Nissan Frontier Test Drive coming up.

I just got a new Nissan Frontier to test drive for a week. The version I am driving is the Pro-4X. Which is far from being the base model. As it starts at around $42,000. While the basic Frontier S is around $10,000 less.

As you can see, there are a lot of different versions of the Nissan Frontier pickup to choose from. Which is the usual for most trucks.

I guess the Pro-X series is the more macho trim. Which means I might feel compelled to drive off the paved roads for a while. If I can find somewhere to go.

Nissan started selling their Hardbody truck in 1990. It had a fantastic and modern styling done at the Nissan design center in San Diego and was a success (Nissan recently shut down that design center for financial reasons). The first generation frontier came ou in 1997, with a much more conventional pickup design. The current 3rd generation was introduced in 2021. The Frontier got a mid-cycle facelift for the 2025 model year. New grille, bumper, and wheels were part of the updated menu.

All trims of the Nissan Frontier are powered by a big 3.8 Liter V6 paired with a 9 speed Automatic. A powertrain that was introduced in the previous generation truck in 2020.

With around 67,000 units sold last year, it seems the current generation might not be as popular as before. Although the truck is probably much better than before. However, also more expensive. Even if its pricing is very similar to the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. That compares pretty poorly to Toyota, which sold around 275,000 Tacomas last year alone! Even the Ford Ranger beat the Frontier with a bit over 70,000 units sold in 2025.

So far, the driving experience has been, let’s say, less than stellar. With a very heavy yet numb steering that doesn’t re-center after a turn, and suspension comparable to a 1970’s truck, driving around has been less than a pleasure to say the least…

I will be driving this truck around for a week, and as usual, will try to answer any questions you might have.