Used 2020 Nissan Frontier

For 2020, Nissan has added a significant update to a pickup that’s been around for quite some time. Although the 2020 Frontier looks a lot like the same old thing going back many years, it is worth checking out simply because of the new engine and transmission. When the all-new 2021 Nissan Frontier arrives, this 3.8-liter V6 and 9-speed automatic transmission will be found under its skin.

The main selling point with the 2020 Frontier is that it uses a simple truck formula, but it’s completely modern under the hood. Because of that new engine/transmission combination, fuel economy is on par with the Toyota Tacoma, and acceleration is actually better than the Tacoma.

With the 2020 Nissan Frontier, there’s beauty in simplicity. If you’re looking for a fancy, state of the art interior, this isn’t the truck for you. Big touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, lane-departure prevention, adaptive cruise control – you won’t find any of that here. You do get push-button start and a decent level of standard comfort features.

However, if you like the look of the current Frontier combined with modern driving experience, it’s worth considering. When it comes to truck attributes, the Frontier barely tops the Tacoma in maximum towing capacity (it’s rated at 6,720 pounds), and it has more horsepower, more torque, and more ground clearance than the Tacoma.

Thanks to the new engine and 9-speed transmission, the improvement in acceleration is noticeable right away. Without a load in the bed, this pickup’s pick up is impressive. Not only does the truck feel quicker than the previous V6-powered Frontier, it also feels quicker than a 2020 V6-powered Tacoma. The engine’s responsiveness is a real high point. It almost feels like a sport truck. For Nissan fans, the 2020 Frontier feels a lot like the supercharged Frontier from several years ago.

Because of that new engine, the Frontier is really quiet for a truck. Unlike the Tacoma and the old Frontier, there’s no loud growling/whirring kind of noisiness. As a result, at highway speeds, you can kind of hear some wind noise coming from around the mirrors. The all-terrain tires on the PRO-4X make a little bit of noise too.

Based on driving dynamics alone, the 2020 Frontier is very good. The ride is a great combination of firm-but-comfortable. On-road handling isn’t the best, as the pickup does lean quite a bit, but it is a body-on-frame truck so that’s to be expected. The Frontier is also surprisingly good at absorbing small road imperfections. However, there is a little extra movement when going over big bumps at speeds above 40 mph. In terms of overall quiet and comfort on the road, the Chevrolet Colorado is a little more pleasant, and the Frontier better than the Tacoma.

Basic is the overall theme here. There’s not a lot to love or hate, it’s just functional. Pessimists will say it looks old, but an optimist will see it as “authentic,” especially when it comes to doing real-truck work or off-roading. If you need a truck that can get dirty inside without much complaining, this is it.

The PRO-4X version comes standard with NissanConnect and navigation as well as a parking camera, but it all runs through a 5.8-inch touchscreen. That’s very small by today’s standards. For comparison, the Toyota Tacoma has an 8-inch touchscreen and the Subaru Outback has an 11.6-inch screen. Frontier S and SV models come with a 7-inch touchscreen radio, but that does not include navigation.

Despite, the basic vibe, the seats are comfortable, and the controls are easy to reach. A new-for-2020 item is push-button start. The SV Value package adds two additional audio-system speakers, an auto-dimming mirror, a vehicle security system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

There are three distinct flavors for the 2020 Frontier: base S, mid-grade SV, and off-road-ready PRO-4X. In addition, both King Cab and Crew Cab versions are available. Think of the King Cab as a traditional “extended cab” with small access doors on both sides, as well as small “jump” seats that may accommodate a kid or two. The Crew Cab has four traditional doors and can comfortably fit adults in the back seat. On the Crew Cab SV, buyers can opt for a Special Edition package which adds a trip computer, special chrome grille, a body-color rear bumper, and 18-inch wheels.

Rear-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive versions are offered, as are short- and long-bed configurations. There are also standard- and long-wheelbase versions. The long-wheelbase Frontier is a Crew Cab with a long bed. In that configuration, it looks a little awkward — as a 17-foot-long midsize truck sometimes can.

In addition to the Special Edition package, there’s also the Midnight Edition with blacked-out wheels, bumpers and trim.

FRONTIER PRO-4X MODEL
This version of the Frontier looks cool. The wheels, roofrack and body-color outside mirrors give this version of the Frontier a classic “Tough Truck” look.

3.8-LITER V6 ENGINE
The new engine makes the Frontier fun. It feels quick but delivers its power without excessive noise or harshness.

Happily, the 2020 Nissan Frontier S starts with the new 3.8-liter direct-injection V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission. This is the only engine/transmission combination for 2020. Other standard Frontier S features include cloth seats, rear jump seats, 16-in steel wheels, a chrome rear bumper, a black front bumper, and front, side and side-curtain airbags. Also standard are air-conditioning, Bluetooth, a backup camera, a 7-in color touchscreen, a USB/iPod port and Siri Eyes Free, cruise control, two 12-volt DC power outlets, keyless entry, and power windows with auto-down for the driver’s window only.

The Frontier SV adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a manual-sliding rear window, power outside mirrors, bed-rail caps, a body-color front bumper, vehicle immobilizer, oil pressure and voltage gauges, and both sun visors have vanity mirrors.

Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab models include Bilstein off-road shocks, skid-plates on the fuel tank, oil pan, and transfer case, electronic locking rear differential, 16-inch alloy wheels with a unique finish, and 265/75R16 off-road tires.

All PRO-4X models get a body-color grille, bumper, outside mirrors, and fog light housing. Inside, PRO-4X model drivers enjoy a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, white-faced gauges, and a trip computer.

Instead of the 7-inch touchscreen, PRO-4X models get NissanConnect and navigation with a 5.8-inch touchscreen. This system also includes voice recognition for the navigation and audio system, satellite radio, and streaming audio via Bluetooth.

Option packages available for the 2020 Frontier include the Midnight Edition. This appearance package adds gloss-black paint to the grille, wheels and mirrors, and includes a Midnight Edition badge. This is available only on Crew Cab SV short-bed versions.

Opt for the Value Truck Package on the SV trim and you get rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, two additional audio-system speakers, an auto-dimming mirror with built-in compass and outside temperature display, spray-in bedliner, the Utili-Track bed system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, heated cloth seats, fog lights, a tailgate/bed extender, and a trailer hitch.

Finally for 2020, there’s a Special Edition Package on Crew Cab SV short-bed models. This includes a trip computer, matte-finish chrome grille, a body-color rear bumper, and 18-inch wheels.

For the 2020 model year, the Nissan Frontier comes with one powertrain setup: a new 3.8-liter 310 horsepower engine and a new 9-speed automatic transmission. This configuration adds both quicker acceleration and some much-needed horsepower and torque bragging rights to Nissan’s midsize truck.

3.8-liter V6
310 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
281 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (rear-wheel drive) 17/23 mpg (4-wheel drive)