Nissan Frontier specifications and photos
The 2021 Nissan Frontier marks the introduction of the midsize pickup's third generation, featuring a rugged, updated design and improved cabin technology. It pairs a standard V6 engine with a modern nine-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations to suit their daily driving or utility needs.
Nissan Frontier at a glance
Quick model context before comparing photos and trim-level specifications.
The 2021 Nissan Frontier retains its rugged foundation, utilizing the updated F-Alpha platform shared with the larger Titan. This generation focuses on major styling updates and improved passenger comfort. The traditional double-wishbone front suspension and solid rear axle remain, but the body now uses hydraulic mounts to reduce road vibrations by up to 80 percent. The powertrain consists of a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 314 horsepower, connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission. This generation is aimed at buyers seeking a durable, midsize utility vehicle with updated technology and styling, without losing the capabilities of a traditional body-on-frame truck.
- Power: 314 hp
- Engine displacement: 3799 cc
- Transmissions: 9-speed automatic
- Seating: 5 seats
Photos, trims and specifications for Nissan Frontier
This model page brings gallery images, trim comparison, and detailed technical data together for the 2021 generation.
Estimate fuel cost
Use trim-level fuel consumption data to estimate monthly and yearly fuel spending.
Fuel costs are estimates. Real consumption can change with driving style, traffic, tires, weather, load, and market-specific equipment.
Nissan Frontier overview
Editorial context for design, cabin, performance, practicality, and buyer notes.
Design
The exterior design of this Frontier generation adopts a bold, angular look with a vertical grille and a flat hood line that gives the truck a muscular stance. Standard versions ride on 16-inch wheels, while off-road-oriented trims upgrade to 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. For demanding terrain, the Pro-4X trim adds functional exterior upgrades, including three metal underbody skid plates to protect vital components.
Interior
Inside the cabin, Nissan modernized the layout while keeping key controls intuitive. A choice of an 8-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display occupies the center dashboard, offering compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Nissan also focused on refinement by adding extra sound insulation to reduce cabin noise. The physical rotary dial for the transfer case has been moved closer to the steering wheel for easier reach.
Performance
Power comes from a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine that generates 314 horsepower and 381 Nm of torque. The engine works alongside a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier is available with rear-wheel drive or a part-time four-wheel-drive system featuring a low-range transfer case. The off-road-focused Pro-4X model enhances capability with Bilstein shock absorbers and an electronic locking rear differential.
Practicality
The Frontier is available in three main configurations to balance passenger space and cargo capacity. The two-door King Cab features two rows of seating and a 1,860 mm cargo bed on a 3,200 mm wheelbase. The four-door Crew Cab has a shorter 1,510 mm cargo bed on the same wheelbase. For maximum space, a long-wheelbase Crew Cab variant extends the wheelbase to 3,551 mm and pairs the four-door cabin with the longer 1,860 mm bed.
Safety and tech
Safety features are highlighted by the standard inclusion of eight airbags and the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite. This package contains automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional driver assistants include adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system for easier parking and trail navigation.
Buyer notes
When choosing a Frontier, buyers should weigh cabin space against cargo utility. The King Cab is ideal for occasional passengers and maximum bed length, while the Crew Cab serves better for daily passenger transport. Off-road enthusiasts will find the Pro-4X trim highly compelling due to its upgraded suspension, skid plates, and locking differential. Specs like fuel economy vary slightly between the 2WD and 4WD configurations, with 4WD models showing slightly higher consumption.
Trims and key specifications
Use this table to compare the main differences between available configurations.
| Trim / modification | Engine | Power | Seats | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8i V6 (314 hp) 9-speed automatic | 3799 cc | 314 hp | 5 | 9-speed automatic |
| 3.8i V6 (314 hp) 9-speed automatic 4x4 | 3799 cc | 314 hp | 5 | 9-speed automatic |
Specifications can vary by market, model year, and equipment package. Use the trim sections below to review the full data for each configuration.
Nissan Frontier photo gallery
14 images are collected here with the main specifications and trim data for this model.
Photo Nissan Frontier
Specifications by trim
Choose a configuration below to open full technical data grouped by category.
3.8i V6 (314 hp) 9-speed automatic 32 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 13.1 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 9.8 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 11.8 |
Engine
| Engine | 3.8i V6 |
|---|---|
| Engine code | VQ38DD |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 3799 |
| Cylinder layout | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves | 24 |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Power, hp | 314 |
| RPM at max power | 6400 |
| Torque, Nm | 381 |
| RPM at max torque | 4400 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 5339 |
| Height, mm | 1822 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 3200 |
| Front track, mm | 1570 |
| Rear track, mm | 1570 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 2064 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 79 |
| Turning circle, m | 13 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 205 |
| Width without mirrors, mm | 1854 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 9 |
| Automatic transmission | + |
3.8i V6 (314 hp) 9-speed automatic 4x4 32 specifications
Specifications
Performance and consumption
| Fuel consumption city, L/100 km | 13.8 |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption highway, L/100 km | 10.7 |
| Fuel consumption combined, L/100 km | 12.4 |
Engine
| Engine | 3.8i V6 |
|---|---|
| Engine code | VQ38DD |
| Engine type | Internal combustion engine |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Engine displacement, cc | 3799 |
| Cylinder layout | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Valves | 24 |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Power, hp | 314 |
| RPM at max power | 6400 |
| Torque, Nm | 381 |
| RPM at max torque | 4400 |
Dimensions
| Seats | 5 |
|---|---|
| Length, mm | 5339 |
| Height, mm | 1822 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 3200 |
| Front track, mm | 1570 |
| Rear track, mm | 1570 |
| Kerb weight, kg | 2064 |
| Fuel tank capacity, L | 79 |
| Turning circle, m | 13 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 205 |
| Width without mirrors, mm | 1854 |
Transmission and drive
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
|---|---|
| Transmission type | automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 9 |
| Automatic transmission | + |
Nissan Frontier questions
Short answers based on the specifications and photos available in this catalog.
What body styles are available for the 2021 Nissan Frontier?
The Frontier is a midsize pickup truck available in two-door King Cab and four-door Crew Cab configurations. The Crew Cab can also be ordered with an extended wheelbase for a longer cargo bed.
What engine powers the 2021 Nissan Frontier?
It is powered by a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine producing 314 horsepower and 381 Nm of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2021 Nissan Frontier offer four-wheel drive?
Yes, the truck is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or a part-time four-wheel-drive system (4x4) that includes a low-range gear set.
What safety features come standard on this truck?
Standard safety equipment includes eight airbags and the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which features automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
What is the Pro-4X trim?
The Pro-4X is an off-road-focused version of the Frontier equipped with Bilstein dampers, 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, three metal skid plates, and an electronic locking rear differential.