2024 Nissan Frontier Review
From the do-all base models to the retro-inspired Hardbody edition, the Frontier covers most truck-related needs. We look at the lineup in this review.
2024 Nissan Frontier – nissanusa.com | Shop 2024 Nissan Frontier on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2024 Nissan Frontier?
Part of the third-generation truck that debuted 2 years ago after a staggering 17-year 2nd-gen run, the 2024 Nissan Frontier is part of a recently reinvigorated midsize pickup truck segment. It will also be the only truck in Nissan’s lineup after the Titan goes bye-bye next year.
To stay competitive, Nissan has made a couple of key changes over the 2023 Frontier that we reviewed here. A semi-ritzy SL grade arrives this year with amenities like leather and heated front seats. But the big news is the Hardbody Edition, a nostalgic variant that we previewed here.
Carsforsale.com Score
7.5/10
Powertrain
Score
7.75/10
Interior
Score
7.5/10
Technology
Score
7.5/10
Value
Score
7.5/10
The Breakdown
Strong standard V6
That Hardbody Edition
Low entry price
Pathetic level of standard driver aids
Best tech limited to top models
Plain base cabin
A good, but not great midsize pickup
2024 Frontier Specs
- 310 horsepower from base engine
- 281 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 5- or 6-foot truck bed
- 8 standard airbags
- Fender 10-speaker audio system
- Trailer sway control is standard
- 3 years of roadside assistance
2024 Nissan Frontier Powertrain 7.75/10
Nissan goes the simplified powertrain route with its 2024 Frontier by fitting every model with the same naturally aspirated 3.8L V6. Rated for a stout 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque, it pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear wheels.
Four-wheel drive is included on PRO models or can be added to the rest of the lineup for about $3,000. This traditional body-on-frame pickup features a Dana rear axle and Bilstein dampers on PRO variants. Those off-roaders have nearly 10 inches of ground clearance versus 9 for standard models.
Towing is lighter than some competitors with a max capacity of 6,640 pounds and a payload rating that tops out at 1,620 pounds. Fortunately, trailer sway control and a rear hitch ball provision are standard. A rear-wheel drive SV Frontier with an extended cab performs best at the pumps with EPA estimates of 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
2024 Nissan Frontier Interior 7.5
The phrase, “you get what you pay for”, applies to the 2024 Frontier S. Sure, it’s relatively cheap, but the cabin unfortunately looks the part with plain black everything. However, this does improve as you move through the trim ladder with contrast stitching, red accents, and occasional touches of bright trim work.
King cab models can seat 4 with crew cabs ready for 5 passengers, but the 33 inches of rear legroom on crew cab Frontiers is 2 inches off the mark set by a Chevy Colorado. From SV trim on up, under–seat rear storage is included and a 5- or 6-foot bed can be had, though the longer version is only available with SV crew cabs.
Sought-after creature comforts like heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel are available but are locked behind pricey optional packages. Even a manual-sliding rear window is optional, which smells of value engineering.
2024 Nissan Frontier Technology Features 7.5/10
The 2024 Frontier has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple and Android smartphone mirroring as standard equipment. A 9-inch screen is included on PRO and SL models but strangely, wireless Apple CarPlay is only offered on the PRO grade and without wireless Android Auto. Speaker counts range from 4 to 10 with a Fender system on top models, while NissanConnect with Wi-Fi capability is standard.
As for advanced driver-assistance systems, the latest Frontier doesn’t impress with forward collision mitigation and a driver attention warning the only standard features. A Technology package offered on all models can be optioned to fill this roster out with lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 Frontier earned a 4-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.
2024 Nissan Frontier Trims & Pricing
S – $31,425
Base Frontier S trim includes 16-inch steelies, LED taillights, a damped tailgate, and black fabric upholstery. A 4-speaker stereo, 2 USB ports, and an 8-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android highlight the infotainment offerings. For $990, the Technology package – which is available on any model – brings lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams.
SV – $34,125
The SV is upgraded with alloy wheels, available two-tone cloth seating, a power driver’s seat, 6 speakers, and an optional Convenience package. For $2,190, you get a spray-in bedliner, the Utili-Track cargo bed tie-down system, heat for the side mirrors, steering wheel, and front seats, remote start, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, and more.
PRO-X – $37,955
Factory-ready for prerunner duty, the PRO-X Frontier brings all-terrain tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and LED front lighting. Red stitching dresses up the cabin which includes 10 speakers and a 9-inch infotainment interface. A PRO Premium package offers leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a sunroof, and beadlock-style 17-inch wheels.
PRO-4X – $40,955
The most aggressive off-roader of the 2024 Frontier lineup, PRO-4X trim features an aluminum front skid plate, sweet decals, red front tow hooks, and the Utili-Track bed system with adjustable tie-down cleats. Like the PRO-X model, it can be fitted with a Convenience package that adds a surround-view monitor, a wireless phone charging pad, and a pair of 120-volt power outlets.
SL – $41,295
SL variants are the most luxurious Frontier with a sunroof, leather seating with handsome white contrast stitching, and a remote engine start. The Fender audio system, connected navigation, and 120-volt power in the bed are also included.
Hardbody – $45,435
Starting with a crew cab SV model, the new 4WD-only Hardbody Edition Frontier sports 3-pointed rims that are a dead ringer for the original ‘80s versions, fender flares, mud flaps, a rear sport bar, retro graphics, and a black finish for the front end, hood insert, and tailgate.
2024 Nissan Frontier Overall Value 7.5/10
Considering how the 2024 Nissan Frontier is light on modern technology and amenities regardless of how you spec it, I would stick to the base S model to save some money. It’ll still handle all the traditional pickup truck duties like towing and hauling, but without breaking the bank. That said, I would happily pay the cash for the nostalgia factor of the Hardbody Edition.
Buyers would do well to look at the 2024 Toyota Tacoma which boasts a whole lot more variety – on all fronts – than the Frontier. Toyota also includes 2 years of complimentary maintenance, while Nissan offers none. The rest of the Frontier warranty is industry-average at 3 years of 36,000 miles of basic coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 7.5
2024 Nissan Frontier – nissanusa.com | Shop 2024 Nissan Frontier on Carsforsale.com
If you’re in the market for a basic utility vehicle, the 2024 Nissan Frontier is a solid option. It avoids the huge footprint of the full-size contingent, can tow up to 3 tons of stuff, and has a standard V6 powertrain that is plenty potent all for about $31,000 to start. However, those who are interested in modern ADAS may be irritated that a package is required on all models to access commonly available systems.
As well, the Frontier’s tech offerings are strange like offering wireless Apple integration but not Android and making wireless charging an option on a $40,000 truck. The Hardbody Edition is admittedly cool but is a tough pill to swallow at more than 45 grand. Overall, it’s worth looking at the wide variety of midsize pickup truck competition.
2024 Nissan Frontier FAQ
Where are Nissan Frontiers made?
The 2024 Nissan Frontier is made in Canton, Mississippi.
How much is the Nissan Frontier?
Base 2024 Frontiers start at $31,425 with the top-spec Hardbody Edition running more than $45,000.
Is the Nissan Frontier a reliable truck?
Customers report that the Nissan Frontier is a very reliable truck.
