2021 Nissan Frontier

2021 Nissan Frontier Overview

Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier a Good Used Truck?

No, the 2021 Frontier is not a very good used compact pickup truck. The Frontier has a pleasant ride, comfortable front seats and an impressive V6 engine. Also, this truck boasts an intuitive infotainment system, and the Pro-4X trim handles itself well off road.

However, the Frontier is saddled with notable shortcomings. Its cabin is outdated and low-rent, its list of driver-assistance amenities is scant, and its safety scores could be better. It trails the pack in fuel economy, and rival trucks have higher towing and payload ratings.

The Frontier sits around midpack for projected ownership costs. It costs more to own than the 2021 Ford Ranger but less than the 2021 Honda Ridgeline.

Compare the Frontier, Ranger and Ridgeline »

Pricing

How Much is a 2021 Nissan Frontier?

Based on listings for the 2021 Nissan Frontier, the average list price is $24,651. Prices range from $23,522 to $32,597 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

2020 vs. 2021 Nissan Frontier: What's the Difference?

There are no notable differences between the 2020 and 2021 Frontier models.

Compare the 2020 and 2021 Frontier »

Here are the key changes for the Nissan Frontier over the last few years:

• 2018: a rearview camera and air conditioning became standard
• 2019: 7-inch touch screen became standard
• 2020: new V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission debuted; more standard features, including push-button start and power windows and door locks; four-cylinder engine discontinued, along with five-speed manual, six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions
• 2021: no notable changes

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2018 Frontier, 2019 Frontier and 2020 Frontier reviews to help make your decision. You can learn about savings and discounts on used vehicles on our Best Used Car Deals page. Also, check out our review of the new Nissan Frontier, and take a look at our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to see how much you can save on a new vehicle.

Which Used 2021 Nissan Frontier Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2021 Nissan Frontier comes in three trims: S, SV and Pro-4X. This truck comes in King Cab (extended cab) and Crew Cab configurations. King Cab Frontier models have a 6-foot-1-inch bed, while Crew Cab models have either a 5-foot or a 6-foot-1-inch bed. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available (4WD is standard in Pro-4X models). All Frontier models come with a V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

• Nissan Frontier S: The base Frontier S has cloth upholstery, keyless entry, push-button start, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touch screen, a four-speaker stereo (six speakers in Crew Cab models), Bluetooth, a USB port and Siri Eyes Free. Four-wheel drive is the only noteworthy feature available in the base trim.
• Nissan Frontier SV: In addition to the base trim's features, the Frontier SV comes with power-adjustable side mirrors, a sliding rear window and premium cloth upholstery. Available features include four-wheel drive, the Utili-Track moveable tie-down system, rear parking sensors, dual-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats.
• Nissan Frontier Pro-4X: The Frontier Pro-4X, only offered as a Crew Cab, is the most rugged trim in the lineup. It comes with off-road-oriented features such as Bilstein shocks, skid plates and a front tow hook. 

See 2021 Nissan Frontier trims and specs »

What Does Nissan's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Nissan offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles six years old or less and with fewer than 80,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. For its certified pre-owned vehicles, Nissan extends the original new-car warranty to seven years from the original sale date or 100,000 miles. To become certified pre-owned, each Nissan CPO vehicle must pass a 167-point inspection. Additional benefits like rental car reimbursement, a three-month SiriusXM satellite radio trial subscription, a Security+Plus Extended protection plan, towing, and 24-hour roadside assistance may be available. 

According to our research, Nissan’s CPO program is subpar. Most affordable auto manufacturers have programs that are more robust.

See the best CPO programs »

Extended Warranties for Nissan Cars, Trucks and SUVs

Not every used Nissan will qualify for a certified pre-owned warranty. However, there are options available if you want additional coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. 

Read more about extended car warranties »

2021 Nissan Frontier Safety

Score: 7.9/10

2021 Frontier Crash Test Results

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2021 Frontier the highest rating of Good in three crash tests, the second-highest rating of Acceptable in the head and seat restraints test and the second-lowest rating of Marginal in the driver-side small overlap front test. Crew Cab Frontier models also received a Marginal rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2021 Frontier Crew Cab an overall safety rating of four out of five stars, with three stars in the frontal and rollover tests and five stars in the side crash test.

Standard driver-assistance features:

• Rearview camera

Available driver-assistance features:

• Rear parking sensors

2021 Nissan Frontier Recalls

There are no major recalls for the 2021 Nissan Frontier at this time.

See more information on Nissan Frontier safety recalls »

2021 Nissan Frontier Versus the Competition 

2021 Nissan Frontier vs. 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is a class-leading compact pickup truck and a much better choice than the Frontier. The Honda has a higher payload capacity, better gas mileage and a smoother ride. On the inside, the Ridgeline has a much nicer interior, more standard features and roomier seats. The Ridgeline also has a more versatile bed. The Frontier's only advantages over the Ridgeline are its higher towing capacity and its longer available bed.

Compare the Frontier and Ridgeline »

2021 Nissan Frontier vs. 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers more than the Nissan. The Toyota’s TRD Off-Road trim matches the Frontier Pro-4X in terms of off-road equipment and capability, and the TRD Pro trim surpasses it. Also, the Toyota can tow and haul a bit more than the Nissan, and it has more engine options and more driver-assistance features as well. Overall, the Toyota is the better truck.

Compare the Frontier and Tacoma »

Compare the Frontier, Ridgeline and Tacoma »

2021 Frontier Performance

How Does the 2021 Nissan Frontier Drive? 

This Nissan tackles turns with poise, though it isn't quite as nimble as other trucks in the class. It delivers pleasant handling and a comfortable ride, and it’s a capable off-roader when properly equipped.

• Engine: 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque
• Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available four-wheel drive
• Transmission: nine-speed automatic

2021 Nissan Frontier Gas Mileage

The Frontier lags the class in fuel economy, and many compact pickup truck rivals get better gas mileage. Rear-wheel-drive Frontier models get 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Four-wheel-drive models get marginally worse ratings of 17/23 mpg city/highway.

2021 Nissan Frontier Towing Capacity

The Frontier can tow up to 6,720 pounds when properly equipped. This truck has a maximum payload of 1,460 pounds, regardless of cab style. Several other trucks in the class can tow at least 7,500 pounds when properly equipped, and almost every segment rival has a maximum payload that's at least 100 pounds higher than the Frontier's.

Read more about Frontier performance »

2021 Frontier Interior

2021 Frontier Interior Quality

The Frontier stumbles mightily regarding cabin quality. Its interior styling is antiquated, and almost every competitor is more upscale.

How Many People Does the 2021 Frontier Seat?

The Frontier King Cab seats four people, while Crew Cab models seat five. The front seats are generally comfortable and provide a good driving position despite not offering much adjustability. The rear seats, even in Crew Cab models, aren't as spacious as in some other trucks, but adults can ride in reasonable comfort in the back, at least on shorter drives. The rear seats of King Cab models are small jump seats, making this cab a poor choice if you plan to regularly carry rear-seat passengers.

Standard seating features:

• Cloth upholstery

Available seating features:

• Premium cloth upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Heated front seats 

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2021 Nissan Frontier? 

The Frontier’s Crew Cab models have two complete sets of LATCH connectors for installing car seats, as well as a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. The tether anchors are hard to find and can be easily confused with other hardware, and the lower anchors are difficult to maneuver around. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Crew Cab's LATCH system the second-lowest rating of Marginal for its ease of use.

Frontier King Cab models also have two full sets of LATCH connectors for the rear seats. The tether anchors are hard to find, but there are no other issues. The IIHS gave the King Cab's LATCH system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for its ease of use.

2021 Nissan Frontier Features

The Frontier is outclassed by competing trucks on the technology front. Many features that come standard in rivals – such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity – aren't available in this Nissan. Both touch screens are on the small side, though the Pro-4X's 5.8-inch setup is truly tiny by modern standards, and the system feels outdated. However, the lack of advanced features means drivers have far fewer bells and whistles to distract them while driving.

• Standard infotainment features: a 7-inch touch screen, a four-speaker stereo, a USB port, Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free
• Available infotainment features: a six- or eight-speaker audio system, a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, and a 5.8-inch touch screen with satellite radio and navigation
• Additional standard features: keyless entry and push-button start
• Other available features: a moonroof and dual-zone automatic climate control

See 2021 Nissan Frontier specs »

Read more about Frontier Interior »

2021 Nissan Frontier Dimensions

Nissan Frontier Cargo Space

King Cab Frontier models come with a 6-foot-1-inch bed, while Crew Cab models have either a 5-foot or a 6-foot-1-inch bed. Regardless of length, the bed is 3 feet, 8 inches wide between the wheel wells.

Nissan Frontier Length and Weight

• Length: 17 feet, 2 inches to 18 feet, 3 inches
• Curb weight: 4,145 to 4,696 pounds

Where Was the 2021 Nissan Frontier Built?

Nissan built the 2021 Frontier in Mississippi.

Why You Can Trust Our Reviews

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years of combined experience in the auto industry. This 2021 Frontier review combines 100 professional reviews with concrete data like performance specs, fuel economy estimates and safety ratings.