Tried & True: 2018 Nissan Frontier Pickup Truck
The popular Nissan Frontier mid-size pickup continues to be a leader in the mid-size truck segment – combining premium hardware, extraordinary power and an exceptional level of on- and off-road performance. Offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, two bed lengths and in RWD and 4WD driveline configurations, the Frontier Crew Cab is offered in S, SV, SL, Desert Runner and PRO-4X models, and in regular or Long Bed body styles (SV only). The Frontier S, SV and SL are available in a choice of 4x4 or 4x2 drivelines, while PRO-4X is offered in 4x4 only and Desert Runner in 4x2 only.
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. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and the Utili-track™ tie-down system.
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. Additionally, a new Midnight Edition is offered on Frontier for the first time. 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.
Power for the mid-size Nissan pickup truck is generated by a choice of two available engines: a powerful 4.0L V6 or a fuel-efficient 2.5L four-cylinder engine (4x2 King Cab only). Torque is communicated to the pavement through the standard five-speed manual gearbox for the four-cylinder equipped models, while the V6 4x2 models are outfitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. V6 4x4 models receive a five-speed automatic transmission. The five-speed automatic is also an option for the four-cylinder models.
The heart and soul of the Frontier is its rugged F-Alpha platform. Starting with a full-size, fully boxed ladder frame, the F-Alpha 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.
Inside the passenger cabin, 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.
Removable 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 and available tilt and sliding moonroof. The moonroof is now standard on Frontier Crew Cab SL long wheelbase model.
Dimensions & specifications
King Cab
Wheelbase: 125.9; overall length: 205.5; width: 72.8; height: 68.7
Crew Cab/standard wheelbase
Wheelbase: 125.9; overall length: 205.5; width: 72.8; height: 70.1
Crew Cab/long wheelbase
Wheelbase: 139.9; overall length: 219.4; width: 72.8; height: 70.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder – 152 hp at 5,200 rpm and 171 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 4.0L V6 – 261 hp at 5,600 rpm and 281 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual, five-speed automatic, six-speed automatic.
EPA Fuel Economy: four-cylinder – 19 city/23 hwy. (4x2 manual), 17 city/23 hwy. (4x2 automatic); V6 – 16 city/22 hwy. (4x2), 16 city/21 hwy. (4x4 manual), 15 city/21 hwy. (4x4 automatic).
Payload capacity: 1,471 lbs (King Cab V6); 1,458 lbs (Crew Cab/automatic)
Towing capacity: 6,500 lbs (King Cab V6); 6,300 lbs (Crew Cab/4x2)
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, rear-wheel limited slip, side-door guard beams, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rear view camera and engine immobilizer. SV I4 adds NissanConnect, automatic power door locks, and remote keyless entry. Desert Runner adds fog lights. SV V6 4x4 adds hill start assist, hill decent assist, and four-wheel limited slip differential. PRO-4X V6 4x4 adds electric rear locking differential, navigation system, and first aid kit.
Optional safety features include rear sonar.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2018 Nissan Frontier pickup truck starts from $18,990 for the King Cab 2WD upto $36,400 for the Crew Cab 4WD Automatic. Destination charges add $975.
