NISSAN FRONTIER PRO-4X 2023: THE TEST OF THE WEEK
NISSAN FRONTIER PRO-4X 2023: THE TEST OF THE WEEK
Posted on June 5, 2024
One could say that Nissan has succeeded with the latest complete overhaul of its pickup truck. The Frontier is more modern, elegant, and imposing than ever. It's not perfect, I agree, but the model has greatly improved since the beginning of its career, to the point where it now ranks among the best midsize trucks on the market. It is versatile, packed with technology, and offers serious off-road driving capabilities with the Pro-4X version. In short, that's what they say, and I wanted to see it for myself by testing this off-road version of the Frontier.
American manufacturers are often the first ones we think of when it comes to pickup trucks. This is entirely normal because these are their most popular products, especially with full-size trucks. However, it's a different story with midsize trucks, where Japanese manufacturers also have a say. The Frontier is a very capable truck, and that's far from its only quality. It also holds its own well in terms of comfort, technology, and amenities. In short, it's a vehicle that you can appreciate on a daily basis and can meet the needs of the majority of people.
The driving experience
I had certain expectations before driving the Nissan Frontier, and I must say that the Japanese manufacturer's truck impressed me a lot. It's a balanced vehicle, and its capabilities meet what one would expect from such a pickup truck. The Frontier offers only one engine, which is a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4x4. I won't lie to you, the Frontier is quite thirsty, regardless of the situation. However, that's also the case with its competitors. That's why I would bet more on ride comfort and the capabilities of its powertrain.
City - Pickup trucks are generally not pleasant to drive in the city, but the Frontier remains quite agile and offers good visibility. The take-offs are smooth, making it a rather enjoyable vehicle even when you have to stop and start frequently.
Highway - One of my biggest concerns regarding the Nissan Frontier was the ride noise, especially with the more aggressive tires of the Pro-4X version. Well, let me tell you that I was pleasantly surprised.
Off-road - As you can imagine, the Pro-4X version is specially designed for off-road driving. In short, I wanted to put it to the test in extreme conditions. I was very impressed with its off-road performance. The Japanese manufacturer's truck passed all my tests with flying colors.
Design and Technologies
I know it's a matter of opinion and taste, but I really like the Nissan Frontier, especially in its Pro-4X version. The choice of colors, combined with its more rugged appearance and modern elements, makes the Japanese manufacturer's truck a head-turner.
In terms of the interior, you don't feel like you're in a car, as is the case with some models in the segment. The ergonomics have been well thought out, and the driving position is very comfortable. The Nissan Frontier also offers a very spacious interior for a truck of its size. Its multimedia system is quite easy to use, and navigation is smooth, which is a good thing. There are just enough buttons for the controls you want quick access to. In short, Nissan has done a great job in terms of design and the technologies that come with the Frontier.
Price and Equipment
$53,793 is the starting price of the version under review. Note that this is a 2023 model with some options. In its base version, the Japanese manufacturer's truck has a starting price of $43,774. So, as you can see, the price difference is not particularly significant. The base version offers decent standard equipment but has a basic design. Furthermore, it comes with a regular cab. For $47,274, you can upgrade to the SV Convenience version, which offers an extended cab and an elevated look. You can also get the full-size cab for $48,874. The first Pro-4X version starts at $49,774. This is the extended cab. For the crew cab, you'll have to pay $54,524. Alternatively, you can opt for the SV Midnight Edition or SV Premium versions, with respective prices of $50,374 and $51,374.
Each variant of the Frontier offers its own set of improvements and interesting finishes, except perhaps for the base version. However, I still believe that the most interesting version is the Frontier Pro-4X. In fact, Nissan seems to think the same way, as the model's lineup has been significantly reduced for 2024. The Japanese manufacturer's truck is now only available in two Pro-4X variants, and in my opinion, that's a good thing.
Author's Recommendations
Nissan has made significant efforts to catch up with and even surpass the competition in the midsize pickup truck segment. Well, that was the case in 2022 when the new generation of the Frontier arrived on the market. Since then, most of its competitors have also been refreshed. Nevertheless, the Japanese manufacturer's truck remains very interesting. Its price is still competitive, and its level of capability remains high. Now, as for my recommendations, the Nissan Frontier deserves serious consideration. It's a model that drives like a pickup truck and not like an SUV. Truck owners will understand what I mean here, and it's something they tend to appreciate. It's also what sets the Frontier apart from the rest of Nissan's lineup. In my opinion, this explains the strong surge in popularity for the model since its last complete overhaul.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier