2011 Nissan Frontier
by Jim Prueter -11/2010

Frontier still class-leading compact pickup

If the Nissan Frontier were a plant or animal it would certainly be classified on the endangered species list.  Unfortunately, the compact pickup truck class of vehicle continues to experience shrinkage with Ford announcing that it will discontinue its aged Ranger after the 2011-model year. 

That leaves Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Suzuki Equator and Toyota Tacoma remaining, along with Frontier and a few of those could easily be headed for extinction do to poor sales.  Industry insiders claim Nissan is preparing to discontinue this truck at the end of calendar year 2012.  If Frontier suits your vehicle requirements for a compact pickup, we see little reason to delay your purchase.

A perennial AAA Top Pick, Frontier remains the best of this class and is built on the same solid-rear-axle platform that underpins Nissan’s pathfinder and Xterra SUVs.  It’s worth noting that the Suzuki Equator, which arrived for 2009, isn’t Suzuki’s own creation and is built by Nissan.  In fact, it’s essentially a clone of the Frontier with the only difference related to exterior styling and features.  Both vehicles roll off the same Smyrna, Tennessee final assembly line.

Nissan has a long history of compact pickups in the U.S. that dates back to the Datsun days of the 1970s and includes the 1980s “Hardbody” era. The Frontier nameplate came into use with the 1998-2004 seventh-generation truck. Today’s eighth-generation Nissan pickup was introduced for model-year 2005 and remains virtually unchanged in appearance since then.

For 2011, Frontier receives only minor changes and again consists of four renamed trim levels and a reshuffling of popular features.

The entry-level XE, middle-of-the-road SE and upscale LE trims have been renamed to S, SV and SL, respectively. The PRO-4X off-road identifier is unchanged. The SV Frontier can be optioned with a Premium Utility Package, and the PRO-4X can be upgraded with an optional Luxury Package. A vehicle immobilizer and bed rail caps are standard on SV, PRO-4X and SL models.

The interior is carried over without change from 2009. Interior features include white-faced gauges and red-stitched leather on the steering wheel and manual gearshift knob. The PRO-4X model described below has a unique interior with custom seating. The center stack gets a new look on V-6 models, and SL models receive new seat fabric.

The 2011 Nissan Frontier is available in a wide range of models and configurations. The Frontier King Cab is offered in four well-equipped models: Frontier S-I4 4x2 (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SV-I4 4x2 and (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SV-V6 4x2 or 4x4 (4.0-liter V6, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); and PRO-4X 4x2 and 4x4 (5-speed automatic for 4x2 and 4x4, 6-speed manual option for 4x4). PRO-4X King Cab models receive a factory-applied spray-on bedliner, bed rail caps, Utili-track™ channel system and four adjustable tie-down cleats.

The 2011 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is offered in S, SV, SL and PRO-4X models, in regular or Long Bed body styles (SV and SL), each offered with a standard 4.0-liter V6 and a choice of 4x4 or 4x2 drivelines. Frontier Crew Cab S, SV models and the Frontier PRO-4X 4x4 are offered with either 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, while Crew Cab SL and Crew Cab PRO-4X 4x2 models are available with the 5-speed automatic transmission only.

The PRO-4X features Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, skid plates on the oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker (4x4 only), 2- or 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with large BFGoodrich P265/75R16 Rugged Trail 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 red-stitched shifter knob (M/T only) and steering wheel, chrome accent ring around the white-faced meter gauges and trip computer.

A limited number of option packages are offered for the 2011 Frontier King Cab, starting with the S Preferred Package (I4 models only), which adds air conditioner and AM/FM/CD with digital clock.

The SV Premium Utility Package (SV V6 models only) adds AM/FM/CD6/Aux input, WMA/MP3 capability, 2 additional speakers, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, XM® Satellite Radio (AT only) (XM® subscription required, sold separately), auto-dimming mirror with compass and temperature, spray-in bedliner, Utili-Track™ system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, overhead console with sunglasses holder, Vehicle Security System (VSS) and in-cabin microfilter.

Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X models have an available PRO-4X Luxury Package, which features leather-appointed seating with PRO-4X logo, 8-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger’s seat, heated front seats, dual heated outside rearview mirrors, rear fold-down center armrest, moonroof and roof rack with crossbars. Frontier SL models are available with the SL Moonroof Package with a tilt and sliding moonroof.

For power, Frontier is offered with a base 152-horsepower, 2.5-liter, inline-four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission.  A 261-hp, 4.0-liter V6 is offered and is the most powerful V6 in the class. 

Frontier is offered with a choice of transmissions – a smooth 5-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual or 5-speed manual transmission (King Cab 4-cylinder 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.

Standard safety equipment includes Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a 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.

Frontier has earned a four out of five stars for driver and passenger frontal government crash test ratings, four stars for rollover and the highest five stars in side crash results.

Those in the market for a mid-size pickup would be advised to take a good look at the Frontier.  Nissan offers a lot of content for the money and has the largest engine in its class, a roomy interior, advanced off-road systems, innovative cargo bed features and bold, tough looks. Frontier felt solid and seemed well built with excellent fit and finish.