Some things are often better late than never.
For the bulk of Nissan’s twenty-five-year history of the Frontier, the truck has been a bit of a redheaded stepchild in a segment dominated by Toyota’s venerable Tacoma. Sixteen years with minimal updates led to a general lack of appeal for a vehicle whose utilitarian functionality was overshadowed by a stale and dated product. Add to this the growing demand for mid-sized trucks which propelled the reemergence of Ford’s Ranger, engaged the likes of American Expedition Vehicles to collaborate with GMC and Chevrolet for the Canyon/Colorado, and expanded the Jeep brand line-up with the versatile Gladiator, and it became apparent Nissan needed to up the ante or be left in the figurative dust.
Nissan’s latest iteration of the PRO-4X, and really the entire line-up as a whole, is a qualitative improvement from the previous two generations. The updated 3.8L V6 is a stalwart powertrain delivering plenty of punch at 310hps along with 281 lb.-ft torque, perfectly adequate when traveling at low speed on technical terrain. The truck looks and feels great, undoubtedly designed to rival the Tacoma while maintaining its own character with a completely redesigned interior emulating other models within the Nissan line-up, all the accoutrements most consumers desire, seating that’s comfortable even on 10+ hour long road trips, and increased fuel efficiency nearing 20mpg in mixed driving.
While there are no driving modes on the truck, the Frontier PRO-4X offers selectable low range with locking rear differential, all you’ll need for moderate excursions into the unknown. The Bilstein suspension and independent front suspension with stabilizer bar provides improved ride quality on and off-pavement. Hankook’s Dynapro AT2 tires provided adequate traction while traveling through the redstone, gypsum, and various rock found in Texas’ Palo Duro Canyon though I’d suggest a more aggressive tire when traveling in snow and mud.
Hankook Dynapro AT2 tires provide adequate traction along soft, rocky terrain copy
A 3.8L Direct Injection Gasoline engine is robust with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft torque when you need it
The truck also features an aluminum front skid plate that’s lightweight yet durable with sidesteps that provide additional protection to the frame but also reduce ground clearance and hurt like hell when you hit them with your chin on entry/exit (which my wife and I did on a handful of occasions). Fortunately, the steps are removable with a few bolts should you choose to remove them.
Updated front fascia, bumper, and aluminum skid plate give the Frontier Pro-4X a bold aesthetic that matches its capability
In short, Nissan’s updated Frontier PRO-4X delivers a vastly improved mid-sized truck that’s every bit as capable as other trucks in this segment right off the showroom floor. Depending on how you travel, minor modifications to maximize the truck’s payload and tow capacity (search online for full specs of the truck) can prove beneficial if you’re considering it for overland and vehicle-based adventure. And regardless of how you explore in the Frontier PRO-4X, you’ll find the truck has a renewed spirit yearning to prove it’s up to the task while also looking good, separating itself from its past while accelerating forward to a bright future.