Out with the new and in with the old seems to be the Nissan motto, at least where the Nissan Frontier exterior is concerned. The 1980s were a great time for the Nissan mid-size pickup, and that classic design has returned in the 2023 Nissan Frontier. It’s a boxy, old-school look that many pickup owners admire, and with all the new tech, safety features, and machinery that make up the Frontier, you’ve got the best of both worlds.
This innovation, with a sense of respect for tradition, seems to be Nissan’s focus; they were the first to introduce the compact/mid-size pickup, and they were the first to offer a half-ton pickup. They also have the distinction of being the first to sell mid-size pickups with two regular-size rear doors. With such big firsts that impacted the rest of the global automotive industry, it’s no wonder Nissan retains its reputation for innovation while also maintaining a loyal fan base, some of whom were around when Nissan introduced the Frontier. It’s no surprise that the Nissan Frontier is popular, but let’s take a look at why the 2023 Nissan Frontier is going to be a great addition to the family.
What a Pickup Was Built For
When someone learns that you own a pickup, they ask because they’re thinking of something that needs to get done where a pickup would help, or they’re wondering what fun things you do on the weekends. Luckily, you can do both with the 2023 Nissan Frontier. As far as hauling and towing capacity, the Frontier can haul just over 1,600 lbs, which is great for when you need to transport large appliances like stoves and refrigerators, heavy furniture, and other large items that still fit in the bed of your truck. The Frontier’s towing capacity is just over 6,700 lbs, which means not only can you tow a trailer, but you can also utilize the pickup to pull your camper, boat, recreational vehicles, and more.
Along with towing and hauling capabilities, you’ll also get to choose the size bed you want: the smaller 4-door crew cab bed or the larger extended king cab. The crew cab’s bed is 5-ft, while the extended king brings with it a 6-foot bed. No matter what you’re planning on doing, the 2023 Nissan Frontier will be available to you for work or play, running errands, going off-roading, or taking the family on vacation.
The Sum of Its Parts
The Frontier would not be what it is today without Nissan’s innovative push toward the future. The naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 engine has been installed in the Frontier, generating 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. This powerful setup goes hand in hand with a 9-speed automatic transmission and rear or four-wheel drive. There’s also a choice of powertrains for your pickup; the 4X2 or 4X4. If you’re not the off-roading type and plan to do most of your driving on the highway, you might want to go with the 4X2. If you’re planning on driving around town and then exploring more rugged terrain, you’ll want to go with the 4X4.
Regarding fuel economy, it depends on which model you go with; the rear or four-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive gives you the best mileage at 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. If you opt for four-wheel drive, you’ll get around 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. This is in line with its competitors, several of whom are just a bit lower in fuel efficiency than the Frontier.
Modern Vintage
On the outside, the Nissan Frontier’s looks hearken back to when compact pickups were new. On the inside, however, the Frontier is set squarely in the modern era, with zero gravity seats for the driver and front-seat passenger, as well as a digital gauge cluster, plenty of storage, remote start, acoustic glass and sound absorption, and an available power sliding glass moonroof, heated seats, and heated steering wheel.
Depending on which trim level you go with, some of these are added on or made available to you prior to purchase. If you live somewhere cold, the heated seats and steering wheel, and remote start are most likely the best options for you. If you live somewhere sunny, you’ll be more interested in things like the power sliding glass moonroof. Everyone, of course, gets the zero gravity front seats and the acoustic glass and sound absorption, perfect for those long trips on the highway in windy or stormy weather. No matter which options you prefer, you’ll be able to create the Frontier of your dreams. With so many optional add-ons, available features, and paint colors, your truck won’t be like everyone else’s; it will be as unique as you are.
The Future Is Now
The newest Nissan Frontier is loaded with tech and safety features. You can choose between an 8-inch infotainment center or the new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment center, both having easy-to-read displays that can be utilized to connect with your phone via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which means you won’t ever have to be bored on the road. You can message, listen to music, and check out a new audiobook, all thanks to the NissanConnect system.
One of the best perks of the infotainment center is the “Door to Door Navigation” which comes in handy when you’re in a new place or walking back to a parking garage. You’ll get walking directions to and from your vehicle via your NissanConnect app on your phone so you’re never lost. You’ll also get current traffic information, and you can see your turn-by-turn driving instructions pop up on the map that also includes 3D buildings.
Along with this dazzling display, the Frontier also offers multiple charging ports, optional wireless phone charging, and even a USB-C port. You can also elect to include a nine-speaker Fender system or purchase a subscription to utilize the Wi-Fi hotspot. No matter which of these you go with, you’ll be well-equipped to stay connected no matter where your journeys take you.
The Bottom Line
The 2023 Nissan Frontier was built to be a mid-size pickup, but don’t let its humble demeanor fool you. It has so many helpful features, details, and options that you’ll feel like royalty whenever you get inside. The combination of tradition and trend-setting has made the Nissan Frontier quite a popular choice in the past, and there’s no doubt it will continue to be so in the future.
When it comes to innovation, Nissan has continued to push the boundaries of what can be done to provide drivers with the best options when choosing a pickup. Their dedication and loyalty to the pickups of the past while also forging ahead is a strong choice, one that has benefited them in such a way that it has become common practice. Thankful for what has come before, eager to find out what comes next. If you’re looking for a compact truck with modern accouterments that can still play in the mud occasionally, then the Frontier might just be your new favorite truck. Take a look at one, go for a test drive, and see what you think about the 2023 Nissan Frontier.
