2021 Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier is an aging model that misses out on quite a few modern-day technology and safety features. The base S model gets only the necessities and the mandatory features while the SV trim just adds a premium cloth upholstery and alloy wheels to the mix. The Pro-4X costs considerably more but also adds a lot of creature comforts and off-road capable aids that enhance the overall experience considerably. A longer bed is also available but only with the SV trim. 

Which trim should you buy?

The lower two trims pack only and only the necessities with hardly any creature comforts or technology available that we would expect from a modern mid-size truck. Therefore, in spite of the steep price, it is better to opt for the Pro-4X trim that also gets an enhanced off-road capability. 

The naturally aspirated V6 engine under its hood isn’t the newest nor the most efficient one as per today’s standards. The 20 mpg of EPA-rated combined city and highway driving is just average for its class but the large 21.1-gallon fuel tank helps provide a decent driving range of over 400 miles on a single tank of gas. Opting for the 4WD reduces the MPG figures by 1 mpg in each aspect. 

The Ford Ranger’s new and modern turbocharged engine sips the least amount of fuel and returns class-leading fuel economy figures. But the smaller capacity gas tank hurts its driving range, limiting it too well under 400 miles. The Toyota Tacoma has a similar fuel efficiency as that of the Frontier while the Colorado has the highest fuel consumption in this lot. 

The cabin of the Frontier looks very old-school and basic with an interior that is meant to take a beating. The simplified design language is complemented by abundant usage of hard plastics and lower-quality materials. There aren’t many creature comforts available as well and unless you opt for the Pro-4X trim, the list of amenities and leather is non-existent. 

At the front, space is plenty and the seats are pretty comfortable as well. Finding the right driving position won’t be an issue, while the large windows aids in outward visibility, and the dated controls make things easy to use while on the move. The rear seat is quite cramped and is best suited for kids or shorter adults. 

The Toyota Tacoma’s double cab offers similar cabin space as that of the Frontier but offers a slightly upscale interior feel. The Ford Ranger has a bit more space upfront and at the rear seat with better headroom on offer, and the larger bed provides more space for the load. The Chevy Colorado is the most spacious one here offering tons of space at the front and a rather comfortable rear-seat space. 

• 8-way power driver's seat and 4-way power front passenger's seat
• Heated Front Bucket Seats
• 60-40 Folding Split-Bench Fold-Up Cushion Rear Seat
• Leather Seat Trim w/embroidery and contrast stitch
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• Chrome/Metal-Look Interior Accents

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The dated feel of the cabin of the Frontier is not helped by the small and laggy 5.8-inch infotainment system which looks and feels ages behind the modern rivals. There is no Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on offer and most of the available features and technology are standard only on the top end Pro-4X trim and are optional on both other lower-end trims.

The standard speaker setup does not offer any great sound while the higher Rockford Fosgate audio system is better but still not upto the mark. 

• The 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 8-speaker Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio System w/subwoofer
• Siri Eyes Free
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system and streaming audio
• Nissan Navigation System w/voice guidance
• NissanConnect w/mobile apps Nissan and voice recognition
• SiriusXM satellite radio, Traffic and Travel Link

Nissan might be the original compact truck maker, but the Frontier has not started to look as it belongs to the past well. The fact that the Frontier is still compact and not overgrown itself to be too large to use in tight city spaces or while going over rocks is welcomed by many, but the lack of cabin space and the boxy design language surely makes it stand out as the elders of the segment. 

The large interior space offered by the Colorado and the Ranger is due to the longer truck length. The Ranger is also wider and the lighter one of the lot due to the smaller capacity engine. The Nissan Frontier offers the best ground clearance which is marginally more than the Tacoma, and while the Ranger has a decent ride height, the Colorado rides the closest to the ground amongst the trucks present here. 

• Auto On/Off Aero-Composite Halogen Headlamps w/Front Fog Lamps
• Cargo Lamp w/High Mount Stop Light
• Roof Rack
• Power Heated Side Mirrors
• Black Side Windows Trim, Front Windshield Trim, and Rear Window Trim
• Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Sunroof w/Sunshade
• Spray-In Bed Liner
• 16-inch Off-Road Design Machine-Finish Alloy Wheels

The 2021 Nissan Frontier has a decent performance in terms of safety as it receives a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA while the IIHS has also rated it decently. It doesn’t stand out in any particular aspect and also does not offer many modern safety features and driver aids that we have become accustomed to on most other modern trucks. A highlight of most of the safety features available with the 2021 Frontier has been listed below. 

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) And Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front and Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Back-Up Camera
• Low Tire Pressure Warning

2021 Nissan Frontier vs Chevrolet Colorado

The most common and popular truck of the segment, the Chevrolet Colorado outperforms the Frontier in almost every aspect. Although it has a higher asking price, it has a similar acceleration performance and superior hauling and towing capabilities. The fuel efficiency is on the lower side for the Chevy but the cabin is a lot more premium and offers abundant space for all its occupants. There is plenty of technology and safety functions on offer and is also very capable off the tarmac. 

2021 Nissan Frontier vs Ford Ranger

The midsize truck from the most popular truck-selling brand America had to be good and the Ranger does not disappoint at all. It is the quickest of the lot and has the best towing capacity while also being the most affordable one as well. It has far more superior frugality and the cabin is premium to look and feel with plenty of technology on offer. The Ford Ranger is pretty spacious as well but lacks a bit of the off-roading skills of the Frontier. So unless you plan on regularly taking the truck out for some rock climbing, the Ranger should be a safer bet. 

2021 Nissan Frontier vs Toyota Tacoma

The battle for the Japanese truck supremacy is pretty even between these two. The Nissan Frontier is far more affordable and yet has superior acceleration performance with very few differences in terms of payload or tugging prowess. Both have identical rated fuel economy figures and also offer similar amounts of space. Both have a dated cabin with the Tacoma featuring a slightly better set of technology. Therefore, only with the prices in consideration, it is better to opt for the Frontier over the Toyota Tacoma and save some money between the two.

The Nissan Frontier is in dire need of an update and the 2022 model year is going to be the year for it. That being said, in its current guise, the 2021 Frontier feels far too lackluster and dated with limited levels of features and technology on offer. Therefore, unless you wish to use it as a workhorse or only for taking it dune bashing or rock climbing, it is better to opt for the Chevy or Ford truck or wait for a few more months and get your hand on a newer and sophisticated Frontier that is making its way very soon.