Depending on which region of the world you are in, the Nissan Frontier is currently in its first, third, or fourth generation. North American buyers can enjoy the simplicity of the third-generation, which has been around since the 2022 model year. While competitors like the Toyota Tacoma switched to turbocharged four-cylinder engines and give you the option of a hybrid powertrain, Nissan takes a very different approach.
The Nissan Frontier is charmingly simple.
In an automotive environment where downsized engines and hybrid powertrains have become extremely common, it is charming to see that some companies still rely on large-displacement, normally aspirated engines. This is certainly true for the Nissan Frontier, as in 2027, it will continue to offer only one engine option - a 3.8-liter V-6 producing 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet. This could make the truck outdated in the eyes of some, but being relatively analog is what gives the Frontier its advantage in terms of longevity.
Nissan also has the Frontier Pro PHEV, but that’s not available in North America. Probably for the best, since it is a rebadged Dongfeng Z9 Chinese pickup truck. I think the company did a smart move by not bringing the electrified version to the US, as plug-in hybrid trucks are still uncommon.
Many of the truck’s features will remain the same for 2027. You still get a nine-speed automatic (the only option) and a base model that comes with two-wheel drive and a single cab - perfect for a workhorse. You also get a towing capacity of up to 7,150 pounds and a fuel economy of up to 24 MPG on the highway. But Nissan hasn’t just copy-pasted the last-year’s model and called it a day. There are new tasteful upgrades available.
The most notable update is the Sport Package, which is available for the SV trim only. This gives you LED fog lights, 17-inch black wheels wrapped in Hankook Dynapro all-terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, contrasting yellow-stitching in the interior, and other aesthetic upgrades. Of course, if you want even more off-road capability, you can opt for the range-topping Pro 4X trim, but a nicely spec’d SV with the Sport Package will provide a great middle ground between street and off-road use, at a lower cost.
Someone has been thinking a lot at Nissan, because the SV trim is the most popular in the Frontier range, and now it has become even more attractive with Pro 4X-inspired goodies. You can also spec the Frontier with the Dark Armor package, which gives the Japanese truck a sleeker appearance by adding a gloss-black finish for the front grille, badging, side mirrors, and specific 17-inch wheels.
New colors are also available for the 2027 Nissan Frontier, which add to the already available palette of colors. These include Red Alert, Tactical Green Metallic, Afterburn Orange, Gun Metallic, Boulder Gray Pearl, Super Black, Glacier White, and Bluestone Pearl.
Related story: The Midsize Pickup Truck That Offers Better Value Than The Toyota Tacoma
Standard equipment remains impressively generous. Advanced safety systems like blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, intelligent cruise control, high-beam assist, and many more are standard. The same goes for wireless Smartphone connectivity, which works with Android and Apple CarPlay. There is also an enhanced Qi2 wireless charger for even faster phone charging, but only as part of the Convenience package, available on the Pro grade.
SV and Pro grades also get Trailer Sway Control as standard, while a new electric rear locking differential is also available on the Pro models. Aside from a few small tweaks where it counts, the Nissan Frontier remains virtually the same for 2027, and that is a good thing. Proven tech is becoming more valuable as it gives a certain piece of mind that newly-introduced powertrains don’t offer. In fact, according to owners, this is one of the main selling points of the Nissan Frontier, and why many choose it over the Tacoma.
But I am curious to know what you think? Toyota is still synonymous with reliability and dependability, but like many companies, they have experienced a bit of a downward slope with some of the new powertrains. Would you go for a more advanced, more modern powertrain, considering the efficiency factor, or would you go for something more old-school that features proven tech? Let me know in the comments below.
About the author
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His passion for cars and motorcycles led him to take up classic car restoration at the Classic Car Museum in Malta. While living there, he also graduated with a Master's in Media and Communications. Aside from Torquenews, his work can also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his own website, Ridereverie.com, where he also includes motorcycle content.
Other relevant experiences in the automotive scene include working at a Toyota dealership, professional driving, and automotive insurance. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2027 Nissan Frontier press
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