I’ll admit it. Before the 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X showed up at Rides & Drives World Headquarters, I didn’t expect much. After all, among mid-size pickup trucks Tacoma outsells Frontier by more than three to one. But just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good. Starbucks sells a lot of java, but it’s far from the best coffee shop in most towns. So while the long in the tooth Toyota gets all the love, Nissan spent some time doing some very fine work on the Frontier.
That starts with the one engine option available in Frontier, a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 that makes 310 horsepower an 281 pound-feet of torque. This means that Nissan wins bragging rights for most powerful standard engine in a mid-size pickup. And it’s a good one. It pulls powerfully at low RPMs and runs smoothly on the highway. The 9-speed automatic transmission makes good use of that power and if you’re headed off-road the Pro-4X package includes a locking differential to go along with with its all-wheel drive system. Both Ford and Chevy, however, meet or exceed that power and deliver significantly more torque with their optional engines, which means they can tow up to 1,200 pounds more. And the upcoming Tacoma hybrid powertrain has even more impressive numbers.
I spent the week in the Pro-4X model which is Nissan’s off-road package. This puts it up against the Colorado Trail Boss, Tacoma TRD-Off Road, and Ranger FX4. Nissan claims the Frontier Pro-4X is off-road ready from the factory. It features Bilstein off-road shocks, 17-inch wheels with 32-inch outer diameter all-terrain tires, and two-speed transfer case with the aforementioned locking diff. Ground clearance as well as approach and departure angles are improved over the base truck because of the wheels and tires. You also get an aluminum bash plate up front with steel skid plates covering the most vulnerable bits underneath. All in all, this set up offers a surprising level of capability for most off-road situations.
Even more surprising is the interior of the Frontier Pro-4X fitted with the pro premium package. The fit and finish is very high quality. With leather seating surfaces, the heated front seats have plenty of bolstering to keep you in place when the trail gets rutted. They also were remarkably comfortable on our 6-hour road trip to a campground in the upper peninsula of Michigan. The red contrast stitching on the seats, heated leather wrapped steering wheel, center console lid, and dashboard breaks up what would otherwise be acres of black. And the red accented grab handles make them easy to spot so you can find them easily when panic sets in.
Frontier offers a full suite of technology at this trim level. Driver assist features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The 9-inch screen in the center stack is the focal point for the 10-speaker Fender audio system, navigation, and other information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models and the Pro-4X had wireless charging as well. The system uses a balance of touch screen, hard buttons, and dials. Happily these include volume and tuning knobs as well as temperature controls that are designed to be used with gloves.
The Frontier Pro-4X looks the part with its high squared off hood and chiseled fenders. The Graphics on the rear fenders and light bar give it a bit of an ’80s vibe, though not as much as the new Hardbody tribute edition the company revealed recently. The look is purposeful and there are a few thoughtful touches like a damped tailgate, LED fog lamps, and side steps, which will be the first things to go if you do any serious off-roading with this thing.
The Nissan Frontier is a powerful, capable, and versatile truck offering two cabin configurations, two bed lengths, and a myriad of option packages. No you can’t get ZR2 or Raptor level performance, but for most mid-size truck buyers it will do the job very nicely, very comfortably, and very competitively. That’s something I couldn’t have said three years ago.
2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X
Base Price: $38,720
Price as tested: $46,380
Includes: Premium paint, Pro convenience package, Pro premium package, Technology package, and destination charges
Engine: 3.8-liter, 24-valve, double-overhead cam V6 engine with direct fuel injection
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Power: 310 HP @ 6,400 RPM
Torque: 281 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 RPM
EPA MPG: 17 City, 22 Hwy, 19 Combined
