Nissan Frontier Model Years and History

The Nissan Frontier maintains its current design for 2026 with minor updates.

The Nissan Frontier maintains its current generation design for 2025 with minor updates.

The Nissan Frontier carries over with minimal changes for 2024.

After a redesign in 2022 the Nissan Frontier rolls into 2023 with minimal changes.

The 2022 Nissan Frontier is in the third generation, fully redesigned and gets an upgraded interior. Although it is still using the previous generation frame, some components such as suspension are improved.

The are no significant changes to the Nissan Frontier in 2021.

Though this generation of Frontier has been around for a while now, Nissan has not stopped improving the truck, with 2020 bringing big changes underneath the skin of this mid-sized pickup. The 4.0L V6 and the smaller 2.5L 4-cylinder engine have both been replaced by a 3.8L V6. This new engine is far more modern than the ones it replaces and despite being smaller than the old V6, the new one makes an additional 49 horsepower. However, Nissan haven't stopped there, they've also replaced both of their old 5-speed transmissions with a new one featuring nine forward gears. With the new engine and transmission, the 2020 Frontier should be considerably quicker than any 2019 model, with better fuel economy as well.

The Nissan Frontier continues into 2019 as one of the best values in the compact pickup truck market. Changes for this year include a bigger 7-inch color display touchscreen for S and SV trimmed Frontiers as well as a new color, dubbed Cayenne Red. In addition, last year's Midnight Edition special has been carried over into 2019, giving buyers one more chance to order their frontier with the slick looking trim package.

The Nissan Frontier continues into 2018 mostly unchanged, however all trims are now available with a standard rearview camera. The base S model now includes standard air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth and a 5-inch color display. New to the lineup is the Midnight Edition package, which adds 18-inch gloss-black aluminum wheels, a gloss-black grille and other blacked-out trim pieces.

The Nissan Frontier continues into 2017 mostly unchanged, however the base S trim is now available with a Work Truck Package that includes a spray in bedliner, rubber floor mats, bed rail caps and a body colored bumper.

The Nissan Frontier continues into 2016 mostly unchanged, though the SV Crew Cab now features a standard moonroof.

The Nissan Frontier continues into 2015 mostly unchanged, but with a few additional standard features across several trim levels. Long wheelbase SL models get a moonroof, while NissanConnect is now standard on SV and Desert Runner trim levels. In addition, PRO-4X models now come standard with navigation.

2014's Nissan Frontier adds standard Bluetooth and air conditioning. An available enhanced navigation system becomes available that features voice activation and smartphone integration.

For 2013, Nissan has made some subtle but important changes to the Frontier pickup truck. First and foremost, Nissan has lowered the price of King Cab and Crew Cab models in all trim levels. A new SV Value Truck Package adds comfort and convenience options previously found on the SV Premium Utility Package. A Desert Runner model on 4x2 King and Crew Cabs SV V6 models is also new. Nissan has made improvements in engine efficiency, as well as subtle aerodynamic enhancements, and the result is improved fuel economy on nearly every Frontier model. Minor equipment changes complete the updates to the 2013 Nissan Frontier.

Nissan's Frontier compact truck gets a newly available Sport Appearance Package for 2012. It is available on either King Cab or Crew Cab SV models, it adds Dark Hyper Silver-finished wheels, appearance upgrades and Bluetooth. Throughout the lineup there are three new exterior hues: Brilliant Silver, Lava Red and Metallic Blue. Also for 2012, a 2-wheel Brake Limited Slip system and electronic stability control are now standard on all Frontiers.

The Frontier's trims changed names, but the equipment levels are about the same. The XE is now known as the "S", and the SE is now the "SV", which, for 2011, comes with alloy wheels standard. The "LE" trim is now known as the "SL". The manual transmission is no longer available with the long-wheelbase crew cab, but becomes available for the 4-wheel drive short-wheelbase crew cab PRO-4X trim.

Following several styling updates last year, the 2010 Nissan Frontier receives only minor changes. New standard safety features include side curtain airbags on all models and stability control for V6 models. The increased availability of the Frontier's 5-speed automatic transmission for XE models is also new this year, as is standard Active Brake Limited Slip for all SE and LE V6 models. Hill start assist and hill descent control is now standard for all SE and LE models with 4-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

For 2009, the Frontier gets some basic exterior styling upgrades including a bolder grille, a new headlight design, and two new exterior colors: Red Brick and Navy Blue. Several new Value Truck Packages provide solid value, and the SE and LE models both get redesigned wheels. All models get a slightly redesigned audio and climate control layout. A new PRO-4X off-road package is available, which includes Bilstein off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, additional skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, 2- or 4-wheel anti-lock brake-controlled limited slip, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. King Cab models get power heated front seats and heated side mirrors. Fog lamps as well as body-colored bumpers, grille, mirrors, and door handles are included, as well as unique interior appointments and a host of power options.

Whereas in 2007 the Nissan Frontier's 2.5L four-cylinder engine was only available on the XE models, it is also offered in the more luxurious SE trim for 2008. The Nismo and LE trims now come with Bluetooth and XM satellite radio bundled in the Technology Package, and the LE trim comes with a standard power cloth driver seat instead of one with manual controls.

For 2007, a long bed Crew Cab model joins the Nissan Frontier lineup. There are also a couple of new option packages; an Appearance Package is available on the King Cab XE, and a Value Truck Package is available on SE models. A new exterior color, Desert Stone, is first offered for 2007. Sound systems with the six-disc changer now get an auxiliary input, and all Frontier models except the XE now carry ULEV emissions certification.