DecodedCars2023 Nissan Frontier
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Crew Cab, Crew Cab S/Box, King Cab
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 210.2–224 in
- Curb weight
- 4,550–4,806 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Nissan Frontier is a standard pickup truck offered with a 3.8L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 224 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 140-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,806 lb (Crew Cab).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway), 3% better than the 2023 standard pickup truck average of 20.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Frontier — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Frontier →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Canton, Mississippi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 Frontier configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew Cab | 224 in | 72.8 in | 72 in | 139.8 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,806 lb | 57/43 |
| Crew Cab S/Box | 210.2 in | 72.8 in | 72 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,720 lb | 57/43 |
| King Cab | 210.2 in | 72.8 in | 71.7 in | 126 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,550 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | +3% | $3,200 | 437 |
| Frontier 2WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -1% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Frontier 4WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +9% | $3,350 | 438 |
| Frontier 4WD | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Frontier 4WD PRO4X | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | +3% | $3,550 | 469 |
| Frontier 4WD PRO4X | 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | -2% | $3,700 | 472 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Nissan Frontier.
Similar 2023 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Frontier (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Silverado | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning | 320 mi | Not rated | 11 |
| 2023 Nissan Titan | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2023 Jeep Gladiator | 24 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2023 Ram 1500 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2023 Rivian R1T | 352 mi | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (1)
Tires › Bead · Apr 17, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V273000 · 4,249 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2023 Titan and Frontier vehicles. The tires may have a tear in the inner bead which can cause a rapid loss of tire pressure.
- Risk
- A rapid loss of tire pressure while driving can lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace all four road tires, or inspect and replace the spare tire assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 10, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC973 and PC974.
Not every 2023 Nissan Frontier is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Nissan Frontier buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 29 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 15 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 4,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Nissan Frontier. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Frontier years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Frontier | 21 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2025 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2024 Frontier | 21 | 224 in | Not rated | 3 | 22 |
| 2022 Frontier | 20 | 224 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 112 |
| 2021 Frontier | 20 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 20 |
| 2020 Frontier | 20 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 23 |
| 2019 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 28 |
| 2018 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 2 | 25 |
| 2017 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 38 |
| 2016 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 44 |
| 2015 Frontier | 21 | 205.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 33 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →