2016 Nissan Frontier Review

2016 Nissan Frontier: Mid-Size Truck Designed for Full-Size Work and Play in a Wide Range of Affordable Models

The “solid to the core” 2016 Nissan Frontier starts with a full-length, fully boxed ladder frame. Add a choice of two powerful engines – 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque or a 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (King Cab only) – mated to either a 5-speed manual (King Cab), 6-speed manual (Crew Cab) or 5-speed automatic transmission.

Throw in a heavy-duty suspension, including available off-road tuned Bilstein® high-pressure performance gas shock absorbers and skid plates (PRO-4X grade), and either 4×2 or 4×4 drive. Select from King Cab or Crew Cab body styles, each wrapping durable and comfortable interiors, and a choice of two bed lengths equipped with available Utili-track® Channel System, locking tailgate and cargo bed light.

And finally, add in available NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps and 5.0-inch color display or NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Mobile Apps and you start to understand why Frontier continues to be a leader in the mid-size truck segment. In fact, Frontier was named to Edmunds.com’s “Most Popular” compact truck list in 2015.

Enhancements for 2016 include the addition of three new exterior colors: Forged Copper, Gun Metallic and Magnetic Black (eight colors total). Also, a Moonroof Package is added to Frontier Crew Cab SV model.

The 2016 Frontier is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles and in 4×2 and 4×4 driveline configurations, along with five trim grades: Frontier S (4-cylinder and V6), SV, PRO-4X (4×4 only), Desert Runner (4×2 V6 only) and SL (Crew Cab only).

Authentic Truck Style, Innovation to Get the Job Done

The exterior design of the 2016 Frontier embodies a number of signature Nissan truck themes – an angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs and large, stamped-steel geometric fender flares.

Long Bed models are available with Frontier Crew Cab SV and Crew Cab SL. 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. Frontier also provides levels of innovation in an area where it matters most to truck owners – the bed. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and first-in-class Utili-track™ Channel System.

The Utili-track™ system provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special “C” cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo.

In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories is offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units.

The Frontier exterior also features a tinted front window, rear privacy glass and a hitch ball provision on the rear bumper. Frontier SL models include chrome front grille, chrome outside mirrors and door handles, along with tubular step rails and front fog lights. A power tilt and sliding moonroof is available on Crew Cab SV, SL and PRO-4X models, while a tailgate spoiler is standard on all models.

Eight exterior colors are offered for 2016: the new Forged Copper, Gun Metallic and Magnetic Black, along with Glacier White, Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Lava Red and Arctic Blue Metallic.

Just as the high-utility bed offers Frontier owners an exceptional level of flexibility and utility, 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.

Ample Power for Rugged Off-Road Performance

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.

Frontier’s long 125.9-inch wheelbase helps enhance ride comfort, while the overall length of 205.5 inches (King Cab and Crew Cab Regular Bed) is a perfect “activity size” for buyers who don’t need a true full-size pickup. All 2016 Frontier models feature an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for off-road performance. Frontier PRO-4X models add Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers.

Exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading ability is provided, in large measure, by its powerful engine – a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0-liter DOHC V6 is specifically tuned for the unique demands of truck use. Besides smooth torque delivery, the V6 offers good fuel efficiency and smooth operation. The 4.0-liter V6 design includes a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, Teflon®-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads. The Frontier V6 is assembled at Nissan’s advanced engine production facility in Decherd, Tenn.

An advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, with 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft torque, is also available on the Frontier King Cab S-I4 and SV-I4 4×2 models. The 2.5-liter King Cab 2WD M/T-equipped Frontier is rated at an economical 19 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.

Frontier is offered with a choice of transmissions – a smooth 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission (King Cab 4-cylinder models) or 6-speed manual (Crew Cab V6 models). Frontier 4×4 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.

Frontier 4×4 models are available with 4-wheel limited-slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low traction surfaces. The available Hill Descent Control feature allows slow hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal. Hill Descent Control must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and is available only when the transfer case is engaged in 4H or 4LO (it works in both forward and reverse). It can be activated at speeds up to 21 mph in 4H and 15 mph in 4LO.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake pedal and not roll back for up to two seconds while the driver moves their foot to the accelerator for a smooth, controlled start. HSA operates in 4×4 models in 2WD, 4H and 4LO. HSA is designed for rugged, low-speed off-road driving situations. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all V6 Frontier SV, SL and PRO-4X 4×4 automatic transmission-equipped models. A 2-Wheel Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system is standard on all 4×2 models.

All key underbody hardware is tucked up to the frame rails for a minimum 8.9 inches (4×4) or 8.6 inches (4×2) of running ground clearance on V6-equipped S, SV, SL and PRO-4X models. Every Frontier also offers good approach and departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.

Other Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Frontier is offered with a range of available wheels and tires, including 16-inch off road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 white-letter All-Terrain tires and 18-inch wheels with 265/60R18 tires.

Frontier’s maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,500 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped).

Every Frontier includes a long list of safety equipment, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and an 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.

Also standard are 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

A Wide Range of Available Models

The Nissan Frontier is again available in a wide range of models and configurations. The Frontier King Cab is offered in four well-equipped models, starting with Frontier S-I4 4×2 (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission), Frontier SV-I4 4×2 (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier Desert Runner (4.0-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SV-V6 4×2 or 4×4 (4.0-liter V6, 6-speed manual); and PRO-4X 4×4 (5-speed automatic).

Frontier PRO-4X King Cab models receive a factory-applied spray-on bedliner, bed rail caps, Utili-trackÔ channel system and four adjustable tie-down cleats.

The 2016 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. Frontier S, SV and SL grades are available in a choice of 4×4 or 4×2 drivelines, while PRO-4X is offered in 4×4 only and Desert Runner in 4×2 only.

Frontier Crew Cab S, PRO-4X and SV models are offered with either 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, while Crew Cab Desert Runner and SL models are available with the 5-speed automatic transmission only.

Frontier SV models include NissanConnect with Mobile Apps, 5.0-inch color display, USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, Streaming audio via Bluetooth, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant.

Other standard Frontier SV features include an additional 12-volt power outlet (two in the instrument panel, one in the center console), Remote Keyless Entry, power windows with driver’s auto down, manual sliding rear window with lock, power door locks, dual power outside mirrors, bed rail caps, front reading/map lamps and more.

Frontier Desert Runner is offered with 4.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission and features Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, 16-inch Off-Road wheels and tires and unique design elements.

The PRO-4X (4×4 only) comes equipped with Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, skid plates on the fuel tank, oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with 265/75R16 All-Terrain 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 white-stitched shifter knob and steering wheel, chrome accent ring around the white-faced meter gauges and trip computer. PRO-4X models also include standard NissanConnect with Navigation and Mobile Apps, with 5.8-inch display, touch-screen display, Nissan Voice Recognition for navigation and audio, SiriusXM Traffic, SiriusXM Travel Link™ (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®.

The Frontier Desert Runner (4×2 only) includes 16-inch Off-Road aluminum-alloy wheels, 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires, Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shocks, 8-way manual driver’s seat, unique seat cloth, embroidered Frontier logo on the front seats, Satin Chrome ring accent around white-faces meter gauges, fog lights, painted rear bumper, unique bedside Desert Runner decals, Desert Runner tailgate badge, Satin Chrome grille and trip computer. Desert Runner also adds NissanConnectSM with Mobile Apps 5.0-inch display.

Four Available Option Packages

A limited number of option packages are offered for the 2016 Frontier, starting with the S Preferred Package (King Cab I4 M/T models only), which adds air conditioner, AM/FM/CD with digital clock, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, roof console with sunglass holder and front reading/map lights.

The SV Value Truck Package (SV V6 models only) adds fog lights, RearView Monitor, rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, 2 additional speakers (King Cab), auto-dimming mirror with compass and temperature, spray-in bedliner, Utili-TrackÔ system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, sliding bed extender, trailer hitch, floor mats, Vehicle Security System (VSS), in-cabin microfilter, heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob.

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, dual heated outside rearview mirrors, rear fold-down center armrest, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, tilt and slide moonroof and roof rack with crossbars.

Frontier Crew Cab SV and SL models are available with the Moonroof Package with a tilt and sliding moonroof.

Pricing

2016 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Pricing

2016 Nissan Frontier King Cab Pricing

2016 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab Specifications

Mechanical

Exterior

Interior

Safety and Security

Dimensions

2016 Nissan Frontier King Cab Specifications

Mechanical

Exterior

Interior

Safety and Security

Dimensions