2027 Nissan Frontier King Cab

The midsize truck segment is filled with solid choices, but for those who like V6 power, terrific off-road capability, and the old-school feel of hydraulic steering, the 2027 Nissan Frontier could be just the right fit. It’s available with a choice of two cabs and two bed lengths, and the V6 comes standard. It’s a solid all-around truck, with the ability to tow more than 7,000 pounds and carry nearly 1,600 pounds of payload. It has very comfortable seats and a smooth ride, and there are excellent off-road-ready trims. In addition, every Frontier is protected by the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of safety features.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize trucks, including the Nissan Frontier.

Nissan offers off-road-biased trim levels, from the Pro-X and Pro-4X to the Pro-4X R by Roush. For 2027, there is a new choice. The Sport Edition is a package added onto the SV trim that includes black 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and an aluminum skid plate. It offers some styling cues of the Pro-4X, such as LED fog lights and front accent lighting, and yellow accents inside and out. This package is an affordable add-on to the already affordable SV, making it an easy way to go off-road while sticking to a budget. For those who like the looks and aren’t going off-road, it’s also available with 2-wheel drive (2WD).

Looking at the rest of the lineup, the wireless smartphone charging in the Pro Convenience package has been updated to support faster charging and includes an integrated fan for improved cooling. Nissan added a new paint color, Alpine Metallic.

The Frontier’s main competitors are the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Toyota Tacoma. Because the Tacoma and the Frontier are the only two that offer extended cabs, they have the two lowest starting prices. Compare crew cab pricing across the board, and prices start within about $1,000 for all but the Canyon, which starts at over $40,000.

Before buying a new Frontier, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale values for the Frontier Crew Cab are just above the class average, and the King Cab is a fraction below. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The squared-off styling, nicely planted feel, burble of the V6, and hydraulic steering give the Frontier a solid and substantial feel. That’s bolstered by the steady power delivery of the Frontier’s 310-hp V6 engine. That power, combined with the smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission, comfortable seats, and stable ride, makes daily driving a pleasure. Our editors praise the excellent low-end power delivery, which comes in especially handy off-road. But if you are used to the light feel of electric steering, the Frontier’s hydraulic steering will feel heavy. Off-road, the Frontier feels sure-footed and confident. The added trail-tested features of the Pro trim levels, such as an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein shocks, allow you to go further off the beaten path.

Payload and Towing

Maximum payload is 1,590 pounds, achieved by the rear-drive S King Cab. This combination in the S trim also offers the Frontier’s best towing capacity: 7,150 pounds. It isn’t best-in-class, but it offers plenty of towing capacity for a decent-sized trailer or boat.

The Frontier’s cabin has a clean, straightforward layout, with a substantial steering wheel and plenty of physical knobs and dials that are easy to reach while driving. There are plenty of modern amenities here, such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard on all trims except the S), available wireless smartphone connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more. The King Cab seats up to four people, and the Crew Cab can seat five. When it comes to rear-seat legroom, the Crew Cab is more snug than its rivals.

Standard V6 engine
While much of this segment has moved to turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, we like that Nissan opted for a straightforward, naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 in the Frontier. It makes as much power as some optional engines in rival trucks.

Pro trim levels
Nissan has several trim levels that cater to varying levels of off-road adventure. These “Pro” models have a distinctive style, excellent capability, and reasonable pricing.

Comfortable front seats
Nissan knows what it’s doing with its front seats. We’ve found the ones in the Frontier to be exceptional, even on long distances.