The Nissan Frontier is first and foremost a workhorse – designed to tackle both professional and personal projects. Every Frontier starts with a full-length, fully boxed ladder frame, then adds a choice of two powerful engines – 4.0-liter DOHC V6 rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, or a 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder (King Cab only) – mated to either a 5-speed manual (I4), 6-speed manual (V6) or 5-speed automatic transmission.
Enhancements for the 2018 model year include the addition of standard RearView Monitor across all models and updated base grade content – including standard air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, 5.0-inch color display audio and Siri® Eyes Free.
In addition, a new Midnight Edition is offered on Frontier for the first time (late availability). The Midnight Edition package includes a gloss-black grille, 18-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels, semi-gloss black step rails, body-color front and rear bumpers, black outside rearview mirrors and door handles and black badging. It is available in Crew Cab SV 4x2 and 4x4 automatic transmission models and in a choice of Magnetic Black, Gun Metallic and Glacier White exterior colors.
Authentic Truck Style, Innovation to Get the Job Done
The exterior design of the 2018 Frontier embodies a number of signature Nissan truck themes – an angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs and large, stamped-steel geometric fender flares.
Long Bed models are available with Frontier Crew Cab SV. Measuring more than 13 inches longer than the Crew Cab's standard bed, the Long Bed models offer the roomy interior of the Crew Cab plus the extended bed space of the King Cab. Frontier also provides levels of innovation in an area where it matters most to truck owners – the bed. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and first-in-class Utili-track™ Channel System.
The Utili-track™ system provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo.
In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories is offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units.
The Frontier exterior also features a tinted front window, rear privacy glass and a hitch ball provision on the rear bumper. Frontier SL models include chrome front grille, chrome outside mirrors and door handles, along with tubular step rails and front fog lights. A tilt and power sliding moonroof is available on Crew Cab SV and standard on the SL model, while a tailgate spoiler is standard on all models.
The new Midnight Edition adds a gloss-black grille, semi gloss-black step rails, body-color front and rear bumpers, black outside rearview mirrors and door handles and black Midnight Edition badging.
Eight exterior colors are offered for 2018: Forged Copper, Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black, Glacier White, Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Lava Red and Arctic Blue Metallic.
Just as the high-utility bed offers Frontier owners an exceptional level of flexibility and utility, Frontier's interior features outstanding functionality combined with comfort and intelligent design. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab feature large rear doors (rear hinged on King Cab) for easy access to the rear seating and cargo areas and flip-up rear seats, along with excellent cab storage and flexibility.
Useful storage boxes are tucked beneath the rear seats. A locking dual glove box, center console storage, one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors and a multitude of cupholders and power points are standard. Frontier Crew Cab also offers an available leather-appointed interior.
Frontier PRO-4X and SL grades include NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps with 5.8-inch display, touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, and SiriusXM® Traffic, SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately).
Ample Power for Rugged Off-Road Performance
The heart and soul of the Frontier is its rugged F-Alpha platform. Starting with a full-size, fully boxed ladder frame, the platform provides a rugged foundation on which to build. Constructed of high tensile-strength steel, the platform provides structural rigidity for rock-solid performance on- and off-road.
Frontier's long 125.9-inch wheelbase helps enhance ride comfort, while the overall length of 205.5 inches (King Cab and Crew Cab Regular Bed) is a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup. All 2018 Frontier models feature an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for off-road performance. Frontier PRO-4X and Desert Runner models add Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers.
Exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading ability is provided, in large measure, by its powerful engine – a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0-liter DOHC V6 is specifically tuned for the unique demands of truck use. Besides smooth torque delivery, the V6 offers good fuel efficiency and smooth operation. The 4.0-liter V6 design includes a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, Teflon®-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads. The Frontier V6 is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine production facility in Decherd, Tenn.
An advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft torque is also available on the Frontier King Cab S-I4 and SV-I4 4x2 models. The 2.5-liter King Cab 2WD M/T-equipped Frontier is rated at an economical 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway1.
Frontier is offered with a choice of three transmissions – a smooth 5-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual transmission (King Cab 4-cylinder models) or a 6-speed manual (Crew Cab V6 models). Frontier 4x4 models include a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel-drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer case.
Frontier 4x4 models are available with 4-wheel limited-slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low traction surfaces. The available Hill Descent Control feature allows slow hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal. Hill Descent Control must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and is available only when the transfer case is engaged in 4H or 4LO (it works in both forward and reverse). It can be activated at speeds up to 21 mph in 4H and 15 mph in 4LO.
Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake pedal and not roll back for up to two seconds while the driver moves his or her foot to the accelerator for a smooth, controlled start. HSA operates in 4x4 models in 2WD, 4H and 4LO. HSA is designed for rugged, low-speed off-road driving situations. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all V6 Frontier SV, SL and PRO-4X 4x4 automatic transmission-equipped models. A 2-Wheel Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system is standard on all 4x2 models.
All key underbody hardware is tucked up to the frame rails for a minimum 8.9 inches (4x4) or 8.6 inches (4x2) of running ground clearance on V6-equipped S, SV, SL and PRO-4X models. Every Frontier also offers good approach and departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.
Other Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Frontier is offered with a range of available wheels and tires, including 16-inch off road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 white-letter All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels with 265/60R18 tires.
Frontier's maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,690 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped).
Every Frontier includes a long list of safety equipment, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and an occupant classification sensor), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Also standard are 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
A Wide Range of Available Models
The Nissan Frontier is available in a wide range of models and configurations. The Frontier King Cab is offered in four well-equipped models, starting with Frontier S-I4 4x2 (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission) and Frontier SV-I4 4x2 (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission). Also available are the Frontier Desert Runner (4.0-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SV-V6 4x2 or 4x4 (4.0-liter V6, 6-speed manual) and PRO-4X 4x4 (5-speed automatic). Frontier PRO-4X King Cab models receive a factory-applied spray-on bedliner, bed rail caps, Utili-trackÔ channel system and four adjustable tie-down cleats.
The 2018 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is offered in S, SV, SL, Desert Runner and PRO-4X models, in regular or Long Bed body styles (SV only), each offered with a standard 4.0-liter V6. Frontier S, SV and SL grades are available in a choice of 4x4 or 4x2 drivelines, while PRO-4X is offered in 4x4 only and Desert Runner in 4x2 only.
Frontier Crew Cab S, PRO-4X and SV models are offered with either 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, while Crew Cab Desert Runner and SL models are available with the 5-speed automatic transmission only.
Frontier SV Crew Cab models include an additional 12-volt power outlet (one in the instrument panel, one in the center console), remote keyless entry, power windows with driver's auto down, manual sliding rear window with lock, power door locks, dual power outside mirrors, bed rail caps, front reading/map lamps and more.
Frontier Desert Runner (4x2 only) is offered with a 4.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission, and features Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, 16-inch Off-Road wheels and tires and unique design elements.
The PRO-4X (4x4 only) comes equipped with Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, skid plates on the fuel tank, oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires.
All PRO-4Xs also feature body-colored grille and bumpers, outside mirrors and door handles and fog lamps. Added comfort and convenience features include cruise control, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks and dual power outside mirrors. The PRO-4X interior includes leather-appointed white-stitched shifter knob and steering wheel, chrome accent ring around the white-faced meter gauges and trip computer.
PRO-4X models also include standard NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, with 5.8-inch display, touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM® Traffic, SiriusXM® Travel Link™ (SiriusXM® subscription required, sold separately), and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®.
The Frontier Desert Runner (4x2 only) includes 16-inch Off-Road aluminum-alloy wheels, 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires, Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shocks, 8-way manual driver's seat, unique seat cloth, embroidered Frontier logo on the front seats, Satin Chrome ring accent around white-faces meter gauges, fog lights, painted rear bumper, unique bedside Desert Runner decals, Desert Runner tailgate badge, Satin Chrome grille and trip computer.
The Frontier Crew Cab SL grade includes 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, full-size aluminum-alloy spare wheel, leather-appointed seating, 8-way power driver's seat, 4-way power passenger seat, rear fold-down center armrest, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual power heated outside rearview mirrors, HomeLink Universal Receiver, body-color side moldings, chrome front grille, chrome bumpers and outside mirrors, chrome outside door handles, tubular step rails and illuminated vanity mirrors.
Five Available Option Packages
A limited number of option packages are offered for the 2018 Frontier, starting with the S Work Truck Package (King Cab I4, Crew Cab V6), which adds spray-in bedliner, bedrail caps, rubber floor mats and splash guards (4x2 only).
The SV Value Truck Package (SV V6 models only) adds rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, two additional speakers, auto-dimming mirror with compass and temperature, spray-in bedliner, Utili-Track™ system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, heated cloth seats, fog lights, Vehicle Security System (VSS), sliding bed extender, trailer hitch, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob.
Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X models have an available Premium Package, which features leather-appointed seating with PRO-4X logo, 8-way power driver's seat, 4-way power front passenger's seat, dual heated outside rearview mirrors, rear fold-down center armrest, moonroof and roof rack with crossbars. Frontier Crew Cab SV models are available with the Moonroof Package featuring a tilt and sliding moonroof. The Moonroof Package is standard on all SL trim levels in 2018.
New for 2018 is the Midnight Edition Package with gloss-black grille, 18-inch gloss-black wheels, semi-gloss black step rails, body-colored front and rear bumpers, black exterior door handles, painted black exterior rearview mirrors, semi-gloss black tubular step rails, semi-gloss black badging and "Midnight Edition" badging.
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1. 2018 EPA Fuel Economy 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway for King Cab 2WD M/T model. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions – use for comparison only.