2023 Nissan Frontier Review by Carbuzz.con

2023 Nissan Frontier Review

by Micheal Butler

Nissan has a long legacy of building tough compact and midsize trucks for the US market, and the 2023 Frontier pays tribute to that fact with its brawny looks that tip the hat at the boxy Nissan Hardbody of old. Now in its third generation, with the new model entering the market last year, the Nissan Frontier’s competitors aren’t taking the fight lying down. Both the Honda Ridgeline and Ford Ranger are less attractive than the Frontier, but it’s not just about looks: Nissan’s pickup is plenty of truck, despite being the smallest in the stable.

All 2023 Frontier models are equipped with a tried and trusted naturally-aspirated V6 engine producing a healthy 310 horsepower, 281 lb-ft of torque, and a nine-speed automatic transmission that allows for rear or all-wheel-drive configurations. A maximum towing capacity of 6,720 pounds is impressive. Whether you go for the S work truck or the all-out Pro-4X off-road focused machine, the Frontier offers solid value for money.

2023 Nissan Frontier Changes: What’s The Difference vs The 2022 Frontier?

The Frontier was all new for 2022, so changes for 2023 are kept to a minimum. That being said, customers in the US can expect the new Nissan Frontier pickup truck to gain a Midnight Edition appearance package on the crew cab SV trim. This package adds a ton of tasty appearance upgrades, including blackened exterior and interior trim pieces and a set of 17-inch Black alloy wheels. Inside, this package includes a heated steering wheel and front seats. Higher up in the trim lineup, the Pro-X, and Pro-4X trims gain Wireless Apple CarPlay. Finally, the long-wheelbase SV Crew Cab now gets the SV Convenience Package as standard, which adds a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, a spray-in bed liner, and more.

What’s the Price of the 2022 Nissan Frontier?

As expected, Nissan Frontier prices are a little higher than last year but are highly competitive given the impressive specification of the new models and the larger, more powerful engine than rivals. The range kicks off with the King Cab in S trim with an MSRP of $29,190 as a 4×2 and $32,390 in 4×4 guise. The Crew Cab in S trim retails for $30,490/$33,490. In SV trim, the King Cab retails for $31,890/$35,090, while the Crew Cab goes for $33,290/$36,290 for 4×2 and 4×4, respectively. The SV LWB model is only available as a Crew Cab. It costs $36,120 in 4×2 and $39,120 in 4×4 guise. The PRO-X is only available in 4×2 Crew Cab format with an MSRP of $35,720, while the PRO-4X is 4×4 only and retails for $38,720. Midnight Edition crew cabs cost $35,080 for 4×2 and $38,080 for 4×4. These prices exclude destination and handling fees.

2023 Nissan Frontier Handling and Driving Impressions

There’s no getting around the fact that the Frontier is a truck meant to be hardy, capable, and functional. It feels relatively big, especially in town and around tight bends, but Nissan’s updated steering system provides a well-balanced feel that is light enough for city driving and weighty enough for long-distance highway cruising. It can be a little tougher to steer around the school parking lot, however. At low-speed driving, the Frontier offers a smooth and stable ride, with minimal bounciness, and out on the highway, it tries really hard to be comfortable and refined. Road noise and vibration are kept to a minimum, but refinement is better in some of its rivals.
Off-road, the Frontier will happily climb over bumpy obstacles, sail through sand, and tackle mud. Its AWD system can maintain momentum through even the thickest of sand and mud, and the traction control system has been tuned to keep this truck in check, even when things get out of hand. The Frontier gets standard Hill Descent Control which further aids its off-road abilities. Overall, the Frontier is a well-balanced truck that inspires confidence on and off the beaten path.

Verdict: Is The 2023 Nissan Frontier A Good Truck?

When we first test-drove the third-generation Frontier last year, we were struck by how confident this machine was. It’s bold styling and comfortable ride and interior are stand-out points and continue to impress us, even after we experienced it the year before. The exterior of the Frontier looks better than most competitors, and the boost in interior comfort and technology is also praiseworthy. We also appreciate the fact that the Frontier can play many different roles, from work truck to family hauler and off-road pro. On the road, the Frontier is a well-balanced and comfortable machine to pilot, and that silky smooth V6 engine offers great power and smooth operation. The Frontier combines a ton of value, practicality, and good looks into a package that works really well and would definitely be on our list when shopping in this class.