2023 Nissan Frontier Pro 4x Review

The Frontier has always been a slow seller in the midsize truck market, but it really belongs near the top! The 3.8 V6 is very well tuned and when paired with the 9-speed auto, it offers great drivability and performance.
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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.

[@JasonBraatzC]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🚙 The review covers the 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X. 00:39 📊 Not many updates in the 2023 model, but the 3.8L V6 with a 9-speed automatic is well-tuned. 01:22 🛻 Pro 4X version includes off-road features like aggressive tires, rear differential lock, and red tow hooks. 02:44 🛠️ The 3.8L V6 engine with 310 HP and 281 lb-ft of torque is responsive and easy to maintain. 03:41 🚗 The engine bay has good accessibility for maintenance, including spark plugs and coils. 04:22 🛣️ The design choice of leaving a lot of space between the radiator and grill could affect approach angles. 05:03 🛏️ The bed is small with a rack system, tie-downs, and a 120V outlet. Backup camera positioning discussed. 06:15 🚘 Interior impressions: Driver's seat tilt, thread pattern seats, and orange stitching accents. 06:57 🚗 Interior features and layout, including screen quality, camera system, and wireless charging. 08:06 🔌 Placement of buttons and controls discussed, including traction control, bed outlet, and tow-haul mode. 08:48 🚘 Impressions of the layout of controls and technology, center armrest storage, and glove box. 09:28 🔌 Innovative wireless brake controller for towing, climate control, and wireless charging capacity. 10:09 ☀️ Sunroof, sunglasses holder, Homelink buttons, and rear manual window discussed. 11:17 🚗 Rear seat space, storage options, and subwoofer placement highlighted. 12:29 🚗 Additional storage under the rear seat, functionality of storage cubby, and rear floor mats. 13:28 📜 Monroney sticker details: Pricing breakdown, package inclusions, and total price of the reviewed vehicle. 18:05 🚗 Performance: Acceleration test from 0-60 mph and observations about driving dynamics. 20:01 🛣️ Freeway driving experience, adaptive cruise control performance, and handling in curves. 22:48 🚙 Overall review conclusion: Positive impressions of the 2023 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X. Made with HARPA AI

[@N8RTH]

Have one (basically the same as this one), and love it. My first Nissan and it’s great. Wanted a Tacoma for years, until I finally drove 4 of them within a month. I drove 4, because I was trying so hard to like them. Drove the Frontier once and that was it.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing, the Tacoma has its place, but for me it's nowhere near the top.

[@speederz1]

if that starter goes on that Frontier u have to pull that intake manifold off,,,and thats a job and pricy...good luck on that new truck

[@EngineAdventures]

It's not ideal, and I'd prefer it in a better location. However, starters are quite reliable, and hopefully won't be an issue.

[@albertmcfry6322]

Yea I traded a 2017 tacoma that I bought new.I got this truck in white 2022. The frontier is so much better than the tacoma.

[@tommycasidy3031]

@@speederz1 I'm 57 years old, I've never needed to change a starter in any of my 22 cars. Go ride your bicycle pauly.

[@jvz2319]

Got an SV 4x4. No bells and whistles. Performs as well as my brothers Tacoma Off Road Pro. We’re both relatively good off-roaders and he was impressed. Save 15k. Get a Frontier.

[@EngineAdventures]

If you are an experienced driver, the extra off-road features on the Tacoma aren't needed. On road the Frontier is a much better ride.

[@tai1704]

After looking at a Taco, GMCs Canyon AT4, and a Colorado ZR2 I went with a 2023 Nissan Pro4x for 44k out the door. The others which are good trucks were in the 47-52k range.

[@EngineAdventures]

It's a great choice and I hope it treats you well!

[@dynasty2295]

YES!! The video I was waiting for! TY

[@EngineAdventures]

Two more on this Frontier coming up. Towing and off-road. Thanks for watching!

[@Coloradohiker658]

Thorough review. Great looking truck. Thanks.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@seanhoefling5045]

Great video, thank you! I am picking up my new truck tonight, can't wait.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching! I hope your new truck treats you well! This little Frontier did great in my towing and off-road tests as well!

[@kellymoore256]

I also bought a 2023 Frontier Pro 4X, my 3rd Frontier, 2nd Pro4X. Wanted a Taco and drove several but Toyota just didn’t bring it. Test drove the Pro and 10 miles down the road I knew this was the truck for me. It has everything I need in a truck and I absolutely love it..

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@bms7632]

I went from 2 tacos to a Pro 4X

[@EngineAdventures]

@@bms7632 and what do you think so far?

[@smittysmitty481]

Nice truck & solid review!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@TM-uy4jg]

Nice Truck. I plan on getting on early next year

[@EngineAdventures]

Hope you do and I hope it treats you well!

[@ammomeister]

Got my '23 P4x in Boulder Gray Pearl last month...loving it! glad I went with the Frontier instead of the Tacoma. 🙂

[@EngineAdventures]

The Tacoma certainly has its place, but in my opinion the Frontier is a much better all around truck.

[@7CFlo]

Tacomas are so overrated, as is Toyota

[@IPGAuto]

Now that all the midsize trucks are turbo, the Frontier will be the most reliable for sure.

[@EngineAdventures]

That might be the case, but if a turbo is done right it can be reliable too. For example, Ford's 2.7 V6 Ecoboost is a very reliable engine, but to your point the 3.5 Ecoboost has significant issues for long term use.

[@IPGAuto]

@@EngineAdventures - Wellll... I'd hold short on saying the 2.7 Ecobroke is good. NHTSA is investigating countless engine failures of the 2.7T and Ford is facing law suits because of them. Look it up. No Ecoboost is good. Either you dump lots of money in maintenance where it lasts or its a turd

[@EngineAdventures]

Huh, hadn't heard that, but hadn't looked into it either.

[@robertmisiuk7137]

@@EngineAdventures For off road use, the Bronco's have started having issues with their turbos.

[@EngineAdventures]

@@robertmisiuk7137 interesting, I hadn't heard about that yet.

[@dantimber]

Great comprehensive review as always. Nissan needs to offer the King Cab Pro4x configuration with the 6' bed in the US! Canada has them. Why not the US?

[@EngineAdventures]

That layout is much more useful for many, but in the USA our focus is on Crew Cabs across nearly all trucks.

[@dantimber]

@@EngineAdventures That is true.

[@mtbrdude]

I had a king cab and had to sell it. When I was single, it was great, but getting married, having a kid, etc..... It'll be crew cab for me, until the little one isn't so little.

[@anman366]

The parking sensor button is just a one time turn off switch as you noted in the video since you have to push it every time... if you want to disable the sonar sensor beeping and the MOD auto braking, you can do so (and each setting independently) in the vehicle settings menu in the Driver Information Display.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks! I knew there had to be a better way. This gets really bad when towing and it's crazy it's not automatically disabled when trailer wiring is detected.

[@anman366]

@@EngineAdventures Yeah I do agree that was a frustrating missed opportunity on Nissan's part (along with an integrated brake controller), but still seems like they did a lot of things right on this one.

[@CarsTechWood]

I love the frontier, but I have a Titan. If they make a Xterra based on this frontier, I would buy it immediately!

[@EngineAdventures]

Nissan really needs to bring the Xterra back!

[@KB-fy7gn]

​@@EngineAdventures I waited as long as I could! Finally threw in the towel and grabbed a '23P4X in Dec

[@EngineAdventures]

@@KB-fy7gn nice! How do you like it so far?

[@KB-fy7gn]

@@EngineAdventures I'll be upfront about my biased opinion: My Grandpa has a 1st Gen, I had a 2nd Gen, so of course I'm biased towards the 3rd Gen Fronteezy! I'm a Toyota tech, so I constantly have to defend mt purchase. As soon as anyone gets into the seatz, they realize why me & my blue collar back chose a Frontier over a Taco! I love my Frontier! Hopefully I never get stuck in this one. Once upon a time I got my 2nd Gen Fronty stuck & had to be search for and rescued...by Search&Rescue...

[@EngineAdventures]

That sounds like quite the story! Anything can get stuck, so be careful out there!

[@therealmccoy2004]

I have same truck and same color. Just wished they came with a 2.5 lift stock from the factory but I'm anxious to put mine on and get some more aggressive tires

[@EngineAdventures]

Nissan could certainly make a higher end Pro-4x model lifted with larger tires and maybe better high speed off road suspension.

[@therealmccoy2004]

@@EngineAdventures agreed.. 1 more trim up should be able to compete with Tacoma TRD, ZR2, and AT4X..

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

I like the looks of the pro 4x better than all the other midsize offroady truks the

[@EngineAdventures]

I think it's a good looking truck!

[@rondail5675]

As a Honda Ridgeline owner, I like the Frontier. I like the powertrain on the Frontier and it's 4WD. AWD serves me better.

[@CarsTechWood]

Do you know the difference?

[@EngineAdventures]

If you don't need the off-road capability, then the Ridgeline is a great option! It's still pretty capable in its own right, roomier, with more storage solutions!

[@rondail5675]

@@CarsTechWood Yes. I know the Frontier 4WD is much better for off-road. My Ridgeline is more comfortable, spacious, and will only see snow\ice for AWD. My location does not offer to be adventurous. Hell, a Santa Cruz or Maverick would serve my needs put not comfort or size.

[@KB-fy7gn]

​@@rondail5675 Maybe look into 4wd next vehicle? You could probly save some MPGs by disabling 2 of your wheels until you need em

[@rondail5675]

@@KB-fy7gn It's possible especially when 4WD can be turned ON without stopping. I couldn't live with always having to stop, be level, and in neutral.

[@thebigempty_5792]

Does the SV 4x4 version come with the rear dif. locker? The prev. gen. you could only get the locker with the Pro 4x

[@EngineAdventures]

As far as I know it's still only available on the Pro-4x. The rear locker should be optional on every trim, which would give them the opportunity to make the Pro-4x as even more capable with a lift, bigger tires, a front locker, better shocks, etc.

[@TexasNativee]

The only thing I didn’t like about my last gen pro-4x was the fact the driver seat felt very flat/flawed facing, was hoping this refresh would at tilt function to the seats. Don’t know why they didn’t do that.

[@EngineAdventures]

I can't remember if I mentioned that in the review, but it took me about 2 days of driving before I felt like I was sliding forward on this one. If it were my vehicle I'd consider aftermarket seats, or just bolt some spacers under the front mounts if possible.

[@All-Miles-Matter]

Great idea

[@user-zy4nt6hk4x]

hi, I'm really looking forward to your review of the new Ford Ranger. it is interesting to understand what it is in comparison with Nissan or Toyota

[@EngineAdventures]

It's hard to get Ford to send me vehicles. They do on occasion, but I'm looking forward to the new ranger as well. I believe I've tested the Tremor and FX4 Rangers in the past.

[@user-zy4nt6hk4x]

@@EngineAdventures thanks. Yes, I scrolled through all the videos and found Ford and other interesting cars

[@ghilliemanreviews]

If I could add two things, I would love memory seats, cooled seats, and power rear sliding glass. For that price at least.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Go_Spleef_Yourself]

Honestly it is my dream truck, but I'm about 2 or 3 years away from being able to afford one, especially in today's market

[@EngineAdventures]

Check out my other two videos on it, the Frontier impressed me quite a bit!

[@kensai77]

I think they designed the engine bay to be larger so it can accommodate a Nissan Titan V8 engine swap which is popular in a lot of the older models.

[@EngineAdventures]

They also didn't change the new frame much from the old one, so a lot of that may have carried over.

[@alexanderradec317]

Okay soo I love the color it’s darker than my Tacoma (love the military tan / quicksand color since I live in the SW, so blends in with the desert mountain backdrop) I was going to trade it in for a 2016 4Runner in the quicksand color OR get a modern vehcile with bells and whistles like this 2023 Pro 4X . My biggest two complaints and only two when I test drove one was the lack of power rear bed window and then how the interior mostly the dash feels very cheap and loose.

[@EngineAdventures]

For me, I don't open the rear window very often so manual doesn't bother me. I will admit the dash on the Frontier does feel a little plasticky, but no more cheap than most other midsize trucks. I care more about how it drives, and the Frontier was significantly better for me than most other midsize trucks.

[@alexanderradec317]

@@EngineAdventures I agree with you it’s driving exp. Was superb compared to others and way better than my 2020 Tacoma even being on a body on frame the frontier out performed

[@cahabarivr]

The hydraulic mounted bed is nice

[@yeyis05]

This and the Tremor Ranger are in my sights. Nissan Pros Skid plates N/A motor Love the body lines Interior is 8/10 Trans shifts nice Decent wheel/ tire package Shocks are Ok at best a higher end setup would have been nice Tremor Pros Metal front bumper 8/10 interior Better Tire/Wheel package Fox Shocks And I believe better wheel fender clearance Skid plates Has anyone here picked the Tremor over Pro 4X or vice versa

[@EngineAdventures]

I've tested both, there will be a towing video of this Frontier up tomorrow and an off-road video up next Friday. I don't think I have a towing video of the Ranger Tremor, but it does tow just as well if not a little better than the Frontier. I prefer how the Frontier drives, despite the Ranger being faster with more power.

[@ryanb3908]

Metal bumper is a huge con if you live anywhere with snow. It will be showing rust in a year and look terrible.

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm in Utah with plenty of snow and don't see much problem with steel bumpers. If you regularly wash the salt off they can go quite a while, especially if they are galvanized then painted. On the other hand, my Jeep's steel bumper rusted very quickly form my crappy paint job and the salt and brine on the winter roads.

[@ryanb3908]

@@EngineAdventures Would only last one winter in Canada before showing rust. Nobody is going to wash their bumper every day when it's minus 40 outside.

[@EngineAdventures]

@@ryanb3908 I rarely wash mine and the winter lows are rarely below 10°F, normally the highs are above freezing.

[@Skraals]

If the Frontier had a no rear leaf spring option, front lockers option and a 4 wheel auto mode for everyday driving, it would have been my first pick as a vehicle as my overlanding off-roading in the woods.

[@EngineAdventures]

So what did you get instead? The only midsize trick with rear coils is the Gladiator.

[@ryanb3908]

Gladiator is the only real offroad truck.

[@Skraals]

@@EngineAdventures getting the zr2 chevrolet, rear coils and front lockers, it's on order.

[@Skraals]

@@ryanb3908 only issue with gladiator is 0 stability on highway and no cabin comfort lol, I need to get to the trails lmao.

[@ryanb3908]

@@Skraals Actually has none of those issues. 🤦🏻

[@metalpete01]

Just viewing the new releases of the upcoming '23/'24 Ranger, Tacoma, Canyon/Colorado, at least my '23 Pro 4X has hydraulic hood struts, not even available on Denali trim.🤔

[@EngineAdventures]

That's a strange one to me, my brother has a 1966 Ford F100 with the original clock springs to hold the hood up...they still work.

[@robqwertyuipp8750]

Fuel economy of a full-size truck is disappointing. I thought it would be better. Nice truck

[@kellyfontes7757]

I was thinking the same thing. Would we rather have a 4 cylinder or a smaller v6 with turbos?

[@EngineAdventures]

That's one of my big gripes with midsize trucks, especially the Tacoma. You can get a half ton truck with a V8 and have better fuel mileage.

[@chiefman8316]

Heck with MPG we need the reliability and long mileage 200k+ of a v6 without turbos

[@tyler5485]

Springville, UT?

[@EngineAdventures]

Yup

[@ammomeister]

@@EngineAdventures I guess right Utah!...them mountains with snow. Great review.

[@Noypi54494]

Tacoma, Frontier, or Ridgeline? What should I buy

[@EngineAdventures]

Whatcha doin? If you aren't doing much off-road or towing, the Ridgeline is the most comfortable, has the most interior space, the bed is bigger (wide enough to fit full 4' wide sheets), and it might even have the most payload. If you're spending a moderate amount of time off-road, get the Frontier, Colorado, Colorado (ZR2), or Ranger. If all you're doing is off-road and you'll rarely see on road speeds above 70 mph, get the Tacoma (overlanding), Colorado ZR2 (high-speed) or Gladiator (Mojave medium-speed or Rubicon low speed). If you're towing above 5,000 lbs then the Gladiator, Ranger, or Colorado in the highest (or close to highest) towing configuration would be best. I've tested most of these vehicles on the channel, a new Tacoma test with towing and offroading videos will be up after the Frontier videos post.

[@Noypi54494]

​@Engine Adventures Thank You! Great points to ponder.

[@KB-fy7gn]

If you want a bandwagon, get a Tacoma. If you want a truck, get a Frontier.

[@joesteel3459]

I bought the pro 4x trim on the frontier for a couple reasons. You get nearly TRD pro level performance. It’s around 10k cheaper than a TRD pro. It’s way more comfortable than a Tacoma. It’s powertrain isn’t even a comparison, the Tacoma searches for gears like a detective and just isn’t as strong. Frontier has plenty of power and super smooth transmission. Last, you don’t see a frontier every 2 seconds on the road…it’s nice having something a little different in my opinion. I enjoy off roading so the ridgeline wasn’t even a thought

[@Noypi54494]

@@joesteel3459 All great point

[@thebigempty_5792]

I was looking at the last gen. Frontier with the updated engine/tranny, but the location of the start/stop button is completely moronic. Why would they put that button flat on the center console where it would be so easy to drop your phone/coffee mug/thermos and hit it.

[@EngineAdventures]

Haha, yeah when I reviewed that truck I thought it was a terrible location. The new one is much better.

[@theshittybowman]

The truck looks like it would be perfect for whoever would fine it perfect - depending on what you use it for. The color is cool, especially on the black and dark colors. The interior looks pretty cool, I’d have to get a level kit for the front though. I mean, is not a rock crawler or a mud slinging truck. However, I like the truck for the price. If this is in someone’s budget then right on! I purchased a 2020 Chevy TrailBoss LT, I picked it up on a Presidents Day Sale on a awesome deal. $43,500, so many people talk 💩 and I was going to be broke down - 78k miles later and still haven’t had one issue. I wouldn’t compare this to the Tacoma 😅 but nice truck either way!

[@EngineAdventures]

I much prefer the Frontier to a Tacoma. I have another Tacoma review coming up after the Frontier videos post.

[@whodey59]

Beautiful truck. Mid-sized truck back seats are pretty worthless. Rather have a 6 foot bed and a king cab.

[@EngineAdventures]

They can fit my kids, but modern car seats are huge. Most midsize trucks can't fit 3 across, unless they are small car seats by today's standard.

[@tg8150]

No king cab with this package is a huge fail. Crew cab looks silly. Looks like an old explorer sport trac.

[@EngineAdventures]

I agree that the Pro-4x should be a package that can be added to any trim level and not a trim level itself. Nissan is just going for the largest market share.

[@hasonlavajunk9774]

When you’re in drive its 150w In park its 400w

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks! I was confused on how it works.

[@paulklima409]

3.8 Liter V6 not a 3.5Liter

[@EngineAdventures]

Seriously I said 3.5 again? I must have edited at least 3 of those out. You are correct 3.8 liter

[@AlphaKorr]

46k for nissan..? Got my taco trd for 36k just saying,

[@EngineAdventures]

Toyota does offer more trim levels with off-road features, but the TRD Off Road starts at $36k and the Frontier Pro-4x starts at $38k. Not too different, and depending on what you want or need might be worth it.

[@mikeludwick7886]

Buy a longer tongue hitch, solved.

[@EngineAdventures]

Certainly a good option. I also have a B&W with 2 hitch pin holes in the shank so you can make the hitch stick out further from the bumper.

[@abdullahalasmari5218]

First

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheNobleExotic]

Just get a Tacoma

[@EngineAdventures]

There is a reason Car and Driver ranks the Tacoma as #6 in the midsize truck segment. It also has its place in the market and is a great truck in many ways, but falls well short of the competition in many other ways.

[@robertmisiuk7137]

Unless you need to drive up a hill at highway speed. The 3.5 is gutless. And is made for short people.

[@edaddyx2hansonjr436]

For fucks sake. It's a 3.8. less than a min in and you lost me.

[@EngineAdventures]

To your point, I should do better with the specs. On the other hand I do everything in one take and can usually edit out the little mistakes like this in post. Sometimes I miss stuff even in post. I do understand the negative perception given from mis pronouncing something or making a small mistake here and there, whether that perception is correct or not.

[@forza388]

I find the steering wheel to be really heavy! did you find the same with yours? it was my first time driving a pick up 🛻

[@EngineAdventures]

I didn't think so, it was maybe a little heavier than the Tacoma I had the following week, but nothing that stood out to me.

[@dantimber]

It's hydraulic instead of electric. I prefer it especially on the highway but they both have advantages and disadvantages.

[@cahabarivr]

I like the hydraulic steering much better than electronic. It don't wear you out on long trips. Very nice offroad

[@joesteel3459]

I love that it’s a heavy hydraulic set up. That nearly sold me from the start

[@All-Miles-Matter]

Sold me from the start. It feels like a truck! I loveeeee my 23 p4x