When we tested Nissan’s all-new 2022 Frontier Pro-4X last year, we walked away impressed. Its ride quality, comfort, drivetrain, looks, off-road capabilities and composed on-road demeanor were all highlights we fell in love with. We even considered picking one up for ourselves. The 2023 Frontier, while mostly the same, has a few minor exterior and interior updates that made the experience even better. If you haven’t yet given the new Frontier a chance, do it. You won’t be disappointed.
Price and value
The 2023 Frontier is still a good value in today’s inflated market and comes in a variety of trims suitable for every taste. The MSRP range for the four-wheel drive crew cab is $33,490-$39,120. It’s available in five trim levels, with a suite of standard features that includes a direct-injection V6 engine, AppleCarplay integration and remote keyless entry. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below.
- S: $33,490
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Remote keyless entry with push-button ignition
Nissan Connect 8-inch color touch-screen display
- SV: $36,290
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels
Body-color front grille with gloss-metallic inner
6-way power driver’s seat, with 2-way manual lumbar support
- Midnight Edition: $38,080
17-inch black-painted aluminum-alloy wheels
LED signature headlights
Black front grille with black inner
- Pro-4X: $38,720
17-inch dark-finished aluminum-alloy wheels
Bilstein off-road performance shock absorbers
Lava Red contrast interior stitching
- Long Bed SV: $39,120
73.3-inch bed
Upper body-color/lower silver front bumper
Body-color rear bumper
The Frontier is a well-rounded truck and offers a lot of features and capability for the money. The warranty is standard for the industry, with 3-year/36,000 miles limited coverage and 5-year/60,000 miles for the powertrain.
Performance
We raved about the Frontier Pro-4X’s on and off-road performance last year, and those feelings have only grown with another go-round. Its handling, acceleration and trail prowess are all so well executed that it’s hard to find fault. Nissan’s done a great job at turning the Frontier into one of the best-performing compact trucks on the market today.
Engine
Nissan’s 3.8-liter V6 is a joy to wring out. The V6 produces 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque and never feels out of breath. It was refreshing to drive a naturally aspirated V6 that felt willing to play in whatever circumstances you needed it to. It’s just about as good an engine as you could want for daily and off-road driving.
Fuel efficiency
The four-wheel drive Frontier is rated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 19 mpg. Our week of testing was closer to 22 mpg combined, and even averaged better than 24 mpg on our longer drives. That’s impressive considering the potent V6 under the hood.
Drivetrain
The Pro-4X trim we tested only comes as a 9-speed automatic with four-wheel drive. It includes an electronic locking rear differential, a 2-speed transfer case and a shift on the fly four-wheel mode selector. Its off-road credentials are legitimate, and it’s ready to rumble with the best of ‘em. The engine works well with the transmission — it never feels lost and always delivers power when and how you need it.
The Pro-4X also brings its wonderful Bilstein suspension bits to the mix and boy, they’re great. This truck rides nicely on and off-road, and these shocks might be worth the price of the trim alone.
Acceleration and Handling
Last year, we weren’t especially impressed with Frontier’s acceleration. Funny how some experience and perspective changes things. This year, we found the acceleration to be better than expected. It was fun! The engine is willing to rev and makes the Frontier scoot when you need it to. Then there’s the handling of the thing. Oh how I love the Frontier’s old-school hydraulic steering rack — something of a rarity in today’s market. It’s heavy, communicative and feels alive, direct and sure-footed. Never change, Frontier.
Braking
Braking felt powerful in the Frontier. Our tester included the technology package, with programs such as rear automatic braking and automatic emergency braking.
Interior comfort and convenience
The big news for the 2023 Pro-4X interior is the wireless Apple CarPlay. It’s also well-designed and just the right size, especially up front. Backseat occupants, however, might disagree.
Seats
Nissan’s zero gravity captain’s chairs are amazing. Developed with NASA, these ergonomic seats are said to help maximize blood flow and keep you energized — that’s definitely true. They’re wonderful, especially with the cozy heating elements. They’re easily some of our favorites, and they look really cool with the Lava Red accent stitching.
The same cannot be said for the rear seat, which is cramped and positioned at an uncomfortable upright angle. Legroom is decent, but we suspect the angle of the seat will be a deal killer for some.
Climate control
The Pro-4X has dual-zone climate control, which is simple to operate and comfortably within reach for front passengers. The heat worked well and defrosted the windshield quickly on cold days. The heated steering wheel that came in the Pro Convenience package worked well and is a must.
Cargo space and cabin storage
There’s decent storage, especially for a compact truck. The door pockets and center console aren’t huge, but they are just large enough to tote around the essentials. There is also a small bin on top of the dashboard for holding small items, as well as storage under the back seat.
Infotainment system
The Pro-4X includes the optional 9-inch touchscreen, which responds quickly. It produces great sound through the optional 10-speaker Fender premium audio system. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a USB-C port.
Exterior appearance and functionality
Modern, rugged and just the right size, Nissan nailed the look of its new Frontier. We thought this a year ago when we first tested it, and we love it even more now in its Baja Storm paint. Other colors include Red Alert, Cardinal Red TriCoat, Tactical Green Metallic, Deep Blue Pearl, Super Black, Boulder Gray Pearl, Gun Metallic and Glacier White. The new Frontier is a sharp-looking truck, and we expect it will look fresh for years to come.
Bed
The Pro-4X’s 4.75-foot bed is the perfect length for this truck. It’s just enough to fit all your gear and Home Depot runs, with tie downs for strapping it all in. The tailgate opens smoothly and easily. An optional fold-down step, on the rear corner, makes it easy to get into. The bed includes other useful features, such as built-in lighting, a 120-volt outlet and a spray-in bed liner.
Towing capacity and payload
At 6,720 pounds you won’t be towing your neighbor’s house, but it is enough to move small toys and trailers. Payload capacity is rated at 1,610 pounds.
Wheels
Our tester was optioned with the Pro Premium package that comes with 17-inch beadlock style alloy wheels in black. Combined with the 265/70 R17 all-terrain tires, they accentuate the Frontier’s adventurous appearance. While they rode well, we’d prefer tires another inch or two larger to better fill out the wheel wells. We didn’t get a chance to do any hardcore off-roading during our time with the Frontier, but the tires did provide good traction on the loose surfaces we found ourselves on.
Lights and turn signals
Nissan’s new headlight style looks sharp. The LED front headlamps, fog lamps and daytime running lights also provide the perfect amount of light. Automatic high beams are a nice addition, as well.
Cameras and side mirrors
Although the Frontier’s cameras don’t have the highest resolution on the market, they did the job. The Pro Convenience package includes Nissan’s Intelligent Around View Monitor with moving object detection and off-road mode, and we think it’s well worth the money. The heated side mirrors are large and offer a nice view of the sides and rear of the truck.
Front and rear windshield
Visibility is excellent in the Frontier thanks to large windows making up the greenhouse area. The defrost worked well on chillier mornings, warming up quickly.
Safety
Our 2023 tester was loaded up with just about all the safety technology you could want. If you’re looking for a modern truck that puts safety as a priority, you’ll love all the features of the Frontier Pro-4X.
Features
Our tester was equipped with several standard safety features, as well as optional ones included in the technology package. Some of these include:
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot warning
- Intelligent cruise control
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- High beam assist
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Intelligent forward collision warning
Awards and ratings
The truck was named Best Off-road Truck by TFLtruck.com, which put it through a wide range of tests over several weeks. TFL said the Frontier tackles difficult trails well and lives up to its reputation as a very good off-road vehicle.
The Texas Auto Writers Association awarded the Frontier the Mid-Size Pickup of Texas. “Frontier continues to hold strong as a powerful combination of good looks, capability and comfort that TAWA members loved — again," said Teia Collier, president of the Texas Auto Writers Association. "We are glad that we had the opportunity to test the Frontier on a rugged off-road course."
As far as safety ratings go, the 2023 Nissan Frontier has been given a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Superior rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Final impression
The 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is one of the best compact trucks you can buy and shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s capable on the trails, and its daily drivability makes it one of the top picks in its class. It has all the technology, comfort and safety features you could want. Its engine is responsive, fairly economical and offers best-in-class power. It’s good looking and rugged. The only real downside is rear seat comfort. As for trims, we’d recommend going with the Pro-4X, loaded up with the Pro Convenience, Pro Premium and Technology packages. It’s a lot of truck for the money and gives you all the goodies and off-road capability you could want or need.
FAQs
Is it worth it to get the 2023 over the 2022?
The 2023 Pro-4X brings wireless Apple CarPlay and Lava Red stitching, but that’s about it.
Is the Frontier family-friendly?
While the front seats have ample space and support, the same cannot be said for the rear. The legroom is tight, and the back cushion is angled upright. While two kids can technically fit, it’s a bit tight.
Is the 2023 Pro-4X Frontier fun to drive?
The Pro-4X Frontier makes for a great commuter and is a lot of fun on the trails. If you’re looking for a truck that can get you anywhere, the Pro-4X makes a compelling case.
Ready for the truck that goes anywhere? Find your Nissan Frontier on KSL Cars.
KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.
