2012 Nissan Frontier Pricing, Specs & Reviews

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What's New for 2012:
- New Sport Appearance option package
- Stability control now standard on all trims

Exterior Features
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck available in extended cab (which Nissan calls King) or crew cab configurations, with a 5- or 6-foot pickup bed, in four trim levels: S, SV, PRO-4X and SL. The Frontier PRO-4X is designed for off-road use, with 18-inch wheels, upgraded suspension, skid plates for underbody protection, locking rear differential, off-road tires, and unique cosmetic treatments. The SL is available only with the crew cab. Properly equipped, the Frontier can tow 6,500 pounds.

Interior Features
The Frontier S model is basic, with cloth upholstery and 15-inch steel wheels standard, and air conditioning and 4-speaker sound system optional. Standard features on the SV include air conditioning, full power accessories, upgraded cloth upholstery, keyless entry, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, and more. The PRO-4X adds two-tone cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium sound system. The Frontier SL comes with leather upholstery, automatic headlights, optional sunroof, upgraded audio, 18-inch alloy wheels, and more.

Optional Features
The SV offers a Sport Appearance package, new for 2012, which upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels, exterior cosmetic touches, premium cloth upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, and an upgraded sound system. The PRO-4X offers a Luxury option package with the crew cab that includes a sunroof, roof rack, and leather upholstery.

Under the Hood
The Nissan Frontier's standard engine (featured on the extended cab S and SV trims) is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder rated at 152 horsepower, with rear-wheel drive (2WD) and a 5-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic transmission is optional. All Frontier PRO-4X trims, and all models with crew cabs, include a 4.0-liter, 261-horsepower V-6 engine, for which 4-wheel drive (4WD) is available.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Nissan Frontier are:
- Frontier with 4-cylinder engine and manual transmission: 19/23/21 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Frontier with 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission: 17/22/19 mpg
- Frontier with V-6 engine, 2WD and manual transmission: 16/20/17 mpg
- Frontier with V-6 engine, 4WD and automatic transmission: 14/19/16 mpg

Safety
Standard safety features on the Nissan Frontier include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side air bags, and side curtain air bags.

To date, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have tested the 2012 Nissan Frontier.