Nissan Frontier generations: Hardbody to the 2027 Frontier

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Nissan Frontier has had three generations: 1998–2004, 2005–2021 and 2022 to today, after the D21 Hardbody it replaced. Every 2027 Frontier uses a 310-hp 3.8L V6 and 9-speed automatic, priced from $32,490 to $42,690 before destination. Nissan rates maximum towing at 7,150 lb.

Type
Midsize pickup (King Cab or Crew Cab, 4x2 or 4x4)
Price (MSRP)
$32,490–$42,690 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,775 destination. Low = S King Cab 4x2; high = PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 with 6-ft bed. The SV Sport Edition package adds $990.[1]
Powertrains
Frontier 3.8L V6 4x2, Frontier 3.8L V6 4x4, Frontier PRO-4X · 310 hp
Towing
up to 7,150 lb (Maximum, for the Frontier S King Cab 4x2 when properly equipped. Nissan raised ratings by about 500 lb across the lineup for 2025.)[6]
Current generation
Third generation, 2022–present

2027 Nissan Frontier price and trims

The current Frontier launched for 2022. It comes as a King Cab (S only) or Crew Cab with a 5- or 6-foot bed. For 2027 Nissan added the SV Sport Edition package and a moonroof option for PRO grades.[12][13][14][15][16]

Nissan Frontier trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
S$32,490King Cab 4x2, 6-ft bed; King Cab 4x4 $35,490; Crew Cab 4x2 $33,890; Crew Cab 4x4 $36,890. Excl. $1,775 destination3.8L V6 (310 hp, 281 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12][16][17]
SV$36,490Crew Cab 4x2, 5-ft bed; 6-ft $36,990; 4x4 $39,790 (5-ft) / $40,290 (6-ft). Excl. $1,775 destination3.8L V6 (310 hp, 281 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12][16][17]
PRO-X$38,890Crew Cab 4x2, 5-ft bed. Excl. $1,775 destination3.8L V6 (310 hp, 281 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12][16][17]
PRO-4X$42,190Crew Cab 4x4, 5-ft bed; 6-ft bed $42,690. Excl. $1,775 destination3.8L V6 (310 hp, 281 lb-ft), 9-speed automatic[12][16][17]

Every Frontier trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Nissan Frontier engines, horsepower and mpg

Nissan dropped the 4-cylinder and the manual transmissions after the 2019 model year; EPA lists only the 3.8L V6 and 9-speed automatic from 2020.

Nissan Frontier powertrains with Nissan-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Frontier 3.8L V6 4x2S, SV, PRO-X3.8L direct-injection V6[2][3]3102819-speed automaticRWD (4x2)19/24/212027 MY[3]
Frontier 3.8L V6 4x4S, SV3.8L direct-injection V6[2][4]3102819-speed automaticPart-time 4WD17/21/192027 MY[4]
Frontier PRO-4XPRO-4X3.8L direct-injection V6[2][5]3102819-speed automaticPart-time 4WD16/20/182027 MY[5]

Output is as rated by Nissan; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Frontier generations at a glance

Engines as listed by EPA for each span; output figures are Nissan's.[10][7][2]

Frontier generations at a glance
1st gen (1998–2004)2nd gen (2005–2021)3rd gen (2022–)
Base engine2.4L 4-cyl2.5L 4-cyl (to 2019)3.8L V6
V63.3L (supercharged 2001–04)4.0L; 3.8L for 2020–213.8L, 310 hp
Manual5-speed5- or 6-speed (to 2019)None
Automatic4-speed5-speed; 9-speed 2020–219-speed
  • A 2020 or 2021 Frontier has the current V6 and 9-speed in the older body.
  • The last manual-transmission Frontier is a 2019.

The Frontier's 3.8L V6

Every Frontier since 2020 uses a direct-injection 3.8-liter V6 rated at 310 hp and 281 lb-ft, with a 9-speed automatic and idle stop/start. It arrived a model year before the redesigned truck, in the last of the second-generation Frontiers.

Before that, second-generation Frontiers used a 4.0L V6 or a 2.5L four-cylinder, and the first generation offered a 2.4L four or a 3.3L V6, including a supercharged version for 2001–2004. Nissan assembles the current engine in Decherd, Tennessee.[2][7][1][10]

PRO-4X and PRO-X

The PRO grades are the Frontier's off-road-oriented trims. Both have all-terrain tires, Bilstein off-road suspension components, over-fenders and red tow hooks. PRO-X is a Crew Cab 4x2 at $38,890; PRO-4X is a Crew Cab 4x4 from $42,190, which upgrades to an electronic locking differential.

EPA rates the 2027 PRO-4X at 16 city / 20 highway / 18 combined mpg, 1 mpg combined below a regular Frontier 4x4.[2][1][5][4]

Cabs, beds and the 2027 lineup

The 2027 Frontier comes as a King Cab (S only) or a Crew Cab with a 5-ft or 6-ft bed. Since 2025 the long bed is available across the lineup. New for 2027 is a $990 Sport Edition package with PRO-4X-inspired styling.[1][2]

Nissan Frontier generations by year

Every US Nissan Frontier generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Third generation2022–present3.8L V6 (310 hp, 281 lb-ft) with 9-speed automaticRedesigned for 2022 with styling that nods to the Hardbody. The 2025 update made the 6-ft bed available across the lineup, enlarged the screen to 12.3 inches and raised towing to 7,150 lb. Built in Canton, Mississippi.[7][8][2][1]
Second generation2005–20212.5L 4-cylinder and 4.0L V6 (2005–2019, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic); 3.8L V6 with 9-speed automatic (2020–2021)Nissan launched it for 2005 as the most powerful V6 truck in its class at the time. For 2020 the old body got the new 310-hp 3.8L V6, which Nissan says had 93% new or redesigned parts, and a 9-speed automatic.[8][9][7][10]
First generation1998–20042.4L 4-cylinder; 3.3L V6 from 1999 (supercharged version 2001–2004)Replaced the Hardbody for 1998. The Crew Cab, which Nissan calls the first compact truck with four full-size doors, arrived in 1999.[8][9][10]
Hardbody (predecessor)D211986–19974-cylinder and V6 engines; manual or automaticNissan introduced the Hardbody in 1985; the name comes from its double-walled bed. It was offered in standard and double cab configurations with rear- or four-wheel drive. EPA lists the redesigned “new version” truck from the 1986 model year.[8][11]

Nissan Frontier problems and recalls

The most significant documented Frontier problems are parking pawl recalls on 2020–2022 trucks that could let them roll away in Park, rust-related recalls on older trucks (2002–2004 steering shafts, 2005–2009 crash sensors in salt states), and a driver air bag emblem recall for 2008–2011. Newer trucks have door striker and ball joint recalls.

Documented Nissan Frontier issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Door strikers may be poorly welded and break (recall 26V023)[18]Third generation (2022 onward)2025–2026Recall 26V023
Daytime running lights may dim during idle stop-start (recall 25V508)[19]Third generation (2022 onward)2025Recall 25V508
Rearview camera screen may go blank (recall 25V324)[20]Third generation (2022 onward)2025Recall 25V324
Right front lower link ball joint may separate (recall 24V479)[21]Third generation (2022 onward)2024Recall 24V479
Tires may have a torn inner bead (recall 23V273)[22]Third generation (2022 onward)2023Recall 23V273
Transmission parking pawl may not engage (recall 22V457)[23]Second generation (2005–2021) and 20222020–2022Recall 22V457
Parking pawl may not engage (software follow-up) (recall 22V671)[24]Second generation (2005–2021) and 20222020–2022Recall 22V671
Back-up camera settings can hide the rear image (recall 19V654)[25]Second generation (2005–2021)2018–2019Recall 19V654

All 18 documented Frontier issues and 18 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Nissan Frontier.

More Frontier research

See how a Frontier was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of Nissan Frontier are there?

Three: 1998–2004, 2005–2021 and 2022 to today. Before 1998 Nissan's compact pickup was the D21 Hardbody.

What engine does the 2027 Frontier have?

Every 2027 Frontier has a 3.8L V6 rated at 310 hp and 281 lb-ft with a 9-speed automatic.

When did the Frontier get the 3.8L V6?

For the 2020 model year, in the second-generation truck. It carried over into the 2022 redesign.

How much can a Nissan Frontier tow?

Up to 7,150 lb for the S King Cab 4x2 when properly equipped. Other configurations are rated lower.

Can you still get a manual Frontier?

No. EPA lists manual-transmission Frontiers through 2019; from 2020 every Frontier has a 9-speed automatic.

How much does the 2027 Frontier cost?

From $32,490 (S King Cab 4x2) to $42,690 (PRO-4X Crew Cab 6-ft bed), before $1,775 destination.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Nissan for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2027 Nissan Frontier pricing starts at $32,490 (Jun 15, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  2. Nissan Frontier levels up for 2025 with fresh design and enhanced capabilities (Aug 5, 2024) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Nissan Frontier 2WD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Nissan Frontier 4WD — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Nissan Frontier 4WD PRO-4X — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  6. Nissan Vehicle Questions & Answers (Aug 24, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  7. All-new 2022 Nissan Frontier debuts in U.S. — Nissan Global Newsroom (global.nissannews.com)
  8. Nissan Heritage spotlight: the Hardbody legacy continues — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  9. Nissan Heritage: 1910 – 2009 — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  10. EPA model-year listings: Nissan Frontier and Truck 1998–2027 — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  11. EPA model-year listings: Nissan Truck (Hardbody) 1985–1997 — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  12. 2027 Nissan Frontier pricing starts at $32,490 (Jun 15, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  13. 2026 Nissan Frontier pricing starts at $32,150 (Aug 18, 2025) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  14. Nissan Frontier levels up for 2025 with fresh design and enhanced capabilities (Aug 5, 2024) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  15. 2023 Nissan Frontier prices start at $29,390 (Sep 29, 2022) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  16. 2027 Nissan Frontier Specs & Trims — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  17. Nissan Vehicle Questions & Answers (updated Aug 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  18. Recall 26V023: Improperly Welded Door Strikers/FMVSS 206 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 25V508: Daytime Running Lights Malfunction/FMVSS 108 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 25V324: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 24V479: Ball Joint May Separate from Lower Link — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Recall 23V273: Tires May Have Tear in Inner Bead — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 22V457: Unsecured Transmission May Cause Rollaway — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Recall 22V671: Unsecured Transmission May Cause Rollaway — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  25. Recall 19V654: No Back-Up Camera Display Image/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.