2025 Nissan Frontier Review

The 2025 Nissan Frontier continues its evolution as a rugged, midsize pickup truck that combines proven off-road durability with a new layer of refinement and technology. While it doesn’t stray far from its recent redesign, Nissan’s latest updates make the Frontier more competitive, especially as rival trucks go hybrid or fully electric.

For drivers seeking a traditional gasoline-powered pickup that’s simple, tough, and surprisingly tech-savvy, the 2025 Frontier might just be the sweet spot.

What’s New for 2025?

While the Frontier doesn’t get a full redesign this year, it does bring a few meaningful updates:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard across all trims
• New Hardbody Edition, celebrating 1980s Nissan truck heritage
• Larger digital instrument cluster on higher trims
• Improved insulation for a quieter ride
• More USB-C ports for rear passengers

These small changes make the Frontier feel more current without reinventing the wheel.

Pricing and Trim Levels

Nissan offers the 2025 Frontier in several configurations and trims, with choices for extended or crew cabs, 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrains, and two bed lengths (5-foot and 6-foot). Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices:

• Frontier S King Cab 4×2 – $30,520
• Frontier SV Crew Cab 4×2 – $33,870
• Frontier Pro-X (RWD, off-road look) – $36,790
• Frontier Pro-4X (4WD, real off-roader) – $39,990
• Frontier Hardbody Edition – $42,095

All models come with Nissan’s signature 3.8-liter V6 engine, a rarity in the midsize segment dominated by turbocharged four-cylinders.

Design: Blocky, Bold, and Purposeful

The 2025 Frontier builds on the aggressive styling introduced in 2022. Its boxy stance, high shoulder line, and oversized grille make it feel like a proper off-road tool rather than a city-slicker truck.

The Pro-4X trim stands out with LED lighting, red tow hooks, skid plates, and exclusive wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. New for 2025 is the Hardbody Edition, which revives retro 1980s styling cues—like heritage decals and a sport bar in the bed—without sacrificing modern amenities.

Nissan’s focus on simplicity and toughness is clear, yet there’s no mistaking the truck’s updated presence. It looks and feels more premium than you might expect.

Interior: Utility Meets Comfort

Inside, the 2025 Frontier balances workhorse practicality with a dash of comfort. Hard plastics remain on lower panels for durability, but upper trims bring soft-touch materials, leather seats, and contrast stitching that give the cabin a near-luxury feel.

Key interior features include:

• 9.0-inch touchscreen with NissanConnect
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital driver display (7-inch or 12.3-inch depending on trim)
• Heated steering wheel and seats
• Optional Fender premium audio system

Rear seat space in the crew cab is average for the class—not overly roomy, but fine for adult passengers on shorter trips. The King Cab, on the other hand, is best for gear or kids due to tight legroom.

Performance: V6 Muscle You Can Count On

Unlike competitors who use smaller turbocharged engines, Nissan sticks with a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

That V6 remains a strong point. It’s:

• Smooth and refined during highway cruising
• Punchy enough for towing or merging
• Surprisingly responsive, especially when not hauling a load

Towing capacity tops out at 6,640 pounds, and payload is rated around 1,610 pounds, depending on configuration. Those numbers are solid for the segment, though some rivals like the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado edge it out slightly on the spec sheet.

Fuel economy is EPA-rated at:

• 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (2WD)
• 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway (4WD)

Ride and Handling: Surprisingly Refined

The Frontier rides on a solid rear axle with leaf springs, but Nissan has tuned the suspension to provide a smoother and quieter ride than expected. While it doesn’t float like a unibody SUV, it feels stable and composed on pavement and is well-damped over bumps and rough roads.

The Pro-4X model takes things up a notch with Bilstein off-road shocks, underbody protection, and a locking rear differential. It’s not a hardcore rock crawler, but it’s plenty capable for trails, snow, mud, and anything weekend warriors will throw at it.

Technology and Safety: Up to Date

Nissan has loaded the 2025 Frontier with modern tech—especially helpful driver assists, including:

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control (optional on SV, standard on Pro trims)

Nissan’s around-view camera system is a standout feature, especially for off-roaders or those who tow. It provides a bird’s-eye view that makes parking or navigating tight trails far easier.

Competitors: How It Stacks Up

Here’s how the 2025 Frontier compares to its main rivals:

The Frontier’s naturally aspirated V6 may seem old-school, but it’s proven and delivers robust performance without the complexity of turbos or hybrids—something many buyers still value.

2025 Nissan Frontier Specifications

Verdict: The Frontier Keeps Its Identity

The 2025 Nissan Frontier doesn’t aim to be the most high-tech or revolutionary truck on the market—but it nails its mission. It’s rugged, handsome, powerful, and packed with enough modern tech to feel fresh.

For buyers who want a midsize pickup that’s comfortable on the highway, capable on the trail, and avoids the complexity of electrification (for now), the Frontier remains a very compelling choice.

It might not win every spec-sheet battle, but where it counts—in reliability, usability, and real-world ruggedness—the Frontier stands tall.

2025 Nissan Frontier Videos