One of the midsize trucks that never fails to please is the Nissan Frontier, which provides outstanding value for the money. Even so, it frequently goes unnoticed since many consumers choose the Chevy Colorado or Toyota Tacoma over it. Nissan updated the Frontier for 2025 with a new look and better performance. In response to this, let’s investigate if the five biggest issues with the previous generation’s Nissan Frontier have been addressed in the 2025 model.
5. The Powertrain
The powertrain is one of the most crucial aspects of pickup trucks, as it greatly influences the vehicle’s investment value based on engine performance. Unfortunately, the new Nissan Frontier will not be available with a turbocharged option like its rivals because it will continue to use the same engine.
As a result, the Nissan Frontier is now among the last trucks with a V6 naturally aspirated engine. Many of Nissan’s rivals, such as Toyota, Ford, and Chevy, have abandoned V6 engines in favor of powerful turbocharged inline-fours.
However, Nissan has decided to stick with the conventional V6, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The 3.8L V6 engine in the Frontier generates a respectable 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. But at low RPMs, this power isn’t easily accessible, causing a delay in power delivery as the engine needs to gain momentum to operate at peak efficiency.
This might not be ideal for buyers looking for a more responsive pickup. Turbocharged engine rivals like the Tacoma and Colorado offer impressive figures and faster acceleration. For instance, the Colorado’s turbocharged inline-four engine boasts a torque output of 430 lb-ft and 310 horsepower, 150 lb-ft more than the Frontier. There’s hope that Nissan will eventually upgrade the Frontier’s performance with a turbocharged engine, but such an improvement may take a few more years.
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4. The Platform
The Frontier is built on a body-on-frame chassis, just like its rivals. This means the bed and body of the truck are attached to a rectangular frame made up of two beams linking the front and back, providing a strong construction. Although a bit archaic, this design is essential for trucks as they are made for towing.
Conventional unibody platforms, such as the one used in the Honda Ridgeline, are not as well-suited for towing. For instance, the Ridgeline has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, highlighting why body-on-frame designs are more common in the midsize truck market.
However, the Nissan Frontier’s outdated platform, which is over 10 years old, presents a challenge. The truck’s aged frame limits advancements in suspension and overall design, affecting how the vehicle drives. Consequently, the current Nissan Frontier feels much like the model from a decade ago, which is a drawback given the competitiveness of newer models.
Unfortunately, this trend seems to continue into the 2025 model year, as the Frontier will receive only cosmetic upgrades without a fundamental overhaul of its framework or suspension. On a positive note, the crew cab will now be available with a longer wheelbase, offering the largest cab and bed combination in the midsize market. This could be a game-changer for Nissan and potentially boost sales.
Also Read – All Specs of 2025 Toyota Tacoma Are Revealed
3. Towing and Payload
Towing and payload capabilities were significant issues with the previous Nissan Frontier. The Frontier fell short of its rivals in several vital categories. For example, the previous model could only tow 6,720 lbs, while the Chevy Colorado and Jeep Gladiator could tow up to 7,700 lbs, a difference of about 1,000 lbs. Since many truck buyers use their trucks primarily for towing, this mismatch was a serious problem.
Fortunately, Nissan has addressed this shortcoming with major improvements for the 2025 model. The new Frontier can now tow up to 7,150 lbs, which is 510 lbs more than the previous model. This improvement makes the Frontier more competitive in the towing category and significantly closes the gap with its rivals.
The 2025 Frontier is now anticipated to keep its maximum payload capacity of 1,600 lbs, making it a solid performer in its class despite the lack of major surprises in this regard.
2. Fuel Economy
In 2024, efficiency has become increasingly important to consumers, especially as gas prices rise and people become more frugal. Unfortunately, the 2025 Nissan Frontier’s fuel efficiency figures remain unchanged, as it still uses the same base engine as its predecessor.
By today’s standards, the Frontier’s fuel economy of up to 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway is reasonably average but not among the best in its class. Considering the Frontier is powered by a V6, these numbers are relatively good, but there’s potential for improvement.
It remains unclear if future versions will offer better fuel efficiency. The addition of a mild hybrid system might be one way to enhance performance, potentially allowing the Frontier to achieve up to 28 mpg combined. We can only hope that Nissan will introduce a hybrid powertrain option soon to address this issue.
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1. Exterior and Interior Features
The Nissan Frontier’s outdated exterior styling has been one of its most significant drawbacks. Despite being relatively new, its age became evident quickly. Nissan recognized this and made several improvements for the 2025 model year. The front end of the new model has been completely redesigned, featuring a large grille and bumper that enhance the truck’s overall appearance with boldness and aggression. This new style should attract more customers.
Additionally, a new black accent has been added to the tailgate for the Pro-X and Pro-4X grades, giving the truck a bold touch that drastically changes its appearance. The 2025 Frontier also features stunning 17-inch wheels and a new color called Afterburn Orange, similar to Toyota’s TRD Orange.
Inside, the truck has undergone a much-needed renovation. The SV, SL, Pro-X, and Pro-4X trim levels now come with a revised dashboard centered around a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen, compared to the previous model’s 9-inch display. This is a significant upgrade.
The truck also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with standard features such as a telescoping steering wheel, a four-way power-adjustable passenger seat, a sliding rear window, a sunglasses holder, a wireless charger, and a surround-view camera on the SL trim.
Overall The 2025 Nissan Frontier represents a considerable advance over the previous model, with its exterior overhaul and increased features marking the most notable upgrades.
