The 2023 Nissan Frontier is a midsized pickup truck that’s available in two body styles: the extended two-door King Cab and the four-door crew cab. The extended cab pairs with a 6-foot cargo bed, while the crew cab offers a choice between a 5-foot or 6-foot bed. This stalwart pickup is also made in five trim packages (S, SV, Midnight Edition, PRO-X, and PRO-4X), all of which are invigorated by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that hammers out 310 hp and 281 lb.-ft. of torque.
In addition to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Frontier comes with standard rear-wheel drive but can be optioned with four-wheel drive (standard in the Pro-4X). Towing capabilities peak at 6,560 pounds, whereas payload reaches its limit at 1,480 lb. Regarding fuel economy, the RWD Frontiers fulfill an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the 4WD variants achieve 17 city/22 highway.
Nissan makes it a point to outfit the ’23 Frontier with high-quality features at an affordable price. Even the base-level S reaps the benefits, as it comes with automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, push-button ignition, a 7-inch gauge cluster, four USB ports (two Type-A and two Type-C), cloth seats, and a 60/40-split rear seatback. The SV upgrades to premium cloth upholstery and adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat and second-row under-seat storage, while the imposing Midnight Edition is enhanced with black exterior accents and LED headlights and fog lights. For off-road enthusiasts, the PRO-X receives Bilstein off-road performance shocks and all-terrain tires, as well as a range of handy features like a sliding rear window, proximity keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Tow/Haul switch, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, exclusive PRO-X seating, and Lava Red interior accents. At the pinnacle of the lineup, the PRO-4X is reinforced with standard 4WD, a two-speed transfer case, an electronic locking rear differential, and underbody skid plates.
Nissan ensures total peace of mind with the standard integration of the Safety Shield 360 suite. Across the entire lineup, it delivers intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and intelligent driver alertness. The Midnight Edition adds intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, and automatic high beams, which are available for the PRO-X and PRO-4X.
Entertainment and connectivity are key highlights of the 2023 Frontier. The entry-level S includes an 8-inch touchscreen with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and four speakers. The SV and Midnight Edition gain a six-speaker audio setup, while the PRO-X and PRO-4X rise up to a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Not only that, but the PRO-X and PRO-4X are also compatible with NissanConnect remote vehicle services.
One of the standout attributes of the Frontier is its range of optional upgrade packages. For the SV, PRO-X, and PRO-4X, two Convenience packages are offered. The SV’s is fully loaded with proximity keyless entry, fog lights, remote start, heated side mirrors, a Class IV tow hitch, and a sliding rear window. The interior features this package issues are heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a 120V power outlet, a Tow/Haul switch, an illuminated glove box, and an overhead console holder for sunglasses. The SV’s Convenience Package also bolsters the cargo bed with a factory-applied spray-on liner, a Utili-track channel system with two adjustable tie-down cleats, a 120V power outlet, and LED under-rail lighting. The Convenience Package for the PRO-X and PRO-4X is similar, but it also includes a wireless phone charger and a surround-view camera with a special off-road mode exclusive to the PRO-4X.
Premium packages are also available for the same trims. The SV Premium Package supplies LED headlights and fog lights, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, black interior contrast stitching, a moonroof, and a 10-speaker Fender audio system. The Premium Package for the PRO-X and PRO-4X is nearly identical, but it excludes the LED headlights and fog lights since they already come standard.
The final two packages are Technology and Pro Technology. The basic Technology Package will provide the S and SV with intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, and automatic high beams. Meanwhile, the Pro Technology Package for the PRO-X and PRO-4X stocks all those features, along with traffic sign recognition.
