2021 Nissan Frontier review

1. Two body styles

The 2021 Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck that's available in a choice of two body styles, depending on how many friends or coworkers are coming along for the ride. The King Cab seats four, and rear space is at a premium. The Crew Cab seats five and has a choice of bed lengths: 6.1-ft or 5.0-ft.

2. Responsive engine

The 2021 Nissan Frontier has a 3.8L V6 direct injection gasoline engine delivering 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque—plenty for a compact pickup. Power is put down to the road via a nine-speed automatic transmission. Even with all its power, the 2021 Frontier 2WD achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg on the highway.

3. Available four-wheel drive

While it can easily cruise around town or along the highway, the 2021 Nissan Frontier can also handle rougher terrain with its all-wheel-drive system. Standard on the top-spec Pro-4X Crew Cab but optional on other Frontier models, you can choose between two-wheel drive (2WD), 4H, or 4LO settings to prioritize efficiency on-road or the ability to tackle more irregular terrain. In addition, active brake limited slip, hill start assist, hill descent control, Bilstein^® off-road performance shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential are standard to keep you on the straight and narrow—ideal when the going gets tougher and twistier.

4. Good towing capacity

The 2021 Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck, but it can pull bigger stuff when needed. Depending on the model, the Frontier's maximum estimated towing capacity is between 6,250 and 6,720 lbs. when properly equipped, but you'll want to choose the 4x2 models for those higher figures.

5. Three great trims

The 2021 Nissan Frontier is available in three trims: S, SV, and Pro-4X. All trims have a decent level of standard equipment. Even the entry-level S trim has features like a Bluetooth^® hands-free mobile phone system, a seven-inch color touchscreen display, and a USB port. If you're looking for luxury, top-trim Pro-4X models add features like SiriusXM^® Radio and Traffic systems, heated mirrors, navigation, and a power sliding glass moonroof to make the 2021 Frontier stand out from the crowd.