2017 Nissan Frontier review
Nissan Frontier highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Good off-road performance
- Plenty of trim configurations to choose from
- Potent V6 engine
Cons
- Noticeable road noise in the cabin
- Interior materials could be more refined
- Base engine lacks power
Mileage (EPA estimate)
15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
All Nissan Frontier years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Nissan Frontier generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2017 Nissan Frontier?
- Flex Fuel Vehicle and SiriusXM Trial Available features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SV trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The Desert Runner trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The PRO-4X trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The S trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
Nissan Frontier photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Nissan Frontier
1. Practical cab options
The 2017 Nissan Frontier can suit pretty much everyone—all you have to do is choose the right configuration for you and your crew. Partnerships and solo entrepreneurs will appreciate the two-door King Cab, as it can seat up to four with a rear row that's also useful for storing toolboxes and valuables. The four-door, five-seat Crew Cab is great for bigger teams that need to travel together, with a 60/40 split rear bench that seats three and has hidden under-seat storage. And if you're on family duty, both cab styles include rear-row LATCH connectors for child seats.
2. Two off-road-ready trims
If your team regularly needs to reach remote stations—or your family farm has plenty of acres to keep an eye on—you'll love the 2017 Nissan Frontier's two off-road trims. The Desert Runner trim is perfect for scrubland and trails and is equipped with two-wheel drive, fog lights that are handy for night work, and Bilstein® shock absorbers. If you're a heavy-duty driver, look for the 4WD Frontier Pro-4X trim. Its locking rear differential, skid plates, and specially tuned shocks can take on rugged terrain with ease.
3. Impressive hauling capability
Do you regularly haul materials and machinery or have a boat you like to take to the lake? This midsize truck offers useful towing capability, in addition to the 5.0-ft or 6.1-ft flatbed of your choosing. Of course, you'll need to consider which bed, cab, drivetrain, and engine configuration are available before you decide which Frontier model has the right capacity for you. If you want maximum capability, go for the 2017 Nissan Frontier SV trim with the 4.0L V6 engine and King Cab body—it offers an estimated towing capacity of 6,710 lbs. when properly equipped.
4. Tech that keeps you in business
The 2017 Nissan Frontier is more than a rough and ready work vehicle. You can also consider it the central hub of your operation, thanks to its savvy tech offerings. Standard Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity enables you to answer important calls on the move. And if you need help out in the field, plug in your GPS system or CB radio to one of the Frontier's two 12V DC power outlets to locate the nearest family attraction, gas station, or available colleague.
5. Stylish exterior
While you might spend most of your truck time in overalls and boots, you may also need to take regular trips to the bank or downtown. No matter where you go, the 2017 Nissan Frontier won't let you down. It has eight glossy or metallic exterior colors to choose from, including monochrome shades and bright copper reds and oranges. The chrome front grille and body color or chrome rear bumper give the fascia a smart book-end style, while the available rearview camera ensures your parking lot maneuvers are tidy and precise.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
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 FrontierNissan Frontier features and specs
Curious how Nissan Frontier trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SV 2WD 4D Crew Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Bed Cover
- Bed Liner
- Cloth Seats
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- Front Seat Heaters
- Long Bed
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Running Boards
- Sunroof(s)
- 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 40"/R 38.7"
Front tires
P265/70TR16
Rear tires
P265/70TR16
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
630/6300 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2017 Nissan Frontier FAQ
The 2017 Nissan Frontier is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SV: 19 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
- SL: 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Desert Runner: 16 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- PRO-4X: 16 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
- S: 19 MPG City and 23 MPG Highway
The Nissan Frontier received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Nissan Frontier as 1 out of 8 among Midsize Truck
The 2017 Nissan Frontier has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2017 Nissan Frontier, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2017 Nissan Frontier Reviews.
The 2017 Nissan Frontier has a maximum towing capacity of between 3500 and 6500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2017 Nissan Frontier:
- Flex Fuel Vehicle
- SiriusXM Trial Available
- Bluetooth Technology
Research other vehicles
- 2021 Audi A7 Plug-in Hybrid review
- 2012 Audi A8 review
- 2013 Audi A8 review
- 2014 BMW 528 review
- 2015 BMW 528 review
- 2017 BMW 530 review
- 2021 Buick Encore GX review
- 2022 Buick Encore GX review
- 2023 Buick Encore GX review
- 2020 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 review
- 2019 Chevrolet Suburban 3500 review
- 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe review
- All things EV
- 2025 Ford E-350 review
- 2025 Ford E-Transit T-350 review
- 2025 Ford E450 review
- 2025 Genesis GV70 review
- 2025 Genesis GV80 review
- 2017 GMC Acadia Limited review
- Used Nissan buying guide
- 2025 Nissan Frontier review
- 2012 Nissan Frontier review
- 2013 Nissan Frontier review
- 2014 Nissan Frontier review
- 2015 Nissan Frontier review
- 2018 Nissan Frontier review
- 2019 Nissan Frontier review
- 2021 Nissan Frontier review
- 2023 Nissan Frontier review
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.



