Flash Drive

2017 Nissan Frontier

December 19, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab

The 2017 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is unchanged from the 2016 model. It has good interior space and reasonable cargo capacity.

Engine: 4.0-liter V-6, 261 horsepower 281 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 5-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway/17 mpg combined

Base Price: $33,390

As Tested: $37,040

Performance:

Strong, smooth V-6 engine

Very good torque

Mediocre fuel economy: our best was 17.5 mpg

Smooth, comfortable highway ride

Nissan Frontier pickups have always been known for their strong off-road performance capabilities.

Dash dial for 2WD, 4H, and 4Lo

Two-speed transfer case

Good off-road performance

Skid plates

Pretty aggressive tires

Up to 6,500 pound towing capacity

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver legroom

Not quite stretch-out space for front passenger

Power driver and passenger seat controls

Driver lumbar adjustment

Small sunroof

Thick, slightly contoured leather steering wheel

Nissan Frontier front seat space and comfort are excellent. Controls are good, but the infotainment screen is small.

Small amount of OK auxiliary controls

Two temperature heated front seats

Rear seat cushions low to floor

Knees up rear seating position

Ample adult rear seat room if fronts are up a little

Soft, wide rear seat armrest

Nice Rockford Fosgate premium audio system 

Utility:

Short 5’x5’ bed

Slick cargo rail system

Hard plastic protective tailgate cover

Hard plastic covering on bed caps

Locking tailgate

Factory spray-on bedliner

Big front door bins

Six grab handles; four for back seat

The 261 hp V-6 has 281 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 6,500 pounds.

Medium locking glovebox

Small, but deep console bin

Split, fold-up rear seats

Flat floor for interior cargo

One seatback storage pouch

Medium rear door bins

Front tow hooks

WOW Factors:

Good size, multipurpose truck

Big inside cargo space with folded rear seats

Voice recognition audio/navigation controls

Whines:

Styling is getting better, but it still doesn’t wow us

Huge roof rack seems like overkill

Pro-4X tire tread graphics were a bit much

Small 5.8-inch navigation screen

Bottom Line:

The 2017 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Crew Cab is essentially unchanged from the previous year. It’s a well-built, highly capable mid-size pickup that offers a fine blend of passenger comfort/capacity with a reasonable five-foot bed and excellent off-road skills.