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2018 Nissan Frontier review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Nissan Frontier highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Pro-4X model is a capable off-roader
  • Surprisingly comfortable ride for a midsize pickup
  • Available with automatic or manual transmission

Cons

  • Uninspired steering and handling on pavement
  • Poor fuel economy compared to rivals
  • Uncomfortable rear seating, especially in crew-cab
  • Lack of modern amenities

Mileage (EPA estimate)

15 city, 21 highway, 17 combined

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The 2018 Nissan Frontier is a no-frills work truck that nails the basics

If you’re seeking a midsize truck that nails the basics and you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles, the 2018 Nissan Frontier might do the job. Power is delivered by either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, with either rear-wheel drive or an off-road capable four-wheel drive system. Crew cab and larger King cab body configurations are available, along with two bed lengths, 5-foot and 6.1-foot.

The basic underpinnings for the 2018 Frontier were introduced way back in 2005, and by 2018 competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Toyota Tacoma, and the Honda Ridgeline surpassed it by most metrics. Driver aids are limited to backup sensors and a rearview camera, and modern smartphone integration isn’t available (so no Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity here).

Still, the Frontier delivers on the essentials, and it has some serious off-road chops as well. The interior is roomy with decent seating, and the ride is surprisingly smooth for a small pickup. If you’re an overlander or off-road enthusiast looking for an inexpensive truck, the Frontier deserves a look.

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 2018 Nissan Frontier?

  • Frontier trims have been upgraded with Sunroof(s) as standard equipment this year.
  • The SV trim now comes with Rear View Camera as standard equipment.
  • The S trim now comes with Rear View Camera and Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
  • The Desert Runner trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera as standard equipment.

2018 Nissan Frontier trims

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

S:

  • 261-hp, 281-lb-ft of torque 4.0L
  • 152-hp, 171-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Rear View Camera
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automatic Transmission
  • View our Nissan Frontier S inventory

SV:

PRO-4X:

SL:

Desert Runner:

Nissan Frontier photos

What We Like

Off-road capability: Especially in the Pro-4X trim, the Frontier is a surprisingly capable off-roader. It’s relatively lightweight by modern standards, and the V6 engine has plenty of torque to get the Frontier out of tough situations. It’s also a little narrower than the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, a definite plus in tight off-road situations.

Comfortable around town: Although the chassis dates back to 2005, the Frontier has a surprisingly well-composed around-town ride. The Frontier has no problem smoothing out potholes and other sharp impacts.

Overall quality: While basic inside, the materials and assembly quality of the Frontier are top-notch. Panel gaps are small, and the switches and other controls all have a satisfying “click” to them when used.

What Needs Improvement

Suffering from old age: The majority of issues with the Frontier can be traced back to its old age. By 2018, the underlying truck was a 13 year old design, and since then its competitors have introduced more modern features. We can give some things, like advanced driver assist systems, a bit more of a pass since those technologies would be harder to implement on an older vehicle. But updating the audio system to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could’ve helped the Frontier feel a bit more modern.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.8 out of 5

12 customer reviews
The 2018 Nissan Frontier is a small truck that is perfect for around town and for hauling the occasional truckload of mulch or furniture. The Frontier drives with a purpose and handles the road great.

RepairPal reliability rating

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

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

Desert Runner 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
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Bed Cover
  • Bed Liner
  • Rear Defroster
  • Running Boards
  • 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 39.9"/R 38.6"

Front tires

P265/75TR16

Rear tires

P265/75TR16

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

630/6300 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Nissan Frontier FAQ

Nissan Frontier articles

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