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2025 Nissan Frontier Review

Can a refresh help make the 2025 Nissan Frontier more competitive? We’re looking at the specs, the styling, and performance.

What’s New for the 2025 Nissan Frontier?

2025 Nissan Frontier – nissanusa.com |  Shop 2025 Nissan Frontier on Carsforsale.com

Just last week, Nissan announced a plug-in hybrid version of the Nissan Frontier (the first electrified pickup for the Japanese automaker). Even though it does have plans to make it available to several different countries, it will be available in China first. There’s no timetable for importing it to the U.S. In the meantime, Nissan decided it was time for some updates to the U.S. version of the Frontier. That’s probably a good thing because it placed last on our list of the Best 2024 Mid-size Trucks.

The 2025 model has some new exterior styling, specifically with black or gray coloring that goes from the grille down to the front bumper. There’s a similar effect on the tailgate along with Frontier lettering.

Inside the cabin, entry models now have phone mirroring, there’s the option for a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and the steering column was updated with telescoping adjustment. Wireless Android Auto is also now standard on all five trims.

Utility also increased because a six-foot bed option is now available on all trims except the base trim. The payload maximum is still 1,620 lbs. but the towing capacity is now up to 7,150 lbs. That’s a 510 lb. increase from the 2024 model. Lastly, the PRO-X and PRO-4X trims also have updated wheels.

Carsforsale.com Score
8.5/10
Powertrain
Score
7.5/10
Interior
Score
8.25/10
Technology
Score
8.25/10
Value
Score
8.5/10
Body Style

Starting Price

MSRP $33,450

Drivetrain

Drivetrain

RWD 4WD

Drivetrain

Fuel Economy

18 City / 24 Hwy

Number of Seats

Seating

Seats 4 or 5

The Breakdown

17 powertrain / drivetrain combos

Available 12.3-inch touchscreen

Pro-X and Pro-4X offer off-roading ability

No safety ratings yet

Transmission could be smoother

OK towing capacity at 7,150 lbs

2025 Frontier Specs:

Trims & Pricing

S - $33,450
SV - $35,790
PRO-X - $38,470
PRO-4X - $42,270
SL - $41,810

2025 Nissan Frontier Powertrain 7.75/10

2025 Nissan Frontier - nissanusa.com

There are some big benefits to the 2025 Nissan Frontier right away. It’s got one of the most powerful engines in the mid-size class with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission to make 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Every model gets this setup, but buyers can go with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Also, unlike the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger, the 2025 Nissan Frontier comes in extended or crew cab configurations with a five-foot short bed variation or as a six-foot-one-inch long bed.

2025 Nissan Frontier - nissanusa.com

Now, that power does have a disadvantage and it comes in the form of fuel efficiency. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the Frontier will get 18 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. With 4WD, that drops a little to 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Overall, the nine-speed transmission is smooth. While you’ll accelerate up to highway speeds without much issue, the transmission does struggle at times.

However, another improvement Nissan made is in the steering column. The Frontier now has an adjustable steering wheel. The steering can be heavy at times, but most people won’t have an issue with it, as a daily driver or to do some hauling. The 2025 Frontier increased its towing capacity to 7,150 lbs. on some trims so the lowest capacity across this lineup is 6,310 lbs. on the S 4×2 King Cab.

2025 Nissan Frontier Interior 8.25/10

The interior hasn’t been entirely updated, but that’s OK. It’s simple so it’s easy to use. These days, that may be preferred by some drivers. The optional 12.3-inch touchscreen is very nice, but there also several knobs and buttons that drivers and passengers can use to adjust the cabin climate and audio.

Riders shouldn’t notice many big bumps, especially in the Zero Gravity seats that Nissan provides. Four people can fit in the King Cab, but there’s not much room in the back seat with only 26.2 inches of leg room back there. Crew Cab models seat five people more comfortably with 33.2 inches of space to work with in the back row.

The seat fabric in the 2025 Frontier ranges from cloth and premium cloth to urethane and leather. The dash does have some soft-touch surfaces and leather trim, but there are still plenty of areas with hard plastic. That’s certainly not a dealbreaker, though.

2025 Nissan Technology Features 8.25/10

2025 Nissan Frontier - nissanusa.com

Beyond the larger available touchscreen, the infotainment inside of a 2025 Frontier includes optional wireless smartphone charging, a 10-speaker Fender audio system, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Of course, there are several USB ports and a 12V DC power outlet to charge devices, too.

There are also quite a few driver assists that come standard across the lineup or are added at certain trim levels. Those include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It’s all part of what Nissan calls the Nissan Safety Shield 360 system. It may be a mouthful, but this system definitely has some benefits. Now, let’s go over them at specific trim levels.

2025 Nissan Trims and Pricing

2025 Nissan Frontier S - nissanusa.com

S – $33,450

The S has some infotainment features, including Bluetooth and a four-speaker audio system. Android and Apple smartphone integration are both standard here, but the wireless integration isn’t. There’s no wireless charging at this level, either.

The S has an eight-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, and multiple safety features. They include front and rear automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam headlights, lane departure warning, driver alertness detection, and adaptive cruise control.

Outside the vehicle are 16-inch Aluminum-alloy wheels. A retractable rear step and bedliner can be added on the S and any other trim level.

2025 Nissan Frontier SV - nissanusa.com

SV – $35,790

Two-way powered lumbar support for the driver is added here. Starting with the SV, off-road step rails can be added to the frame. If drivers also add the optional SV convenience package, they’ll get a trailer hitch, tie-downs, a bedliner, heated door mirrors, and heated seats inside the cabin.

2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-X - nissanusa.com

PRO-X – $38,470

First, it should be noted that the Pro-X is a Crew Cab-only model. The off-roading entry level trim has 8.4 inches of ground clearance and adds comfort in the form of leather seats. Enhanced visibility comes in the form of LED headlights with low and high beam functionality. There’s also an available PRO premium package, which includes a moonroof, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 360-degree surround view camera.

2025 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X - nissanusa.com

PRO-4X – $42,270

With 4WD, the Pro-4X is more situated for a bit of off-roading. The electronic locking rear differential helps deliver equal power to both rear wheels, increasing traction as you move forward.

An Off-Road Mode viewing function can be used when driving up to 12 mph, ground clearance measures 8.6 inches, and this Frontier is also equipped with steel skid plates around the transfer case and fuel tank.

2025 Nissan Frontier SL - nissanusa.com

SL – $41,810

The top-of-the-line SL wraps up the 2025 lineup with leather-appointed front and rear seating, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 10-speaker Fender audio system.

2025 Nissan Frontier Overall Value 8.5/10

A new burnt orange color, some new styling, and a larger infotainment screen are all nice updates to the Frontier. Nissan definitely gives you a decent set of warranties, too. There’s a 3-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year / 24,000-mile powertrain warranty.

What the Frontier really offers is options. There are plenty of choices here, from RWD to 4WD, from King Cabs to Crew Cabs, and short beds to long beds. If you’re buying a truck, even if it’s just for daily driving in a winter climate, I think you’ll want a 4×4. You’ll definitely want one if you’re planning to hit the trails or sand dunes.

The S isn’t a bad trim, but I’d at least go up to the SV. With the SV convenience package, you’ll get the hitch you’ll probably end up using to trailer something, you’ll get the heated seats, and the heated door mirrors. A 2025 Nissan Frontier SV 4×4 King Cab starts at $37,690.

Carsforsale.com Overall Score 8.25/10

2025 Nissan Frontier – nissanusa.com |  Shop 2025 Nissan Frontier on Carsforsale.com

Let’s wrap up with a look at competitor pricing in this midsize truck market. The base model 2025 Honda Ridgeline starts at $40,150, several thousand dollars higher than Frontier S. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 2025 Ford Ranger and 2025 Chevy Colorado models are at least $6,000 more than the Frontier SL. They start at $55,820 and $51,295 respectively.

The point being that while Nissan may not have as many pickup truck models as the other brands do, Nissan offers a good midsize truck that’s a pretty good buy. With plenty of configurations, a nice set of driver assistance features, some cabin amenities, decent towing power, and off-road ability, the Frontier is proving it can hang with has a lot to offer.

2025 Nissan Frontier FAQ

2025 Nissan Frontier - nissanusa.com

Are there any more warranties offered?

Yes, buyers get corrosion perforation coverage for an unlimited number of miles during the first five years of ownership. Roadside assistance lasts 3 years or 36,000 miles. Finally, the maintenance warranty is good for 2 months or 24,000 miles.

How many ways can the 2025 Nissan Frontier be configured?

There are 17 different ways the Frontier can be configured, based on trim level, bed length, and drivetrain.

How does the 2025 Nissan Frontier compare to competitors when it comes to horsepower?

The 2025 Chevy Colorado produces 310 horsepower, the 2025 Honda Ridgeline makes 280 horsepower, and the base model 2025 Ford Ranger delivers 270 horsepower, though it can be upgraded to 315 horsepower with a different engine. Meanwhile, the 2025 Frontier makes 310 horsepower.

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Jesse Batson

Jesse Batson earned his journalism degree from South Dakota State University. No stranger to newsgathering and reporting, Jesse spent 13 years in TV news. 10 of those years were spent working in Charlotte, NC, home of NASCAR. A highlight of his time there was being able to take a lap around the Charlotte Motor Speedway. His interest in vehicles, starting with Matchbox cars, a Big Wheel, and the Transformers, evolved into taking photos of motocross events. Now, he puts his research skills to use on car culture, reviews, and comparisons.

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