User Reviews:

2013 Nissan Frontier Adds Refinements for New Model Year, Continues as the Mid-Size Truck With Full-Size Innovation

The Nissan Frontier, which combines premium hardware, extraordinary power and off-road athleticism, continues to be a leader in the mid-size truck segment. For 2013, Frontier again offers an exceptional level of on- and off-road performance with the use of a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. A 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is also available (4x2 King Cab only). With its strong performance, combined with good fuel mileage (19 city, 23 highway, I4 King Cab 2WD M/T), the Frontier is a fitting truck for work or play.

A number of enhancements are offered for the 2013 model year, starting with the addition of Desert Runner model to the King Cab and Crew Cab 4x2 A/T lineups. Special equipment features for the Desert Runner include 16-inch Off-Road design aluminum-alloy wheels, Bilstein off-road shocks, unique seat cloth with embroidered Frontier logos on the front seats, fog lights and Desert Runner decals and badge. In addition, a new Value Truck Package replaces previous SV Premium Utility Package. The Value Truck Package adds floor mats, Dual Zone Auto A/C, RearView Monitor, rear sonar, sliding bed extender and trailer hitch to the equipment previously found on the SV Premium Utility Package, including spray-in bedliner, fog lamps, Utili-track™ tie-down equipment.

Fuel economy for most 2013 Frontier models has increased one-to-two miles per gallon due to reduced engine friction and enhanced aerodynamics. A seal has been added between the cab and bed, the front spoiler has been extended and rear tire wind deflections and a new tailgate spoiler have been added.

Other changes for 2013 include with the addition of a Satin Chrome grille finish, fog lights, revised logos and decals, updated contrast stitching and seat embroidery, RearView Monitor, rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, auto on/off headlights and an additional 12V power outlet for PRO-4X models.

Frontier SL models add RearView Monitor, rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, auto on/off headlights and an additional 12V power outlet. SV models add SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately) and an additional 12V power outlet. A Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone is added to SV and Desert Runner models and slide-on-rod style sunvisors are added for all models. Finally, a navigation system is added to SL models and the PRO-4X Luxury Package and a Display Audio with CD/AM/FM/Aux/USB is added to SV and PRO-4X models.

Three new exterior colors are available for 2013: Glacier White, Graphite Blue and Cayenne Red (eight total colors).

The 2013 Frontier model lineup consists of Frontier S, Frontier SV, Frontier PRO-4X (4x4 models only) and Frontier SL (Crew Cab only). It is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, in 4x2 and 4x4 driveline configurations, with both manual and automatic transmissions.

Authentic Truck Style, Innovation to Get the Job Done
The mid-size Nissan Frontier emulates many of the full-size Nissan Titan's features, including its bold, expressive and adventurous exterior styling. Frontier utilizes signature Nissan truck themes - an angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs and large, stamped-steel geometric fender flares.

Long Bed models are available with Frontier Crew Cab SV and Crew Cab SL. Measuring more than 13 inches longer than the Crew Cab's standard bed, the Long Bed models offer the roomy interior of the Crew Cab plus the extended bed space of the King Cab. The 2013 Frontier also provide levels of innovation in an area where it matters most to truck owners - the bed. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and the Utili-track™ tie-down system. The Utili-track™ system, first introduced on Nissan Titan, provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo. In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories is offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units. A new spoiler is added to the standard locking detachable tailgate on all models for 2013.

The Frontier exterior also features tinted front window, rear privacy glass and a hitch ball provision on the rear bumper. Frontier SL models include chrome front grille, chrome outside mirrors and door handles, along with tubular step rails and front fog lights. A roof rack with cross bars is available with the Crew Cab SL, while a power tilt and sliding moonroof is offered on Crew Cab SL models.

Eight exterior colors are offered for the 2013 Frontier: Glacier White, Graphite Blue, Cayenne Red, Brilliant Silver, Metallic Blue, Lava Red, Night Armor and Super Black.

Just as the high-utility bed offers Frontier owners an exceptional level of flexibility and utility, Frontier's interior features outstanding functionality combined with comfort and intelligent design. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab feature large rear doors (rear hinged on King Cab) for easy access to the rear seating and cargo areas and flip-up rear seats, along with excellent cab storage and flexibility. Removable storage boxes are tucked beneath the rear seats, while the front passenger seat folds flat for added load carrying capacity (not available on leather-trimmed models). A locking dual glove box, center console storage, one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors and a multitude of cupholders and power points are standard. Frontier Crew Cab also offers an available leather-appointed interior and available tilt and sliding moonroof.

Ample Power for Active Lifestyles
The heart and soul of the Frontier is its rugged F-Alpha platform. Starting with a full-size, fully boxed ladder frame, the F-Alpha platform provides a rugged foundation on which to build. Constructed of high tensile-strength steel, the platform provides structural rigidity for rock-solid performance on- and off-road.

Frontier's long 125.9-inch wheelbase helps enhance ride comfort, while the overall length of 205.5 inches (King Cab and Crew Cab Regular Bed) is a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup. Frontier shares its suspension layout and many component designs with the Titan, including its all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for off-road performance.

Exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading ability is provided, in large measure, by its powerful engine - a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0-liter DOHC V6 is specifically tuned for the unique demands of truck use. Besides smooth torque delivery, the V6 offers good fuel efficiency and smooth operation. The 4.0-liter V6 design includes a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS), silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, Teflon®-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft, digital knock control system, high capacity muffler and lightweight aluminum block and cylinder heads.

The Frontier V6 is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine production facility in Decherd, Tenn., which also produces Titan's 5.6-liter V8. An advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, with 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft torque, is also available on the Frontier King Cab S-I4 and SV-I4 4x2 models.

Frontier is offered with a choice of transmissions - a smooth 5-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual or 5-speed manual transmission (King Cab 4-cylinder models). Frontier 4x4 models include a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer case.

Frontier 4x4 models are available with 4-wheel limited-slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low traction surfaces. The available Hill Descent Control feature allows slow hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal. Hill Descent Control must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and is available only when the transfer case is engaged in 4H or 4LO (it works in both forward and reverse). It can be activated at speeds up to 21 mph in 4H and 15 mph in 4LO. Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver to stop on an incline, release the brake pedal and not roll back for up to two seconds while the driver moves their foot to the accelerator for a smooth, controlled start. HSA operates in 4x4 models in 2WD, 4H and 4LO. HSA is designed for rugged, low-speed off-road driving situations. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all V6 Frontier SV, SL and PRO-4X 4x4 automatic transmission-equipped models. A 2-Wheel Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system is standard on all 4x2 models.

All key underbody hardware is tucked up to the frame rails for a minimum 8.9 inches (4x4) or 8.6 inches (4x2) of running ground clearance on V6-equipped S, SV, SL and PRO-4X models. Every Frontier also offers good approach and departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.

Other Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Frontier is offered with a range of available wheels and tires, including 16-inch off road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 white-letter tires and 18-inch wheels with 265/60R18 tires.

Frontier's maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,500 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped).

The 2013 Frontier includes a long list of safety equipment, including Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a occupant classification sensor), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. Also standard are 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants, including center position (Crew Cab), 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

A Wide Range of Available Models
The 2013 Nissan Frontier is available in a wide range of models and configurations. The Frontier King Cab is offered in four well-equipped models: Frontier S-I4 4x2 (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SV-I4 4x2 and (2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier Desert Runner (4.0-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SV-V6 4x2 or 4x4 (4.0-liter V6, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); and PRO-4X 4x4 (5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual). PRO-4X King Cab models receive a factory-applied spray-on bedliner, bed rail caps, Utili-track channel system and four adjustable tie-down cleats.

The 2013 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is offered in S, SV, SL and PRO-4X models, in regular or Long Bed body styles (SV and SL), each offered with a standard 4.0-liter V6 and a choice of 4x4 or 4x2 drivelines PRO-4X 4x4 and Desert Runner 4x2 only).

Frontier Crew Cab S, SV models and the Frontier PRO-4X 4x4 are offered with either 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, while Crew Cab SL models are available with the 5-speed automatic transmission only. New for 2013 is the Desert Runner (4.0-liter V6 and automatic transmission), featuring Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, 16-inch Off-Road wheels and tires and unique design elements.

The PRO-4X (4x4 only) features Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, skid plates on the fuel tank, oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with large BFGoodrich 265/75R16 Rugged Trail tires. All PRO-4Xs also feature body-colored grille and bumpers, outside mirrors and door handles and fog lamps. Added comfort and convenience features include cruise control, remote keyless entry power windows and door locks and dual power outside mirrors.

The PRO-4X interior includes leather-appointed white-stitched shifter knob (M/T only) and steering wheel, chrome accent ring around the white-faced meter gauges and trip computer.

The new Frontier Desert Runner (4x2 only) includes 16-inch Off-Road aluminum-alloy wheels, 265/75R16 BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires, Bilstein® off-road high-pressure shocks, 8-way manual driver's seat, unique seat cloth, embroidered Frontier logo on the front seats, Satin Chrome ring accent around white-faces meter gauges, fog lights, painted rear bumper, unique bedside Desert Runner decals, Desert Runner tailgate badge, Satin Chrome grille and trip computer.

A limited number of option packages are offered for the 2013 Frontier, starting with the S Preferred Package (King Cab I4 models only), which adds air conditioner and AM/FM/CD with digital clock.

The new SV Value Truck Package (SV V6 models only) adds fog lights, RearView Monitor, rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, 2 additional speakers (King Cab), auto-dimming mirror with compass and temperature, spray-in bedliner, Utili-TrackÔ system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, sliding bed extender, trailer hitch, floor mats, Vehicle Security System (VSS) and in-cabin microfilter.

Frontier Crew Cab PRO-4X models have an available PRO-4X Luxury Package, which features leather-appointed seating with PRO-4X logo, 8-way power driver's seat, 4-way power front passenger's seat, heated front seats, dual heated outside rearview mirrors, rear fold-down center armrest, Nissan Navigation system, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, tilt and slide moonroof and roof rack with crossbars. Frontier SL models are available with the SL Moonroof Package with a tilt and sliding moonroof.