One year into its first generational redesign since 2005, the 2023 Nissan Frontier arrives with little in the way of change. Nissan offers it in two cab styles: King Cab and the larger Crew Cab. The King Cab is an extended-cab configuration with second-row half doors. Four full-size doors announce the Crew Cab’s extra interior space and convenience.
Modernizing the Frontier last year introduced a little spark into the midsize truck wars. The segment pits the Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, and GMC Canyon against this sharp-looking Nissan.
In engineering the most recent Frontier version, designers retained the outgoing Frontier’s boxed frame and 3.8-liter V6. This V6 delivers 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque to the wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. The King Cab is better suited for heavy work with more hauling and towing capacity. Its maximum payload is a respectable 1,610 pounds and can tow up to 6,720 pounds.
All Frontier grades come standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD). However, you can add 4-wheel drive (4WD) to the King Cab models for $3,200 or Crew Cab models for $3,000. All Frontier grades come with hill-start assist and trailer-sway control. Paying the extra cash for 4WD means you also get hill-descent control, a steel front skid plate, and front tow hooks.
Nissan offers the King Cab and Crew Cab in S and SV trim levels. The Crew Cab also adds the performance Pro-X grade. King Cab and Crew Cab versions come with a standard 5-foot cargo box. But in SV trim, you can opt for a Crew Cab long-wheelbase (LWB) version with a 6-foot box. That larger bed will set you back an additional $2,830.
We like the Frontier’s rugged exterior styling, strong V6, dampened and lockable tailgate, and off-road prowess (with 4WD). Bolted together in Mississippi, it’s a truck bred for the American market.
Here’s how the 2023 Nissan Frontier trim levels stack up.
2023 Nissan Frontier S King Cab (starting at $29,190)
This pickup is the starter trim level. As such, it isn’t brimming with convenience features. It does come with 16-inch painted steel wheels, a tilt steering wheel with audio controls, and auto on/off halogen headlights. The taillights are LEDs. Power locks and windows, along with keyless remote entry, are standard. The mirrors are manual.
A lockable tailgate with dampened opening and closure assist is standard.
The standard equipment list includes push-button start, front bucket seats, and a folding rear jump seat covered in faux leather. The airbag count is eight. Two USB ports and a 12-volt power port are on duty.
Nissan meets other creature comforts with manual air conditioning, cruise control, a 7-inch driver-information display, and manually adjustable front seats.
Even basic transportation in this day and age requires a certain level of connectivity. Nissan arms the Frontier S with an 8-inch color touchscreen overseeing a 4-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. Nissan includes Siri Eyes Free, satellite-radio capability, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, too.
Safety and driver-aid technologies are rather basic. You get forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus a driver-alert warning.
The Technology Package ($990) is a bargain, gaining you more safety technologies throughout the grade lineup. It adds lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear-park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the S King Cab base price brings the total to $30,485. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $548 per month. See 2023 Nissan Frontier S King Cab models for sale
2023 Nissan Frontier S King Cab includes:
Auto on/off headlights – Photosensors detect a reduction in daylight, which automatically engages the headlights and taillights. The system extinguishes the lights when an appropriate amount of daylight returns.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – These apps allow your smartphone to interface with your vehicle. Not only can you access the music on your phone, but you can also send messages, receive messages, make calls, and so forth through your vehicle’s media system.
Lockable tailgate – This lockable tailgate features a dampened opening and closure assist.
2023 Nissan Frontier S Crew Cab (starting at $30,490)
Besides the full rear doors and more interior space, Nissan outfits the S Crew Cab the same as the King Cab.
Adding the destination fee to the S Crew Cab base price equals $31,785. Financing for 60 months at 3% interest with no money down works out to a monthly payment of roughly $571. See 2023 Nissan Frontier S Crew Cab models for sale
2023 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab (starting at $31,890)
Only $2,700 separates the SV from the S, but you receive a decent amount of bang for your buck. You gain 17-inch alloy wheels, an individual tire-pressure readout, and a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Also included are cloth seating, two more audio speakers (six total), and power outboard mirrors. Moreover, you also pick up some upgraded trim accents inside and out, in addition to a spray-in bed liner.
When you step up to the SV, you also qualify for the $2,190 SV Convenience Package, and the Technology Package. The Convenience Package comes with the Utili-track System with adjustable tie-down cleats, a 12-volt power port in the cargo box, and heated outboard mirrors. Other package features are a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote engine start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Proximity keyless entry and a trailer hitch with a wiring harness are included, too.
Opting for the Comfort and Convenience Package tees you up to add the SV Premium Package ($2,790). You then get a 10-speaker Fender audio system, faux-leather seating, a HomeLink transceiver, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Rounding out the package are LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and a power sunroof.
Adding the destination fee to the SV King Cab base price totals $33,185. At 3% interest, financing for 60 months with no money down works out to about $596 monthly. See 2023 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab models for sale
2023 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab includes:
Heated outboard mirrors – Electrically heated, these mirrors automatically clear away ice, snow, and fog.
Power-adjustable driver’s seat – The Frontier’s front seats are Nissan’s zero-gravity seats developed with NASA for extended-trip comfort. The SV King Cab’s driver’s seat provides a 6-way power adjustment.
Spray-in bed liner – Engineered to prevent scratches and dings, this bed liner increases the Frontier’s utility.
2023 Nissan Frontier SV Crew Cab (starting at $33,290)
The Frontier SV Crew Cab provides the same content as the SV King Cab.
Adding the $1,295 destination fee to the SV Crew Cab base price equals $34,585. At 3% interest, financing for 60 months with no money down works out to about $621. See 2023 Nissan Frontier SV Crew Cab models for sale
2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-X Crew Cab (starting at $35,720)
Even if you don’t spring for 4WD (Pro-4X), the Frontier Pro-X brings a lot of personality to the table.
Nissan shoes its Frontier Pro-X with 17-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, Bilstein off-road shocks, and a front skid plate. The Pro-4X adds skid plates for the transfer case and fuel tank. It gets a locking rear differential, too.
In addition to the LED taillights, Nissan increases the LED count to include headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights. Inside, you’ll find a 9-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Wi-Fi hot spot. Over-the-air (OTA) updates and NissanConnect Services also make the cut.
Dual-zone automatic climate control, unique Pro accents, and labeling round out the Pro-X upgrades.
Adding the destination fee to the Pro-X base price costs $37,015. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of about $665. See 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-X Crew Cab models for sale
2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-X Crew Cab includes:
NissanConnect Services – With the NissanConnect app, you can access several vehicle functions through your smartphone. Lock and unlock, remote start, roadside assistance, and more.
LED exterior lighting – This upgrade includes auto on/off headlights, taillights, fog lights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). LEDs illuminate a broader area than regular incandescent or halogen lights.
Wi-Fi hot spot – A 4G LTE hot spot allows passengers to stream and share online on their smartphones.
