2025 NISSAN FRONTIER S
3.8L V6 4WD - USA-CANADA Market
PistonDB Editorial Rating
Editorial Score:
4.0 / 5.0The 2025 Nissan Frontier S trim offers a robust package for the midsize pickup market, featuring a potent 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Its standard 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case and multiple drive modes (2WD, 4H, 4LO, Tow-Haul) ensures capability in various conditions. Inside, occupants will find comfortable cloth seats, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Safety is prioritized with standard features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, complemented by 6 airbags and ISOFIX anchors in the Crew Cab.
Reddit Community Sentiment Analysis: nissan frontier 2025
Community Sentiment Score:
4.2 / 5.0The 2025 Nissan Frontier garners a generally positive reception from the community, with many users praising its reliability, particularly in comparison to some competitors. The powertrain, a 3.8L V6 with a 9-speed transmission, is frequently mentioned as a strong point, offering a good balance of performance and efficiency. Some users appreciate its more traditional, 'old-school' truck feel in an era of increasingly complex and tech-heavy midsize trucks. The potential for a new Xterra based on this platform is also a recurring positive talking point. While some minor issues like battery drainage and past transmission 'gear hunting' (now reportedly fixed via TSB) are mentioned, the overall sentiment leans towards satisfaction and confidence in the Frontier's capabilities and longevity.
Pros
- Reliable powertrain (3.8L V6 and 9-speed transmission)
- Good value and solid entry in the midsize truck segment
- Appreciated for its 'old-school' truck feel
- Potential for a new Xterra based on the platform is exciting
- Strong long-term track record for Nissan light trucks
Cons
- Some users experienced minor battery drainage issues
- Past transmission 'gear hunting' issues were noted, though reportedly fixed by TSB
- Flex Fuel versions of older generations can have hard-to-source parts
NHTSA Safety & Reliability: Nissan Frontier 2025
Safety Score:
3.5 / 5.0The 2025 Nissan Frontier has a few safety concerns identified through recalls and owner complaints. Key recalls address potential issues with the rearview camera display, dimming daytime running lights, and door striker integrity, all of which could increase the risk of a crash. Owner complaints highlight recurring problems with blank rearview camera displays, premature brake rotor wear and cracking, hard transmission downshifts, potential windshield sealing issues leading to whistling and water intrusion, and steering wheel vibrations at highway speeds. While some issues are addressed by recalls, others like brake wear and vibrations are reported by owners as ongoing concerns. The overall safety score reflects these identified risks.
Severe Risks & Complaints
- Potential for reduced rear visibility due to blank camera display.
- Risk of confusion to other road users from unexpectedly dimming daytime running lights.
- Possibility of doors opening unexpectedly while driving due to improperly welded door strikers.
- Premature wear and cracking of front brake rotors leading to steering wheel shake.
- Windshield sealing issues that could lead to water intrusion and potential windshield detachment.
- Vibrations at highway speeds affecting steering wheel and potentially other vehicle systems.
Major Recalls
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V324000 - Back Over Prevention: Software issue causing blank rearview camera display.
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V508000 - Exterior Lighting: Software logic error causing daytime running lights to dim unexpectedly.
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V023000 - Latches/Locks/Linkages: Doors: Latch issue with improperly welded door strikers that may break.
| Vehicle Identity: | |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | NISSAN |
| Model Name | FRONTIER |
| Model Year | 2025 |
| Trim Level | S |
| Body Type | Pickup |
| Target Market | USA-Canada |
| Lifecycle Status | In Production / Pre-launch |
| Interior and Infotainment: | |
|---|---|
| Front Headroom | 1074.4 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1074.4 mm |
| Front Shoulder Room | 1488.4 mm |
| Interior Color Options | Charcoal Cloth |
| Seat Upholstery Material | Cloth |
| Seat Adjustment Ways | Manual |
| Heated Steering Wheel | No |
| Steering Column Adjustment | Tilt, telescopic |
| Climate Control Zones | Single-zone |
| Infotainment Display Size | 8 in. |
| Digital Gauge Cluster Size | 7 in. |
| Infotainment OS | NissanConnect |
| Voice Assistant Brand | Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Smartphone Integration | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Wired Apple CarPlay | Yes |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | No |
| Wired Android Auto | Yes |
| Wireless Android Auto | No |
| Speakers Count | 4 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Front USB Ports Count | 2 ports |
| In-Car Connectivity Type | 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, NissanConnect Services |
| Engine Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gasoline |
| Engine Configuration | V6 |
| Engine Displacement | 3.8 L |
| Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Total Valves | 24 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Camshaft Layout | DOHC |
| Fuel System Type | Direct Injection |
| Engine Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Aspiration Detail | Naturally Aspirated |
| Power | 310 hp |
| Horsepower RPM | 6400 rpm |
| Power (kW) | 231.2 kW |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft |
| Max Torque (Nm) | 381 N-m |
| Maximum Torque RPM | 4400 rpm |
| Transmission and Drivetrain: | |
|---|---|
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Marketing Name | 9-speed automatic |
| Number of Forward Gears | 9 |
| 1st Gear Ratio | 5.488 |
| 2nd Gear Ratio | 3.250 |
| 3rd Gear Ratio | 2.155 |
| 4th Gear Ratio | 1.637 |
| 5th Gear Ratio | 1.256 |
| 6th Gear Ratio | 1.000 |
| 7th Gear Ratio | 0.835 |
| 8th Gear Ratio | 0.686 |
| 9th Gear Ratio | 0.580 |
| Reverse Gear Ratio | 4.887 |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.692 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 4WD |
| All-Wheel Drive System | Shift-on-the-fly 2-speed transfer case 4x4 |
| Transfer Case Ratios | High: 1.000, Low: 2.716 |
| Drive Modes Selector | 2WD, 4H, 4LO, Tow-Haul Mode |
| Chassis Suspension and Brakes: | |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension | Independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-leaf rear suspension with solid axle |
| Steering Type | Rack-and-pinion |
| Steering Assist Type | Power-assisted |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated disc |
| Front Brake Rotor Diameter | 297.2 mm |
| Rear Brake Rotor Diameter | 287 mm |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Yes |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control (HDC) | Yes |
| Safety and Driver Assistance: | |
|---|---|
| Airbags Count | 6 |
| Airbags Deployment Locations | front, seat-mounted side-impact, roof-mounted curtain |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors | Standard (Crew Cab) |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Standard |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) | Standard |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) | Standard |
| Rear Parking Sensors Count | Standard |
Downloads & Manuals
-
Download
brochure.pdf