By Veeno Dewan.
The Nissan Frontier pickup has been a solid performer for Nissan, and this rugged dependable work and play truck continues to deliver. When it comes to the styling of the 2025 Nissan Frontier, there is now a more edgy squared-off defined look. Meanwhile front and rear LED exterior lighting is standard. A choice of body configurations is available, with either a King Cab or Crew Cab, five-foot or six-foot bed. The King Cab (extended cabin) can be had with the long bed; and the crew cab is available with either bed depending on the trim. Added to the bed on all trims is a smoother operating damped tailgate and the bed height has been increased by 2.6 cm. New for 2025 is the adaption of a tilt/telescoping steering column, a revised grill and bumper, 12.3-inch infotainment and more standard driver assist technology.
In terms of powertrains, the Nissan Frontier has a gasoline 3.8-liter V-6 engine with 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. There is part-time AWD. and Hill descent control is standard. Load and towing ability is good, the Frontier can tow up to 6,490 lbs when properly equipped, and a trailer-sway control system is standard, which automatically activates the brakes if the trailer begins to waggle. Cargo capacity is up to 1,430 lbs.
The Frontier model range starts out in 7 trim levels ranging from $47,998 to $57,098. The entry-level, SV Crew Cab model starts at $47,998 The price for the mid-range PRO-4X Crew Cab trim is $53,498 MSRP. The most expensive in the lineup, PRO-4X Luxury Crew Cab LWB is priced at $57,098 Freight and PDI is $2,030. All trims include standard adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and emergency front and rear braking.
The interior is a significant improvement over the last generation with better driver ergonomics, design, and comfort. Nissan’s Zero Gravity brand front seats are comfortable and supportive on long drives., Standard is a 7-inch analogue/digital gauge cluster, a new-for-2025 12.3-inch infotainment display, heated front seats and steering wheel, plus wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Buyers also gain Type A and Type C ports, and two 12-volt outlets and a 360-degree birds-eye camera view, which has an off-road mode while moving up to 10 km/h is also available. Wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and NissanConnect, also arrive on some models. The rear legroom and shoulder room in the four door Crew Cab is adequate while the King Cab models have smallish folding rear jump seats that are more cramped. The Pro 4X version we tested added a substantial number of extra features in the optional $3,000 Luxury package as fitted which included: a premium Fender audio system with 10 speakers, including dual subwoofers, leather front and rear seats. Nissan Homelink UGDO system. Nissan door to door navigation. Auto dimming mirror, traffic sign recognition, and auto tilt and slide sunroof. Floor mats, splash guards, and Pearl blue paint ($300)
In terms of safety, Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of driver aids is standard across all trims, and includes: forward collision warning, intelligent cruise control, lane-departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, and rear auto braking.
On the road, the Frontier offers decent enough handling with its rack and pinion steering and some off-road ability with its 2 Wheel and 4-wheel drive modes. The engine has strong low- to midrange power and is smooth in operation. The transmission shifts almost seamlessly, though it has a slight delay on passing. But nothing of great concern. A four-wheel limited-slip system transfers power to the wheels that need it when traction is compromised. Hill-start and hill descent assists are standard. Even over potholes, and rougher than normal roads, the Frontier remains largely composed. Natural Resources Canada rates the 2025 all-wheel drive Frontier at 13.3 L/100 km city, 10.9 highway and 12.3 combined.
To sum up, the new improvements were long overdue and add a whole lot more to this tough, versatile truck. Also, note that you can spec this truck with a slew of option that make it even more luxurious. Highlights are the strong V6 engine. Negatives are few – no smaller four-cylinder engine and no hybrid either. Overall, the Crew Cab is the one to get of you need to seat five, but if you need to occasionally seat four, the King cab is fine. Highly recommended as an excellent truck for work or play.
2025 Nissan Frontier priced as tested – $59,428 including options, freight and PDE.
More info at www.nissan.ca
