2014 Nissan Frontier Expert Review
Reviewed by Austin Lott
New for 2014
For the 2014 Frontier, Nissan made changes to the standard and available features list, including heated front cloth seats (standard of PRO-4X and optional on the SV trim), several new wheel choices, and certain crew cab models now get more as standard equipment (such as a manual sliding rear window). The latest NissanConnect infotainment system gets updated features and a 5.8-inch color display.
Vehicle Overview
The Frontier is Nissan's smaller pickup truck and slots below the full-size Titan in the automaker's lineup. The Frontier manages to combine competency with a small footprint, making it easy to use and versatile.
Summary
The 2014 Nissan Frontier comes in king and crew cab, with a five- or six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, and most trim levels can be had in rear- or four-wheel drive. The more economical 2.5-liter I-4 makes 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, can be paired with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic, and gets an EPA-estimated 17-19/23 mpg city/highway. Stepping up to the 261-hp 4.0-liter V-6 get you 281 lb-ft of torque, a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, and the option of four-wheel drive. EPA for the V-6 is 15-16/21-22 mpg, depending on transmission and drivetrain choices.
The Nissan Frontier PRO-4X trim outfits the capable truck with more off-road oriented features, including Bilstein suspension, skid plates, four-wheel limited slip, and some convenience items.
The 2014 Nissan Frontier received a three- to four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars) with the better rating going to 4WD models, and it earned a rating of good for three categories and one of acceptable (for head restraints and seats) in IIHS testing (the highest-possible rating is good).
What We Think
Our long-term 2012 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X 4x4 was well-respected and often used by the editors. We said although "the aging interior and trusty V-6 engine seemed to be a common complaint when the Motor Trend staff borrowed the truck, the Frontier is enduring and fun to drive with carlike steering, an easy-to-shift six-speed gearbox, the PRO-4X suspension package that rides well on- and off-road, and the 'just-my-size' feel for the weekend projecteer or the on-the-fly adventure seeker," and "we worked our tester to its capacities on a regular basis, and the truck shined through it all. Though it doesn't have the power or luxury of a full-size truck, the Frontier can haul, tow, and play just as hard."
Key Competitors
