Nissan Has Given The 2025 Frontier a Feel-Good Update, With V6 For Those Who Are Scared of Turbos

In a midsize truck market that’s grown obsessed with high-tech suspensions, hybrid complexity, and turbocharged efficiency experiments, the 2025 Nissan Frontier remains defiantly simple—and all the better for it. Whether you’re on the job site, heading into the woods, or just hauling mulch on the weekend, the Frontier’s appeal is rooted in something many buyers still crave: reliability you can feel, not just read about in brochures. I just spent a week test-driving the top-of-the-line SL trim, and what stood out wasn’t just the leather or tech. It was that old-school confidence. There’s a reason some truck buyers are running away from turbocharged engines in the Toyota Tacoma and finding sanctuary in the Frontier’s naturally aspirated V6 - it feels like the last of a dying breed, and Nissan knows exactly what it’s doing keeping it alive.

Let’s be real. There’s a whole ecosystem of YouTube videos, Facebook group threads, and campfire talk centered around “those turbos are gonna blow up any minute.” It’s not entirely fair - modern turbo engines have come a long way, and I’ll be the first to say they aren’t the ticking time bombs they were once thought to be. But perception still matters, especially in the truck world, where trust builds slowly and dies fast. And the Frontier has one big, uncomplicated selling point: a 310-hp naturally aspirated 3.8L V6 mated to a 9-speed automatic. No boost. No batteries. Just a solid, proven combo that doesn’t ask you to trust a new tech trend. For buyers who want a workhorse more than a science experiment, that’s a powerful reason to give this truck a second look.

What’s New for 2025 Nissan Frontier?

For 2025, Nissan didn’t reinvent the Frontier, but it did something arguably more important—it fine-tuned it where it counts. The updates are subtle at a glance, but when you live with the truck, they make a real difference. Most visibly, the Frontier gets a light styling refresh with a reworked grille and front bumper that help it look a little tougher and more cohesive, especially in trims like the PRO-4X. New wheels for the PRO-X and PRO-4X add just enough visual flair, and a new “Afterburn Orange” paint color gives the Frontier some welcome personality. It’s a bold, offbeat shade—think burnt copper with attitude—and on the road, it turns heads in a sea of grayscale trucks.

But the real changes happen under the surface. One of the most noticeable upgrades in the SL trim I tested is the optional new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. It’s crisp, fast, and now supports wireless Android Auto (finally)—a big quality-of-life boost for anyone tired of juggling USB cables. The addition of a 360-degree exterior camera system makes parking and trail driving less of a guesswork operation, especially in tighter spaces or low-visibility situations. Nissan also added a standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a long-overdue ergonomic fix that lets drivers of all sizes dial in a better position behind the wheel.

Comfort gets a nod too. Two-way power lumbar adjustment is now standard on the SV, PRO, and SL trims, which is great news for anyone planning long hours in the driver’s seat. Plus, if you need a longer bed for work or gear but still want some creature comforts, you’ll appreciate that the six-foot bed option is now available on all trims except the base S.

Perhaps most importantly for those who tow or haul heavy, maximum towing capacity has been bumped up to 7,150 pounds. That’s a quiet but meaningful enhancement, especially as more midsize buyers are using these trucks as dual-duty rigs - weekday tools and weekend adventure machines.

On the safety side, Nissan has added several previously optional driver-assist features to the standard roster: lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams are now baked into every 2025 Frontier. It’s a sign that Nissan is working to keep the truck competitive with newer rivals like the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma, which have recently leaped ahead in tech and safety. But rather than chasing flash, Nissan chose to refine function - and for a truck that prides itself on keeping things simple and honest, that feels like the right move.

2025 Nissan Frontier's Trims and Pricing

The 2025 Nissan Frontier lineup offers a straightforward range of trims that cater to different needs, from no-nonsense work trucks to off-roaders and near-luxury daily drivers. It starts with the base S trim at $33,560, which is aimed squarely at budget-conscious buyers who need a capable tool for the job. Stepping up to the SV at $35,900 adds more comfort and convenience features, making it a solid middle-ground choice and often the volume seller. The PRO-X ($39,980) brings off-road looks and handling enhancements in a 4x2 setup, while the PRO-4X ($43,280) is the real trail-ready rig with 4WD, skid plates, and beefed-up suspension.

Sitting at the top of the range is the SL trim, priced at $43,320, which I test drove. It’s geared toward buyers who want rugged ability without sacrificing tech, premium touches, or ride quality - essentially giving you a bit of everything without stepping into full-size territory. Overall, Nissan keeps the pricing competitive and simple, especially for buyers who appreciate a truck that doesn’t try to nickel-and-dime every option.

Nissan Frontier's Cost of Ownership

Let's chat about what it really costs to own a Nissan Frontier beyond just the sticker price. When you're thinking about picking one up, you're not just paying for the truck itself. You've got to factor in things like how much you'll be shelling out for gas, which can definitely add up depending on how much you drive. Then there's insurance – that can vary quite a bit based on your driving record and where you live. Don't forget about regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and maybe even some bigger repairs down the line. All these things together paint a clearer picture of the long-term financial commitment.

Beyond those regular expenses, think about potential unexpected costs too. Will you need new tires sooner than expected? What about brake replacements? And while Nissan Frontiers are generally known for their reliability, every vehicle can have issues pop up. Plus, if you're planning on financing your purchase, you'll have interest payments to consider. And finally, don't overlook the eventual depreciation – the value of your truck will decrease over time, which is something to keep in mind when you eventually decide to sell or trade it in. So, while the initial price is important, understanding the full cost of ownership gives you a much better sense of the real investment.

Engine and Transmission

At the heart of the 2025 Nissan Frontier lies a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers a solid 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque - numbers that are right in line with, or better than, some turbocharged competitors. The key here is naturally aspirated. No turbos, no electrification - just good old-fashioned mechanical simplicity, which is becoming something of a rarity in today’s turbo-heavy midsize truck segment. Paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery feels confident and linear, making the Frontier a pleasant drive both around town and on the open highway. This drivetrain combination isn’t just about numbers - it’s about trust and long-term durability. It’s no wonder many truck shoppers wary of turbo reliability, especially those skeptical of the new four-cylinder turbo setup in the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma, are migrating toward the Frontier as the last V6 holdout in its class.

From behind the wheel, the 2025 Frontier gives off a surprisingly refined and composed vibe. We tested the PRO-4X model - tuned for off-road adventures - and found the V6 not only had enough muscle for moderate trail work, but also offered a smoothness that’s easy to live with during everyday use. Where some trucks in this class might feel jittery or overly bouncy when unloaded, the Frontier manages to ride with composure thanks to recent chassis and suspension tuning. Nissan has also improved the steering for 2025, making it quicker and more direct, which goes a long way toward making the truck feel less truck-ish in tight corners or parking lots. While it’s not going to out-crawl a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, the Frontier isn’t trying to be that. It’s aiming for the sweet spot between capability, comfort, and long-term reliability - and with this V6 and 9-speed pairing, it hits that target with reassuring confidence.

PMG and Towing

When it comes to capability and efficiency, the 2025 Nissan Frontier strikes a practical balance that suits most midsize truck buyers. The rear-wheel-drive model delivers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, while opting for four-wheel drive drops those figures slightly to 18 city and 22 highway - numbers that are respectable for a naturally aspirated V6 but not class-leading. Still, for those prioritizing mechanical simplicity and long-term durability over peak fuel savings, the tradeoff may be worth it. On the capability front, the Frontier can tow up to 7,150 pounds when properly equipped, which is competitive but does fall a bit short of segment leaders like the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Jeep Gladiator, which top out above 7,600 pounds. Payload capacity is up to 1,610 pounds, offering enough muscle for hauling everything from dirt bikes to lumber runs. It’s not the segment’s strongest spec sheet, but it’s more than adequate for the weekend warrior or light-duty contractor who doesn’t need full-size truck numbers.

Interior of The 2025 Nissan Frontier and Its Infotainment

The 2025 Nissan Frontier's interior lands in that sweet middle ground between rugged functionality and everyday comfort - exactly what you'd expect from a truck that’s all about keeping things simple yet satisfying. While it doesn’t boast the ultra-slick design language or digital overload of newer rivals like the Chevy Colorado or 2024 Toyota Tacoma, it still delivers an honest and thoughtful cabin layout. There’s a mix of soft-touch materials, tasteful trim pieces, and enough modern features to keep it feeling fresh without veering into over-styled territory. Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats are a standout, especially for those who spend serious time behind the wheel. These seats are sculpted to reduce fatigue, and they genuinely deliver on their promise of long-haul comfort - whether you're commuting to a job site or road-tripping through the mountains.

In the second row, the space isn’t cavernous, but it’s decently usable - especially in the Crew Cab configuration, which offers enough room for adult passengers on shorter rides or for kids with plenty of legroom. Nissan has also paid attention to practical touches: there’s under-seat storage in the back and a handy dash-top bin for your smaller gear, tools, or coffee stash. Depending on how you spec your Frontier, you can go with either the five-foot or six-foot bed, so interior and cargo versatility is part of the package.

Infotainment gets a meaningful upgrade for 2025. The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen is intuitive and clear, but it’s the new optional 12.3-inch display that really catches the eye - giving the dashboard a more premium vibe, especially in upper trims like the SL. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now come standard, and Nissan wisely keeps physical knobs for volume and tuning, which will please old-school truck fans who don’t want to tap through menus just to change a radio station.

For those who want a little more punch, there’s an optional nine-speaker Fender audio system, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charging - all of which help elevate the cabin from merely functional to something that feels modern, connected, and ready for daily duty.

If your idea of the perfect weekend involves loading up your gear and escaping into nature, the Nissan Frontier—especially in its PRO-4X trim - continues to be an unexpectedly perfect companion. Whether you're into mountain biking, kayaking, or fishing, its rugged build and utilitarian features make it ideal for outdoor adventures. In fact, we recently explored how the Frontier PRO-4X is surprisingly well-suited for explorative lifestyles, thanks to its off-road readiness and clever cargo space.

The Drive

When it comes to the driving experience, the 2025 Nissan Frontier doesn’t aim to dominate the midsize pickup class with brute speed, but it absolutely delivers where it counts for most drivers: in daily usability, smoothness, and confident control. The naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine might not set lap records, but it has a sweet spot in the midrange that makes merging onto highways or pulling up a hill feel natural and effortless. That 281 lb-ft of torque is right where you want it for real-world driving, and the nine-speed automatic transmission works quietly and seamlessly in the background. Even under full-throttle acceleration, shifts remain smooth and refined—something many trucks in this class still struggle to achieve.

Braking is another area where the Frontier shines more than expected. Whether you're inching through traffic in Charlotte rush hour or hauling gear down a mountain pass, the brake pedal feels progressive and predictable. There’s no sudden grab or overly soft travel - it’s tuned just right for the dual personality of a midsize truck: workhorse one minute, commuter the next.

Handling is also surprisingly confident for a vehicle built to be rugged. The Frontier feels stable and planted through curves, with good body control that inspires confidence. The biggest complaint here is the overly heavy steering - at low speeds, especially when parking or maneuvering off-road, it can feel like a bit of a chore. It’s an odd choice considering how well the rest of the chassis behaves. Still, for a truck that’s not chasing the crown for most luxurious or high-tech, the Frontier has seriously improved ride quality over its predecessor. It soaks up bumps well, stays composed even on rougher roads, and proves itself competent enough off-road, especially in the PRO-4X trim. Nissan may have borrowed a bit of its exterior vibe from Toyota, but when you compare the drive feel head-to-head, the 2025 Frontier arguably has the edge in overall ride quality and mid-range performance.

For those curious how the 2025 Frontier stacks up against its previous version, you might be surprised by how much - or how little - has changed in real-world performance. In our hands-on review of the 2023 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab, we took it off the beaten path and explored its full capability in rugged terrain. The PRO-4X left a strong impression with its balance of refinement and toughness, even if some traits like its suddenly stiff steering and unusual steering weight felt out of place.

If you're considering the 2025 Frontier but want to see what else Nissan has brewing across its lineup, you're in for an unexpected treat. From full-size SUVs to sleek sedans and luxury-infused crossovers, Nissan and its Infiniti sibling brand have made some bold and strategic updates for the 2025 model year. We recently rounded up the top Nissan and Infiniti vehicles that stand out for 2025, and there’s something in there for everyone - from work-ready practicality to premium performance.

So, is the 2025 Nissan Frontier the right midsize truck for your needs, or do its rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado offer more of what you’re looking for? If you’ve owned or test-driven the new Frontier, how does it stack up in terms of ride comfort, tech, and everyday usability?

I would love to hear your thoughts. Please drop a comment below and share your experience or opinion on where the Frontier hits the mark, and where you think Nissan could have gone further. Your insights help other truck shoppers make smarter decisions.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.