The Frontier is one of the top-selling trucks in Nissan's lineup thanks to its impressive performance and rugged capability. Purposely designed to challenge the norms of midsize trucks, the Frontier is affordably priced and packed with interior comfort, convenience, and safety features that give drivers everything they need and more at an exceptional value. If you are looking for a rugged and affordable midsize truck, there is simply no better choice than the 2021 Nissan Frontier.
The Nissan Frontier is a trusted midsize workhorse that has been a staple of the market for over a decade. While the Frontier has been updated regularly over the years, including getting a new 3.8-liter V6 engine just last year, the basic platform is the definition of tried and true. If you prize reliability and a proven track record, this is the midsize truck for you. And the 2021 version is the most powerful, most capable, and most comfortable Frontier ever made.
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The 2021 Nissan Frontier packs a powerful punch and lives up to its reputation as the most capable Frontier ever made, thanks to the standard 3.8-liter V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission under the hood. This marks the 3.8-liter engine's second year in the Frontier after Nissan eliminated the base 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that delivered a meek 152 horsepower and the available 4.0-liter V6 that delivered 261 horsepower in 2019. The upgrade to the direct-injection V6 made a world of difference, and the 2021 Frontier delivers a best-in-class horsepower rating of 310 ponies, backed up by a sturdy 281 lb-ft of torque.
The combination of the direct-injection engine and the automatic transmission makes driving the Frontier an enjoyable experience as the truck responds quickly and accelerates with ease. Its powerful engine also makes the Frontier a capable workhorse that delivers a maximum towing capacity of 6,720 lbs. Add in the fact that its fuel economy is also impressive, with an average of 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway, and it's easy to see why the 2021 Frontier is a top choice among drivers looking for a truck that can do it all.
The Frontier's capability also extends to its advanced four-wheel-drive technology that starts its list of off-road credentials. Sitting higher and wider, the 2021 Frontier has excellent ground clearance and axle articulation that makes traveling across rocky terrains easier than before. Nissan took the Frontier's off-road capability a step further and ensured the underbody components were housed safely above the frame rails to avoid potential damage when traversing challenging trails. Additionally, the Terrain gives drivers full control with a driver-selectable four-wheel-drive as well as the option to upgrade to the available electronic locking rear differential that takes off-roading to an entirely new level.
Nissan challenges drivers to "bring more of what revs you up" by making the 2021 Frontier the most capable model ever made. The Frontier has exceptional payload and towing capabilities, which means drivers don't have to think twice about hauling the family camper or boat to the lake for a summer getaway or hauling a load of lumber for a weekend project around the house. The Frontier can handle it all thanks to its high-performing powertrain, fully-boxed frame, and innovative features like the rugged bed liner and the Utili-Track Channel System.
The Utili-Track Channel System changes the game of hauling by making it easy to secure cargo of all shapes, sizes, and weights. The system features five channels, four of which run the length of the truck bed and one that runs the width of the bed. In addition to the channels, the system also includes four heavy-duty forged aluminum cleats that easily slide into the channels. This gives the Frontier outstanding flexibility since drivers can configure the Utili-Track Channel System to fit the cargo at hand.
Nissan ensures drivers get the most out of the Frontier and its capability by offering a variety of bed accessories that are compatible with the Utili-Track Channel System. The sliding toolbox makes accessing tools a breeze since the box slides to the rear of the bed for easy access and then to the back of the bed for convenient storage. The sliding bed divider allows drivers to better organize the Frontier's bed, while the sliding bed extender adds extra room to the bed when needed and then conveniently slides out of the way when not in use.
This flexibility complements the Frontier's outstanding hauling ability. The Frontier King Cab delivers the 2021 model's maximum towing capacity of 6,720 lbs. The Frontier Crew Cab sees a slight decrease in towing with a maximum of 6,640 lbs, followed by the Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed model that can tow up to 6,500 lbs. As for payload, the Frontier King Cab and the Crew Cab offer the best capability with a maximum of 1,460 lbs. The Frontier Crew Cab Long Bed offers a slightly smaller capacity with a maximum of 1,360 lbs. This means you won't need a full-size truck for most tasks.
As the most comfortable Frontier ever made, the 2021 Frontier offers a plush interior that's packed with comfort, convenience, technology, and safety features that ensure drivers have everything they need and more. This comfort begins with drivers choosing the best fit and layout for their needs. The choice is between King Cab and Crew Cab seating, both of which offer plenty of perks.
The King Cab seating arrangement offers a wide interior and rear seats that can be flipped up and folded out of the way. The King Cab also features rear-swinging pillarless doors that give the driver and passengers easy access to both the front and rear seats. This is especially helpful when the backseat is used to haul bulky gear.
The Crew Cab seating arrangement offers seating for five with a rear bench seat that folds in a 60/40 split. The rear bench can be folded and used as a large flat surface or, if drivers need more storage, the seat can be flipped up to reveal a hidden storage area. Unlike the King Cab's rear-swinging rear doors, the Crew Cab features a more traditional design with four forward-hinged doors. Drivers can also upgrade the standard cloth seating to leather-appointed upholstery, as well as a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel.
Aside from enjoying the truck's many comfort and convenience features like heated seats and an automatic dimming rearview mirror, the 2021 Frontier also includes a push-button ignition as well as the latest version of the NissanConnect infotainment system. This system includes navigation and mobile apps, Bluetooth, and Siri capability that ensures drivers can keep their eyes on the road while streaming their favorite music, following navigation, or answering calls. Drivers can also use the apps to connect with Google, Pandora, Trip Advisor, Facebook, and more.
In addition to offering the best comfort, convenience, and technology features, the 2021 Frontier also boasts the latest in safety. The Frontier comes standard with six airbags that make up the advanced airbag system that's designed to keep the driver and passengers safe with a variety of seat-belt, occupant, and rollover sensors. The Frontier also comes with Vehicle Dynamic Control, which engages when the system senses the truck is off course. When this occurs, the VDC system automatically applies the brakes to give the driver time to regain control and get the Frontier back on course.
The Frontier's Traction Control System is an excellent feature when hauling loads or venturing off-road since the system can sense when the wheels slip or spin and adjust the power accordingly. The Anti-Lock Braking System and the Electronic Brake Force Distribution are also key components to the Frontier's safety suite. The Anti-Lock Braking System helps drivers stay in control in situations when they're forced to brake hard, like when avoiding a collision. The Electronic Brake Force Distribution or EBD works when the Frontier has a heavier load in the truck bed. In these situations, the EBD adds braking power to the rear wheels to maximize stability and control.