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2016 Nissan Frontier

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Nissan Frontier OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
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OEM Exterior Standard
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 S 4x2 King Cab 6 ft. box 125.9 in. WB
most popular
Price:   -  From $18,290
2016 SV-I4 4x2 King Cab 6 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $22,680
2016 S 4x2 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $23,500
2016 SV 4x2 King Cab 6 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $24,440
2016 Desert Runner 4x2 King Cab 6 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $25,020
2016 SV 4x2 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $25,460
2016 SV 4x2 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 139.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $26,180
2016 Desert Runner 4x2 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $26,340
2016 SV 4x4 King Cab 6 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $27,140
2016 S 4x4 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $27,250
2016 SV 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 139.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $28,880
2016 SV 4x4 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $28,890
2016 SV 4x4 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $29,410
2016 SL 4x2 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $31,690
2016 SL 4x2 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $32,210
2016 PRO-4X 4x4 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $32,340
2016 PRO-4X 4x4 King Cab 6 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $32,580
2016 SL 4x4 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $34,340
2016 SL 4x4 Crew Cab 4.75 ft. box 125.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $34,860
2016 SL 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 139.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $35,590
2016 SL 4x4 Crew Cab 6 ft. box 139.9 in. WB Price:   -  From $36,110

Overview

Choices for a midsize pickup truck have been shrinking in recent years, but the Nissan Frontier carries on as a strong, work-ready contender. Though relatively small for this group, the Frontier stands tall on capabilities.

Available with two-or four-wheel drive, and a four- or six-cylinder engine, the Frontier has a lot to offer pickup fanciers who favor a truck that delivers plenty of substance and flavor, but little fat.

What's New for 2016

Updates are minor for 2016, led by a moonroof added to SV Crew Cab models. Three new exterior colors are offered: Forged Copper, Magnetic Black, and Gun Metallic.

Nissan Frontier

Choosing Your Nissan Frontier

The Frontier is offered in two body styles, King Cab and four-door Crew Cab, and in five trim levels: S, SV, PRO-4X, Desert Runner and SL.

It comes with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, rated 152 horsepower, or a 4-liter V6 that makes 261 horsepower. Engine availability varies between two- or four-wheel drive, and by trim level. Fuel-economy estimates range from 19/23 mpg city/highway with the four-cylinder, manual shift and front-drive, down to 15/21 mpg with V6, automatic, and four-wheel drive.

Crew Cab SV and SL models come on a long or short wheelbase, with long or standard-length cargo bed.

Nissan Frontier

S

The base-level Frontier has a two-tiered configuration. King Cab models are equipped with the 2.5-liter four, a five-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive; Crew Cabs have a 4-liter V6, a six-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive. A five-speed automatic transmission is available for both. The S Preferred Package (optional on King Cab, standard on Crew Cab) adds an AM/FM/CD audio system with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, air conditioning, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, and front map lights. Steel 16-inch wheels are standard.

Nissan Frontier

SV

SV comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, Bluetooth, cruise control, and a radio with 5-inch screen, satellite radio, and NissanConnect mobile apps. Both King Cab and Crew Cab models are available with four-wheel drive, and a V6 King Cab 4x2 is available. The SV Value Truck Package adds a backup camera, rear parking sensors, remote keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, foglamps, and a spray-on bedliner with tie-down cleats and a sliding bed extender.

Nissan Frontier

PRO-4X

The PRO-4X takes the Desert Runner’s appearance and adds four-wheel drive, along with a six-speed manual transmission, locking differentials, skid plates, dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, and navigation system. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Nissan Frontier

SL

Topping the line, an SL comes with the most comfort features. Available only as a Crew Cab, in 4x2 or 4x4 format, SL is fitted with an automatic transmission, 5.8-inch touchscreen, power heated front seats, leather-appointed seating, 18-inch wheels, a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, rearview camera, spray-on bedliner, and step rails. Long-wheelbase 4x4 models get a power moonroof.

CarsDirect Tip

Facing all those choices, you're probably going to pick a V6-equipped model. In addition, it's hard to pass up a 4x4 because of its greater capabilities, jacked-up suspension, and more rugged looks. Then again, a nicely optioned SV Frontier could make the most financial sense, compared against full-size pickup trucks that are often heavily discounted.

Get your price on a Nissan Frontier »

Read our review on the Nissan Frontier »

Nissan Frontier
author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

In 2005, the Nissan Frontier underwent its last significant redesign -- a look that is nearly unchanged as we enter the 2016 model year. It's an 11-year-old design, and we expect some outdated elements, but this also means that the Frontier isn’t so stylish that you’re afraid to toss a few hundred pounds of gravel in the bed.

Pricing and Equipment

The Nissan Frontier may be an aging pickup, but it remains as one of the least expensive pickup on the market with a starting price of just $18,090. This base Frontier S King Cab comes standard with:

  • 15-inch steel wheels
  • Tailgate spoiler
  • Rear jump seats
  • Four-speaker audio system

While the base model is pretty simple, there is a wide array of trims to choose from, including the SV, PRO-4X, and Desert Runner.

Performance Pros

Nissan Frontier

The 4-liter V6 is plenty potent -- enough to handle the hauling needs of most buyers. We also think it's a hoot taking the off-road prepped PRO-4X off the beaten path.

  • 261-horsepower V6 injects plenty of power into this midsize pickup.
  • Max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds is impressive for the segment.

Performance Cons

  • The base four-cylinder engine, with just 152 horsepower, is uninspiring at best.
  • We understand the Frontier is a truck, but does it need to ride like a tank?

Interior Pros

Nissan Frontier

As pickup trucks have gotten more comfortable and more expensive, interior materials have lost some of their scuff-friendly durability. Buyers who want a work truck might just appreciate the hard plastics that abound in a Frontier's cabin. And you can still lux it up a bit with optional features.

Interior Cons

Most buyers, however, will look at competition like the Chevrolet Colorado and feel like a Frontier's cabin is ancient history by comparison. Dated interior design and a lack of soft-touch materials leave a lot to be desired.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The responsiveness of the V6 is somewhat unexpected. We knew that it was significantly more potent than the four-cylinder, but it really does turn the Frontier into a different truck.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The interior is simply not up to par with today’s standards. Even with low expectations because of the Frontier's age, we still think it's pretty bad.

The Bottom Line

Nissan Frontier

If you are looking for a truck that can handle work and not drain your wallet, the Frontier is great. This imported pickup harks back to the days when trucks were trucks and styling wasn’t a concern. However, these days, pickup trucks are becoming well-equipped daily drivers, and the Frontier is too old and simple to serve in this new role.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 152 HP / 171 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 5-spd man w/OD
Available: 5-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
19 / 23 / 21 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
4
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 152 HP / 171 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
19 / 23 / 21 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Rigid Axle Leaf
Spare Tire And Wheel
Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank
21.1 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$81
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
Passenger Volume
88 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
205.5 "
Exterior Width
72.8 "
Exterior Height
68.7 "
Front Headroom
39.7 "
Rear Headroom
38.3 "
Front Legroom
42.4 "
Rear Legroom
25.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.3 "
Rear Shoulder Room
54.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,708 Lbs. / 3,760 Lbs.
Wheel Base
126 "
Turning Radius
21.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Silver Styled Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Manual
Bumpers
Front Black
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
4
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
4-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
50-50 Jump
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Radio Prep Radio Prep, Clock / Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Tinted Windows
Deep
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale

4 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Nissan
SV
Color: Magnetic Black
Price

$16,995

Mileage

70,858 mi

Map location icon

Pacific Auto Center (10 mi)

Nissan
SV
Color: White
Price

$18,000

Mileage

74,218 mi

Map location icon

Wholesale Investments inc (21 mi)

Phone: (818) 997-3058
Nissan
S
Color: Glacier White
Price

$18,400

Mileage

59,313 mi

Map location icon

Cerritos Nissan (18 mi)

Nissan
Pro-4X
Color: White
Price

$24,890

Mileage

28,586 mi

Map location icon

TM Motors (30 mi)

Phone: (714) 709-7903
See All Used Car Listings

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