2012 Nissan Frontier
Starting MSRP $19,260–$32,990
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National June 24, 2011Vehicle Overview
Nissan has the longest history in the U.S. among import automakers of selling compact and midsize pickup trucks. Its current small truck, the Frontier, is available with a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 power, and rear- and four-wheel-drive versions are offered. With seating for four or five depending on the cab style, the Frontier competes with the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado.
New for 2012
A new Sport Appearance Package available for King Cab and crew-cab SV trims includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a dark grille, body-colored bumpers, fog lights and special graphics.
Exterior
The Frontier is available only in King Cab (extended cab) and crew-cab body styles, with crew-cab SV and SL models offering a long-box option that measures 13 inches longer than the standard bed. Exterior features include:
- Tough PRO-4X appearance
- Off-road-worthy approach/departure angles
- Muscular but not intimidating wheel flares
- Factory spray-on bedliner on V-6 models
- Adjustable tie-down system on V-6 models
- Available roof rack on crew-cab models
- Locking tailgate
Interior
All models have supportive, comfortable front bucket seats. Adults have adequate legroom in the rear of the crew cab. Leather seating and a Rockford Fosgate premium stereo are available on crew-cab models. The PRO-4X truck has a unique interior with custom seating. Interior features include:
- Removable underseat storage in King Cab
- Easy-to-read gauges
- Two glove boxes, two 12-volt outlets
Under the Hood
Mechanical features include:
- Base engine is a 152-horsepower, 2.5-liter, dual-overhead-camshaft inline-four-cylinder that makes 171 pounds-feet of torque
- 261-hp, 4.0-liter, dual-overhead-camshaft V-6 that makes 281 pounds-feet of torque
- Choice of a manual or automatic transmission
- Available electronically controlled, shift-on-the-fly, part-time transfer case
Safety
The Frontier offers side curtain airbags as standard equipment on all four- and six-cylinder models and a standard electronic stability system.
Hill start assist and hill descent control comes on all SV and SL four-wheel-drive models with an automatic transmission. Hill descent control allows slow hill descent without constant pressure on the brake pedal. Hill start assist allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake and not roll back for two seconds as the driver's foot moves to the accelerator.
Additional safety features include:
- All-disc antilock brakes
- Three-point seat belts in all seating locations
- Latch anchor system in crew cab
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | June 24, 2011 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Courtney Messenbaugh | Mother Proof | August 8, 2012 |
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