The Entry Level 2023 Nissan Frontier Is Surprisingly Loaded
It’s important to share that the Nissan Frontier is full of excellent surprises. In the mid-size truck market, it feels a little underrated, but it has more to offer than you think. Check out why the entry-level 2023 Nissan Frontier is a total bargain.
Updated on 06/09/2023 for freshness.
What comes standard with the 2023 Nissan Frontier?
The 2023 Nissan Frontier S, or the base model, starts at $29,190 before the $1,295 destination fee has been added. This price is competitive with the Chevy Colorado, which starts at about $29,200, and is way cheaper than the Honda Ridgeline, which begins at $38,800.
With the Frontier S, you get a standard 3.6-liter V8 engine with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The standard 2023 Toyota Tacoma engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque.
When properly equipped, the Frontier can tow up t 6,720 lbs, and you don’t need to upgrade to a more powerful engine to achieve this figure. It can also carry a payload of up to 1,620 lbs.
Also, it has 16-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, a push-button start, a tilt-only steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The standard 2023 Ford Ranger XL has a 3.5-inch infotainment screen, a four-speaker audio system, and a forward collision warning. It doesn’t have standard Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but it does have a Wi-fi hotspot.
Which 2023 Frontier trim is best?
There are only three 2023 Nissan Frontier trims available. The Frontier SV is in the middle of the pack and opens up access to a few different packages. Also, it adds 17-inch wheels and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
If you opt for the crew cab with the six-foot bed, then the SV convenience package is standard. It includes a protective spray-in bed liner, adjustable bed tie-down cleats, and bed under-rail lightning.
You also get two household-style power outlets, heated mirrors, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a trailer hitch with the wiring harness, proximity keyless entry, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The available SV premium back adds luxury with a 10-speaker Fender audio system, premium synthetic leather upholstery, LED headlights, and a sunroof.
Your Frontier can enter the dark side with the Midnight Edition package. It features black alloy wheels, black exterior badging, and black interior accents. LED headlights, foglights, and running lights.
Is the 2023 Frontier Pro-4X worth considering?
Yes, the 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X model adds extra protection and beefy off-roading upgrades. But as Edmund notes, it’s not an extreme off-roading truck like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro or Jeep Gladiator.
It features a respectable 9.8-inch ground clearance, Bilstein shock absorbers, 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, an extra skid plate, a locking rear differential, Hill Descent Control, a four-wheel limited slip system, and tow hooks.
The Frontier Pro-4X felt excellent on the off-roading trails with control and no shortage of power. But the larger wheels may have impacted the ride quality over the pavement.
The wireless charging pad, LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 9.0-inch touchscreen, and 10-speaker sound system sweeten the deal. But we found the tech to be a little basic and disappointing. The graphics need an update.
But it doesn’t have any extra power. The Frontier only has one engine option available, and it helps the truck accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.8 seconds. It can tow up to 6,720 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,697 lbs.
The standard Frontier is a solid and affordable work truck, but it doesn’t cost much to upgrade to a premium daily driver, and stout off-roading upgrades are available.
