2015 Nissan Frontier
Changes for the 2015 Nissan Frontier:
The aging, decade-old Frontier compact pickup truck sees few changes for 2015. Nissan adds its NissanConnect with Mobile Apps technology as standard equipment for the SV and Desert Runner models, while the PRO-4X now includes a standard navigation system and the SL gains a standard power sunroof.
Model Lineup:
Nissan sells the Frontier in extended cab and crew cab styles with a choice between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive, and either a 4-cylinder or a V-6 engine. Trim levels are named S, SV, SV V6, Desert Runner, PRO-4X, and SL.
The S, SV, and SL models gain progressive amounts of standard equipment. Desert Runner models have 2-wheel drive combined with a 4-wheel-drive appearance, while the PRO-4X is equipped with serious off-roading hardware.
Engines and Transmissions:
Get a Frontier King Cab in S or SV trim and it will have a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 152 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 171 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. All other versions of the Frontier are equipped with a 4.0-liter V-6 capable of 261 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 281 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm.
A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard with the 4-cylinder engine, while the V-6 is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The automatic is optional for the 4-cylinder, while the V-6 can be paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. If you want 4WD, you’ve gotta get the V-6 engine.
For maximum towing and payload capability, you want that one anyway. When properly configured, the Frontier can handle 1,524 pounds of payload and 6,500 lbs. of trailer.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
In combined driving, a Frontier with a 4-cylinder engine gets between 19 mpg and 21 mpg, the automatic transmission burning more gas. Similarly, the V-6 is more fuel-efficient with a manual transmission. The Frontier 2WD is rated to get 19 mpg with the stick and 18 mpg with the automatic. Add 4WD, and each number drops a single digit.
Safety Ratings:
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Nissan Frontier gets decent crash-test scores for such an old truck, notching a top “Good” rating for the moderate frontal-impact, side-impact, and roof crush strength tests. Additionally, the truck earns an “Acceptable” rating for how well its front seats and restraints protect against whiplash. The IIHS has not conducted a small overlap frontal-impact test on the Frontier.
The NHTSA hasn’t recently tested the Frontier at all, giving the truck ratings only for its ability to resist rolling over in a lateral skid. The 4WD model gets a 4-star rating in this regard, while the 2WD model receives a 3-star rating.
Technology Highlights:
From a technological standpoint, the most impressive thing about the Frontier is its NissanConnect with Mobile Apps infotainment system. It includes access to Pandora and iHeartRadio Internet radio, as well as both Twitter and Facebook social media platforms. A hands-free text-messaging assistant is also included, along with a reversing camera. The system can be upgraded with a navigation system that includes SiriusXM traffic reports.
Written by Christian Wardlaw
October 10, 2014
