2023 Nissan Frontier Pro 4x Off Road Review

The Frontier Pro-4x is a capable off-roader that can also do real work. one of my favorites for an all around mid size truck.
If you would like to help support the channel you can now donate by clicking the "♥ Thanks" button to the right of the like/dislike buttons. On mobile you have to scroll to the right to see the "♥ Thanks". KZbin takes 30% of the donation.
You can also donate via Patreon takes 5%-20% of the donation:
/ engineadventures
Engine Adventures strives to explore and test the AWD and 4WD systems of all crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks. To do this we test vehicles in real world environments in a way that allows viewers to cross shop and explore any vehicle they may be interested in learning about.
New videos every Friday at 6:30 A.M. MST and occasionally on Wednesdays.

[@IPGAuto]

Now the Frontier is the ONLY naturally aspirated option. This will be the most reliable option

[@paultruesdale7680]

Maybe, maybe not. It has direct injection and I do not think it has any port injection to clean the valves. Only time will tell. I am hoping for better mpg from the turbo fours.

[@andypacmanperez]

The toyota will still be reliable. Ppl act like toyota is new to turbo 4 cyl engines.

[@IPGAuto]

@@andypacmanperez - That doesn't mean they're good because they did it before. Look at the 2.0T in the Lexus... lots of issues from cooling system to carbon buildup

[@beexiong2995]

​@@IPGAutothe new 2.4 turbo is port and direct injected

[@dbergeron9956]

@@andypacmanperez Hmm...The Tundra turbo V6 are not getting a good reputation for reliability.

[@jarrodmcdaniel]

I liked how the ABLS kicked in quickly in low range. Seems like a capable truck for off-road play. Love that color combo on the truck as well. Frontiers are underrated trucks.

[@EngineAdventures]

I like how it's not aggressive in high range, for higher speed situations, but wish you could lock the rear diff in high.

[@chrisinutahpagano6774]

I'd be nice to be able to turn ABLS off to get spin, it does prevent damaging components when spinning torque meets solid rock. ABLS isn't a thing with momentum until momentum is lost. That's where experience and common sense comes in handy! Thanks for posting these vids

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! You can pull the ABS relays and fuses (all brake based traction control systems use ABS sensors) but that is more work.

[@dn2610]

Awesome content and demonstration! Will be getting a 2023 Boulder Gray Frontier Pro4x soon, can't wait! Thanks for sharing!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I hope your new truck treats you well!

[@pubstomperplays]

i really like how thorough and knowledgeable you were in this review👏🏼cheers

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! I appreciate the support!

[@sawyeralexander06]

Got mine about 2 weeks ago. Couldn’t love it more

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing, I hope it treats you well!

[@scott8238]

Nice review of the Frontier and I'm glad that you pointed out the ABLS which is the same as ATRAC on Toyotas but without a fancy marketing switch. The crawl ratio is also much better than Tacoma amoung other things like the fully boxed titan frame, drivetrain, seating position, built in the USA... ECT ECT!

[@EngineAdventures]

The Tacoma certainly has its strong points, but for the vast majority of owners the Frontier is the better option

[@beexiong2995]

​​@@EngineAdventuresprobably why the vast majority buy frontiers......

[@lolotus4borderless]

Great channel with no BS,❤

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the continued support!

[@IF9]

The best channel for offroad testing

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support! I really appreciate it!

[@somguy728]

On point with the intro, many others will do a townie drive about.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@frankmahler2886]

great review

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support!

[@tammieandrzejczuk2573]

Good videos, thanks brother

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the continued support!

[@josel1325]

Love my 2023 frontier

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@paultruesdale7680]

Awesome review as usual EA. For a stock truck straight out of the showroom it did really well. Lots of flashy high tech coming from Chevy and Toyota, but the frontier might turn out to a good performer that is priced right. (hopefully). The hill looks a lot gnarlier than previous reviews. Congrats on over 10,000 subs.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the continued support! The hill is getting really bad. I've avoided trying it in the crossovers lately because it's just too rough. I'll probably take a pickaxe out and make an easier line again like I had when I first started testing here.

[@paultruesdale7680]

I would leave it, the Frontier made it up, so that’s the truck benchmark. The clutch AWD crossovers might be another story lol. I really liked the intro with the truck on that berm. That’s the way to advertise a 4x4

[@Coloradohiker658]

Impressed how well it did. I wish they kept the smaller look. Great review!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks again Mark!

[@dantimber]

Picturing the vehicle in an extreme position invites views!

[@Ashoud_Anobetah]

Highly recommend getting a proper skid plate for the transmission and engine oil pan. I got the pro4x and it's the first thing I added...take a look under and you will see the exposed areas

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@smittysmitty481]

Nice truck!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@dantimber]

Thanks!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thank you!

[@trl510]

the back drop looks amazing!!!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks, I certainly love where I live!

[@tr-labs8320]

That’s my truck, great truck.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kaan898]

Hi , your video is awesome as always💯.I'm just courious about the clunking noises on 3:10, 5:24, 5:36 , 5:40 ,5:54...Those may not be the same sounds with same reasons but as a nissan fan it made feel a little bit disappointed .

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support! Yeah, there was definitely something loose in the suspension somewhere. I've tested a very early production model of the 3rd gen Frontier and didn't have any issues. Sometimes these things happen (a bolt comes loose or wasn't properly tightened at the factory) and I wouldn't let that play into whether or not you buy a Frontier. If you see many reviews of different Frontiers with this issue then I'd be more worried.

[@josephtravis6331]

I know where this video was taken! I've taken my 2022 frontier SV up there a few times. Although ive always taken the easy route and haven't attempted that cool off-camber climb. Well done!

[@EngineAdventures]

It's a good test area, but really short for an actual trail run.

[@seahawk2158]

great review, I am trying to decided a frontier or ranger in the future.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! I've done all these same tests with a Ranger FX4 and Ranger Tremor as well. I'm really curious on the new Colorado, but I haven't had a chance to drive one yet.

[@joesteel3459]

I love mine. I’m thinking a 2.5” lift and some 33’s…should be in Tacoma territory for sure. Thanks for the great video

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! If you get a high end suspension you'll be much better off than Tacoma!

[@michaelleon395]

@@EngineAdventuresyeah okay 😂

[@EngineAdventures]

@Michael Leon haha, watch my videos on the Tacoma, especially the towing video that is posting next Friday. The Frontier has a much better powertrain. The Tacoma is great if you never drive freeway speeds on pavement, otherwise it's near the bottom of midsize trucks for driveability.

[@joesteel3459]

@@EngineAdventures agreed, the constant “gear searching” in the Tacoma was so annoying, that alone was a deal breaker for me. The frontier is butter smooth and just seems more confident, if that makes sense. The Tacoma is still a beast, I just think Nissan took the Tacoma, and improved on some of its negative points. To me, those negatives seem to be the transmission for sure, over all comfort, and power. The extra 32 or so horsepower is a plus on the highway

[@Psalm144.1]

I wonder if the all black wheels for the Pro-4x are only going to Canada? I don’t see them in America much.

[@EngineAdventures]

Are these the all black ones or is there another set that doesn't have the chromed fake hardware?

[@dantimber]

I'd like to suggest a list of the best off-road vehicles in numerical order that you've tested at the end of these videos. Great review!

[@EngineAdventures]

Interesting, that's really tough for me though. So many variables, do you want the vehicles in the class (probably less than 10) sorted? Best for high speed off-road, technical off-road, or best all around. Is it the most capable out right, funnest to drive, or most comfortable over rough terrain? I could just go with my favorites, but even then I'd have a hard time, haha.

[@dantimber]

​@@EngineAdventures Good point. I value your test reviews to judge off-road capability with minimal effort and maximum reliability and reasonable on the road comfort and performance. I'm off-road about once a week which I would guess is higher than average. Half the time I'm solo so I need to be confident with the vehicle. With more available dealer inventory I'm hoping to get a new truck before the Fall. Thanks.

[@EngineAdventures]

Someone else had mentioned that I should do something like the Doug score from Doug demuro, but for offroading

[@dantimber]

My thought was just a brief numerical ranking of off-road capability compared to previous vehicles in the summary based on your objective testing. There's always some subjectivity in reviews but actually showing the performance backs up your conclusions. Your reviews are unique because you're able to test on the same roads and you're explaining in detail the various engineering and technologies involved as well as quantifiable data like weight, ground clearance, etc. I'm not a KZbinr but to reach a break-out in subscribers (it seems to happen dramatically if it happens) something has to differentiate. You've already got integrity and credibility!

[@EngineAdventures]

Yeah I'm going to start doing comparison videos for all the vehicles I've tested in a single class. The first one is full size SUVs. The only problem is that I'm about half way through it and it has already taken me the same amount of time I spend on 3 of my normal off-road reviews. I think those comparison videos will be more popular. I also like your top 10 idea, maybe I do a video a year on that. My top ten off-roaders ever tested each year, and even if I end with the same vehicles for many of the spots I think it will be ok.

[@Cowdog1]

It seems like when you were going up the trail / hill, there was a lot of popping sounds or clunking? Is that what I am hearing or is it something else? I dig the truck, though. Beautiful. Cheers!

[@EngineAdventures]

Yeah, I've had 3 Frontier's on this course, that was the first time this happened. I'm guessing something was loose that needed tightened, but I didn't track it down. I've never heard or seen anyone else having this problem so I count it up to an isolated incident

[@dannyv2335]

I just traded in my 19 Tacoma for a new Pro 4X. I couldn’t be happier with my decision

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I haven't had a chance to drive the newest Tacoma, but I've much preferred the Frontier to the Tacoma for the past decade or so.

[@steveriddle8446]

Great video ! I just traded my 2019 Ranger FX4 for a 2023 Pro 4X .

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching, which one do you prefer so far? I like the Ranger as well, but I think I like the Frontier more.

[@steveriddle8446]

@EngineAdventures Thus far , the Nissan is much more refined on the inside . Not as cheap as my Ranger . 4 x4 has yet to be tested . The Nissan feels heavier but much more " solid" just in everyday driving . The tech in my Nissan is superior to my Rangers , for sure. That said , I do miss the crawl control functions that my Ranger . They gave me $28,500 trade and I got the Nissan for $38,500 , difference of 10k . I feel like I got a good deal and I'm happy thus far . Also , the Nissan app is 100 times better than my Fords could ever dream of being . I also like the fact that I'm not going to be dealing with " turbo issues "!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

what is the popping/clunking noise heard every time the suspension gets crossed up? coil binding or broken shock? sounds pretty loud 12min 08 and 6min 51 and 5min 25?

[@EngineAdventures]

I think it was a loose bolt on a control arm or maybe strut. I felt around and nothing was loose enough to move around by hand.

[@bxtremefitness5428]

Is this color is baja storm? Cuz if yes it should have like very mocha light color than im seeing in the video looks brown

[@EngineAdventures]

This one is Baja Storm.

[@thebigempty_5792]

I wish you could opt for the rear dif. lock on a lower trim level other than just the pro 4x

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm not a Ford fan in most cases, but I love that you can get the rear locker on just about any truck and just about any trim level.

[@thebigempty_5792]

Exactly!!@@EngineAdventures

[@Sasquatchflow]

Give it a 3 or 4 inch lift 👍🏻 love this truck and Nissan never advertised it as a rock crawler lol it’s just a truck… I feel people are expecting to much from the frontier lol if you want a rock crawler but one….

[@EngineAdventures]

I feel like it's more capable than most people think it is.

[@jjmeyer8090]

I’d be interested to see a long wheel base version of a Frontier or Tacoma go through this. Curious to see the change in break over angle. I can’t do the short bed.

[@EngineAdventures]

I was actually surprised that the Frontier and Tacoma both scraped their bellies at the top of the steep hill test. If I get the chance, I'll certainly test a long bed version.

[@dantimber]

On my 3rd King Cab. Standard bed is about 6'. It makes a difference. Waiting for the Pro4x King Cab!

[@apa7611]

Taco access cab bed I think it’s shorter or the same size as the double cab with a short bed?

[@EngineAdventures]

I believe both the Frontier and Tacoma are offered in crew cab long box on some trims. The wheelbase is about 13" longer on both I believe. At least that's how it used to be.

[@jjmeyer8090]

@@EngineAdventures Yes. Frontier in SV trim and Tacoma in a few TRD Off-road, TRD Sport, and SR5 I believe.

[@Tiffer_77]

We have the pro x 2wd The 3.8L is great. With Benz transmission.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience! The Frontier is one of my favorite midsize trucks!

[@gtpnissan]

Answer me this we've had rear locker in trucks since 2005 and all lock only in 4 low so why in everyone's reviews are they shocked that it isn't available in 4 high (this isn't just in the frontier or tacoma reviews it's happening in all of them) I guess I'm wondering how or why people forget how things work after almost 20 years of availability. 😂 Other than that these (and others) reviews are fun.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Ford lets you lock the rear whenever you want, even in 2wd. I've had some Rams do the same, but others had to be in 4wd or 4 low. Most of them automatically disable around 20 mph and above, but not all. Often when I'm towing on dirt/gravel I like to be in 4wd high, and depending on the terrain it's nice to lock the rear axle as well. This can increase tire life significantly. I can't remember now how Nissan markets their locker, but Toyota says only to engage it once you are already stuck, which I think most people are smart enough to know that it's better to engage it before a tough obstacle to avoid getting stuck. Much like fog lights that can only be used with the headlights on (making them driving lights and not fog lights), lawyers and ignorant lawmakers are likely the real issue behind it all.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Do they make lifs for the 2019?

[@EngineAdventures]

Yup, lots of companies do. All Dogs Off-road, Rough Country, Ironman 4x4, Old Man Emu, etc.

[@unknown-cf9rd]

How reliable is the new generation vs the previous one? That’s going to be the main factor for people looking into this vs the Tacoma.

[@TheCr00k6]

Only time will tell but I don't see Nissan bailing on their reputation of reliability

[@EngineAdventures]

As Mike said, we will see with time. I expect it to be quite reliable, but there certainly are unknowns still.

[@unknown-cf9rd]

It should be just as reliable. The engine and transmission was in the 2020 Frontier, so its been improved within the last couple of years.

[@chrisinutahpagano6774]

4 low in 1st over downhill assist braking everytime. My 2017 evokes more downhill confidence using the transmission rather than the brake assist

[@EngineAdventures]

Check out my recent video on a 1995 Ram 2500 with a manual (others like the wrangler and bronco with a manual are great as well, but I haven't been able to test those).

[@chrisinutahpagano6774]

Buying a 2023 pro4x frontier this week. Trading in my 17' frontier for it. I'll be in the Wasatch state forest next spring testing it out on a sketchy slope!

[@chrisinutahpagano6774]

I'm assuming you can put it in manual and 4low to control transmission speed using that rather than downhill assist for better control

[@EngineAdventures]

Yes you can, and the gearing is pretty good. However DAC will still go slower than just gearing, especially on really steep stuff.

[@chrisinutahpagano6774]

Hello again! I've had the 22' now for a few weeks. The downhill brake assist works a lot better than the 2017 d40. No longer grabs and let's go, also doesn't make any noise. Did a long 20° grade decent nicely. I also really like manually shifting it while going downhill in 4l too! Being able to adjust the speed on a decent is really nice. I have to admit I miss the rear's lsd though. I didn't have to 4x it whereas now it's an open diff and momentum isn't always your friend in many case. First world problem. It definitely needs more clearance. Thanks for the indepth reviews you do!

[@nightgoon_0_0]

Dude that looks like bountiful.. but judging by the mountains I'd say provo area lol

[@EngineAdventures]

Yup Provo area. I think Bountiful still has a lot more of these types of trails open than anywhere else along the Wasatch front.

[@nightgoon_0_0]

@EngineAdventures for now. They've already built a few houses blocking access to some of the hiking trails. You used to be able to drive from bountiful to Farmington, coming out right by Farmington canyon.

[@EngineAdventures]

Kind of sad how everything is closing down. It's nice having driving and hiking trails real close

[@bradlininger6393]

Same suspension as old model they claim all new lol I feel that had a chance to really do something more front locker maybe better suspension

[@EngineAdventures]

Nissan is certainly being conservative with the Frontier. I think they have missed a big opportunity to jump on the off-road band wagon that all the other manufacturers are doing and bring back the desert runner as a top tier higher speed off-roader with a locking front diff. Have it compete with the Colorado ZR2. Nissan just doesn't get the sales other manufacturers do on their midsize trucks, despite having one of the better ones. The frame is modified from the previous generation, as are many other components. It certainly isn't a clean sheet redesign, but improved in many ways.

[@paultruesdale7680]

@@EngineAdventures It would be great if offered the same warranty as the Titan 5 yrs 100000 miles. I could not find the warranty for the frontier, but that would definitely be a deal maker for me.

[@EngineAdventures]

@@paultruesdale7680 it's a 5 year 60k powertrains warranty on the Frontier I believe. Not terrible, but not amazing

[@captainpobtamere3024]

i think i dont have this camera view on my SV version

[@EngineAdventures]

Probably not, the off-road trims in many of today's vehicles also come well equipped inside.

[@ZachAttacc]

Was that a coincidence on the Tacoma? Lmao

[@EngineAdventures]

Haha, yeah, just happened to be driving by.

[@beexiong2995]

They sell more tacomas than any other midsize by a lot. No coincidence at all. They are all over the place

[@rgp8038]

Looks a lot nicer than the 2024 Tacoma...yikes.

[@EngineAdventures]

I've found that images aren't good for me, I have to see the vehicle in person to get a good feel for it. So we'll see how I like the new Tacoma eventually when I'm able to test one.

[@rmd9032]

Should have been in 1st gear in 4 lo with downhill assist

[@EngineAdventures]

Did you watch the whole video? I can't remember in this video specific I tested that or not, but I do know I tested in 1st gear 4 low without the downhill assist. I usually test the downhill assist as well.

[@morningdrums]

The frontier really needs a lift and some bigger more aggressive tires

[@EngineAdventures]

Nissan should offer a package like the Colorado Trailboss or Ranger Tremor that has exactly that!

[@rafars2246]

The point is, absolutely none of the trucks on the market are up to the task you're doing here. Drive your truck every day like that and you'll have to work on it every week... And then you do it with the highlanders etc, that's pretty nuts lol

[@EngineAdventures]

Haha, well about once a year I'll need to do something like this with my personal vehicle. It doesn't happen often for me (outside of offroading for fun) but it's good to know what capability the vehicle has!

[@sturdyvw]

Not true, a gladiator can take the abuse just fine. Ifs trucks probably not so much

[@rafars2246]

@@sturdyvw you can do whatever you can with any vehicle, but no vehicle is up to the task without rapidly accelerating wear and damage.

[@cmr7217]

Great Vid! If they pumped it with a extra 2 inch lift and decent tires from the factory this would be amazing but as of now Its a senior citizen curb crawler with junk suspension specs. It took Toyota 18 years to finally figure this out. 2.5 inch lift and good A.T's and its a winner for the price range.

[@EngineAdventures]

They should offer a TRD Pro/Tremor/Trail Boss equivalent that has exactly what you said. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@markf7332]

The New Nossan Frontier adds more comfert n technology than the Tacoma , if you want to spend 8000 thousand more for less options n less of a truck then waste your money. The 2033 Frontiet by far. The best midsize trickd

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@MurphyMcMurphster]

The 2033 ehh?

[@beexiong2995]

You know the 3rd gen tacoma has been around since 2016. It isnt new or up to date. The 2024 will be way better. Nissan will be rolling out with turbo 4s soon. Just watch them play catchup like they always are. EPA mandated

[@EngineAdventures]

Should be getting a 4th gen Tacoma to test this month. I'm excited for this one!

[@ryanb3908]

Lol already outdated and that potato camera has to go. 🤦🏻

[@EngineAdventures]

The top seller in the midsize segment has much worse cameras.

[@liamcarp7113]

Dam shame this truck was just redesigned and now it’s already severely antiquated compared to the new Ranger, GMC twins, and Tacoma. Nissan always 3 steps behind 🤣

[@EngineAdventures]

To some, yes, to others, this is much better. The simplicity of the truck has strong appeal for many. Easy to work on, long term reliability, and some people just don't want all the extra gadgets.

[@phw2274]

@@EngineAdventures Absolutely. It's a fantastic truck. Love mine every time I drive it. By the way, love your reviews. I'm now a new subscriber.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for the support!