When you’re looking for a new truck, the Nissan Frontier is a solid choice. The 2019 Frontier has a lot going for it and was awarded the 2019 JD Power Award for Most Dependable Mid-Size Pick Up. It’s easy to see why, and the specs speak for themselves. Even the Pope’s ridden in a Nissan Frontier. Let’s take a look.

Affordable standard features

Starting at $19,090 MSRP, the Nissan Frontier is a great buy. It’s also ready to take on just about anything you want to put it through, on the road or off. While it may get some changes soon, the 2019 is still a great option for now. It comes standard with the extended cab, seats four, and gets an EPA-estimated 17-21 mpg combined. Towing capacity caps out at 3,500 lbs. on the standard version with 33.5 cu. ft. of exterior cargo volume. Their 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system is now standard as well, so you’ll get system info and functionality at your fingertips. The standard engine is a 152-hp, 2.5L 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual transmission with rear-wheel-drive. You will have to deal with manual side mirrors, windows, and locks if you don’t upgrade, though. Here are a few other standard features:

• Safety: dual front impact airbags and seat-mounted driver and passenger side-impact airbags; side-impact bars
• Powertrain: a low-emissions vehicle with single stainless steel exhaust with sequential multi-point fuel injection, limited-slip differential, and battery rundown protection
• Suspension/Handling: 15″ wheels; speed-sensing hydraulic power-assist rack-pinion steering, power steering, and speed-sensing steering; gas pressured front and rear shocks; rigid axle rear leaf suspension
• Exterior: manual folding side-view door mirrors, rear step bumper, reverse-opening passenger doors, and chrome grille
• Interior: rear under-seat storage tray, overhead console, rear door bins and cupholders, manual air conditioning, auto-locking doors, driver and passenger door bins and front cupholders, cruise control with steering wheel controls, 1 USB port, rear 50/50 jump seat, cloth upholstery, chrome interior accents
• Entertainment: AM/FM stereo, four speakers, voice-activated radio, steering wheel-mounted controls, wireless phone connectivity, primary monitor touchscreen
• Other: warning lights or alarms for several systems, such as door ajar, low fluid levels, tire pressure, battery and more; rear camera, variable intermittent wipers, tinted windows, front reading lights, dome light with fade

Optional standard features

There are a few optional standard features, such as floor mats, front and rear mud flaps, bedliner, 5-speed automatic transmission, and a few others. Whether you pay extra for them depends on which trim configuration you’re working with. 

The different trim levels

The trim levels can each be upgraded depending on your preferences for features, but these are the main available options at each trim level. 

1. Nissan Frontier S: available as a 4×2 King Cab (base model) starting at $19,090, in two options as a 4×2 Crew Cab starting at $25,050, and a 4×4 Crew starting at $29,490
2. SV-I4: available only as a 4×2 King Cab starting at $23,960
3. SV: available as a 4×2 King Cab starting at $25,720, 4×2 Crew Cab, 4×4 King, and 4×4 Crew, all with various configurations going up to a starting price of $32,880
4. Desert Runner: available as a 4×2 King Cab starting at $26,400 and a 4×2 Crew Cab starting at $27,830
5. PRO-4X: available as a 4×4 Crew Cab starting at $33,240 and a 4×4 King Cab starting at $33,530
6. SL: available as a 4×2 Crew Cab starting at $34,110 and a 4×4 Crew starting at $36,950

Some differences to point out

A King Cab is the extended cab version of the truck and has room for four. The Crew Cab can hold up to five people. With the King Cab, you’ll get a 6-foot cargo bed, but with the Crew Cab, you’ve got a choice between a 4.75- or 6-foot cargo bed. 

Optional upgrade features

You can opt to upgrade things like the bedliner by getting a spray-on bedliner and a rail system that has movable tie-down cleats. You can also get leather-trimmed seats, heated side mirrors, or a moonroof when you change to different trim levels and configurations. There is an optional engine that’s got 261-hp with a 4.0L V6 engine. You can also choose between 5- and 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions and rear- or four-wheel drive. When you’re choosing between the S models, your most significant upgrade differences are mostly cosmetic or comfort-based. It’s when you get to the PRO-4X or Desert Runner that the fun begins. 

The Nissan Frontier PRO-4X

The PRO-4X is the rugged version of the Frontier. It’s made to look the part and last. The towing capacity is upped significantly with this trim level, going to 6,100 lbs. With 16-in alloy wheels, it has tall sidewalls to help give it a smoother ride even though it has an off-road-focused package that’s meant to let you feel the ride. If it’s a tool you want, this trim level is for you, because this truck performs like a tool, not a fashion accessory. 

Which one will you choose?

With so many configurations on the Nissan Frontier, which will you choose? Whether you’re commuting to work, driving a truck for that rugged feel, or want a little off-roading fun, the Frontier has you covered and is a reliable, affordable option.