the SV with an upgraded interior; the Desert Runner, which pairs off-road-oriented features with two-wheel drive; the four-wheel-drive-only Pro-4X; and the top-tier SL, which is the best-optioned overall.

　　The base S trim starts with two-wheel drive, an extended cab, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels, rear privacy glass, cloth front bucket seats, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a 7-inch central display, steering wheel audio controls, Siri Eyes Free voice command, and a four- or six-speaker sound system with a CD player, USB input and an auxiliary audio jack.

　　An optional Work Truck package adds a spray-in bedliner, bed rail caps, splash guards and rubber floor mats.

　　The SV builds on the above features with 16-inch alloy wheels, power accessories (windows, door locks), sliding rear window and satellite radio. Options include a sunroof on the crew cab and a Value Truck package that adds foglights, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a sliding bed extender, a spray-in bedliner, adjustable cargo tie-downs, a Class IV trailer hitch, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and two extra speakers on extended cabs.

　　The SV crew cab is also available with the Midnight Edition package, which adds blacked-out 18-inch wheels, side steps, body-colored bumpers and side mirror housings.

　　The Desert Runner is a rear-wheel-drive V6 only. Available in either cab configuration, it builds on the base SV equipment list with special styling details, foglights, high-performance shock absorbers and off-road tires. The SV Value package equipment isn't available with this trim.

　　For serious off-roaders, there's the four-wheel-drive-only Pro-4X. It features knobby off-road tires, specially tuned shocks, a locking rear differential and skid plates. Oddly, it comes with a smaller 5.8-inch touchscreen, though this unit does have navigation. The Pro-4X also comes with everything in the SV Value Truck package except the trailer hitch and bed extender, which are optional. Crew cabs also get a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system.

　　The Pro-4X Luxury package, only available on automatic-equipped crew cabs, adds a sunroof, a roof rack with crossbars, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and a rear-seat center armrest.

　　The top-level SL is only available as a crew cab with the automatic transmission. It loses the Pro-4X's off-road-oriented equipment but retains most of the items in the Pro-4X Luxury package, including a sunroof. Additional standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels and side steps that ease access to the cab. The trailer hitch and bed extender remain optional on the Frontier SL.

　　

2019 Frontier Highlights

Type: Crew CabKing CabCrew Cab

　　Trim: SSVDesert RunnerPRO-4XSLS

　　

Base MSRP	$25,250
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	19 MPG
Cost to Drive	$203/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	6,640 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles