2023 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x Tow Test

The Frontier is actually a very competent towing vehicle! The flat torque curve and excellent grade braking helped it perform much better than the top selling midsize truck.
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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.

[@Sasquatchflow]

I will not be getting the Tacoma simply because they dropped the V6! I’ll be getting the Nisan Frontier Pro4X 💯

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm excited to try out the new turbo 4's in the Tacoma and Colorado, but I do love the Frontier!

[@pedrogonzales4669]

Same here

[@Boosted_lifeST]

The job I work for makes the timing chain covers for the tacomas and what my job let’s go is a big reason why I went with frontier. We will also being making the timing chain covers for the new 4 cylinders that they are going to be using in the new Tacomas

[@dannyv2335]

Oh man, I should’ve recorded my 19 Tacoma towing my 6000lb boat. That truck was not built to tow anything remotely heavy. Have a 23 Pro 4X now and I love it.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience! The Tacoma is really good at being an overlander, but not much else in my opinion.

[@Linknelson]

Love my Frontier, have a PRO4X have a 19, has the 5speed auto and it’s great. They made the new power plant even better for those questioning reliability. This truck will outlast all the new trucks with all the all screen dash and turbos. Great video to demonstrate

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@keithfrost3807]

Great video! Thank you!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@onefastcyclist]

Amber Film over the "fog lights" helps a lot. I have a 2019 PRO4X with an Old Man Emu lift: 1-3/4" front and 2-3/4" rear which allows the truck to set level when towing. The old 4.0 has the same torque, but it comes on at a lower RPM where you need it for towing. These are GREAT trucks!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Love the 4.0!

[@wrldismyn]

I just made a 4000 mile round trip in my 23 pro 4x pulling a 16' enclosed trailer. I had zero issues and it pulled better than I hoped. It did drop the mpg to about 16 mpg, bit that is to be expected (especially with the wind crossing texas and new Mexico. Very satisfied with this truck personally

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@gardnerberry113]

How much weight is your trailer? I'm thinking of buying a 23' Vista Cruiser that weighs around 4000lbs fully-loaded and that's too much for my '94 Toyota 4cyl. Would you recommend a Frontier or spring for the Titan V8?

[@EngineAdventures]

@@gardnerberry113 I believe the Frontier can handle this trailer (weight isn't an issue, frontal area is). I don't remember now, but the Frontier is rated for 55 sq. Ft. frontal area I believe. The Vista Cruiser is closer to 80 sq. Ft. If you are traveling longer distances (more than 200 ish miles) and/or going more than a few times a year, I would recommend a half-ton truck, like the Titan.

[@gardnerberry113]

@@EngineAdventures Thank you for your reply. I'll have to read up on frontal area since I've never heard of it. Perhaps that's why my friend insists I consider a Ram 1500 w/ Pentastar V6, minimum. (He's a big Hemi fan though.)

[@EngineAdventures]

It's essentially wind resistance, weight is obviously a big factor, but frontal area is often overlooked. The trailer in this video has a huge frontal area and terrible aero dynamics. While the Frontier did fine with it in this test, it certainly adds a lot of strain and wear and tear on the vehicle.

[@smittysmitty481]

Nice truck!

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulyosef7550]

I love my 23 S model King Cab Frontier.

[@EngineAdventures]

They are great trucks!

[@konic40]

I like that camera angle on the roof looking back, maybe they should consider having that as a tow camera stock

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Some of the bigger trucks have the option for a camera similar to this one that shows the bed of the truck.

[@gregoryhathaway8862]

Great video... we looked at a frontier today specifically for towing a 22' pontoon and an rv... thanks, this was helpful.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@leviennis1274]

Thanks for the video! Can you give links for the wireless brake and your tow hit hitch?!

[@EngineAdventures]

A lot of times KZbin will disable the links, however if you search for the following terms you should easily be able to find them: FASTWAY Flash Scale Ball Mount Curt Echo wireless brake controller

[@juliosdiy3206]

Wow that tow is max.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@haydenfoutz8634]

Commented on your video about the Tacoma asking if you're in UT. I know exactly where you are in this vid. Pretty area of Utah man.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@steverasmussen8997]

The wiring harness for the trailer breaks is there just get the right adaptor and the controller (Plug and Play)

[@EngineAdventures]

I figured it had that, most pickups and SUVs do now. This is a media vehicle that I only had for a week, so I'm not going to be buying wiring harnesses for every one. There are some that don't have that plug either, so the wireless setup works for me. I do highly recommend a wired brake controller though for anyone who owns a vehicle and tows more than once or twice a year.

[@user-ox8ix6lf4r]

I got a 2022 sv 4x4 i love it traded in my 2018 tacoma for it.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@garybeaty4032]

I appreciate the frontier content! Do you have any concerns over the reliability of the transmission?

[@elizabethmiller7918]

I am not the OP but isnt this the same transmission as in the Titan? No complaints there and that is a fullsize V8 powered truck.... compared to a V6 powered midsizer.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for watching and for the support! They both use the same design, but the components are sized accordingly for the application. Elizabeth Miller is correct that as far as we know, these are very reliable transmissions.

[@miketerry6036]

@@EngineAdventuresit’s a new transmission. Nobody knows how reliable it will be

[@phw2274]

@@miketerry6036 It was put in the previous generation Frontier for the 2020 and 2021 model years. So it does have 4 years of use in the Frontier .

[@Crtulu]

Thanks for the video. What was the mpg while towing?

[@EngineAdventures]

If I remember right it was around 11.9

[@Misfit_wk2]

Thats honestly not bad to be honest ​@@EngineAdventures

[@jimmyspencer4019]

4x4 indicator is to the right of the gear indicator. I saw it several times.

[@EngineAdventures]

Funny how obvious it is when you know where to look. Thanks!

[@GPSS87]

Can you do a similar review with the Pathfinder? I can't find any real world towing test review.

[@EngineAdventures]

I would love to and was really hoping to get a Pathfinder Trail Sport, but wasn't able to make it on the rotation. I'll see what I can do!

[@GPSS87]

@@EngineAdventures thanks! Keep up the good work!

[@dlg5485]

It's really is a shame that proper fog lights just aren't a thing anymore, and the so called fog lights they you do see are the wrong color temp. However, I suspect there is a way to modify these so they are switched separately. By the way, what's your payload rating? I'm considering buying a Pro4x for a camping/travel rig, but I'm not sure it has enough capacity for a fully decked out setup.

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm sure there is a way to switch the fog lights on separately. I do prefer something in the 3000-3500k temp range for fog lights, but having low and wide light is a big help regardless of color. Yellow is just easier on the eyes. Payload for this one was 1,070 pounds. The 2023 Chevy Colorado I just tested (videos will be love in the next couple of weeks) has a 1500 lb payload capacity. Both are pretty good considering I've had a lot of half ton trucks with around 1,000 lb payload (which is why I guess they're called half tons) Thanks for watching!

[@antoniocognato5023]

How is that trailer? Any videos of it camping?

[@EngineAdventures]

It's an ok trailer. It is more designed for a couple than a family, but it works well. Ceilings are tall and there is plenty of space inside. It just feels heavy (and stable) when towing because of the wind resistance. This company stopped making trailers over a decade ago, so finding some parts is a pain, just have to update to a different brand when fixing some things.

[@sawboneiomc8809]

2024...has break control now

[@EngineAdventures]

Good to know!

[@robgrune3284]

good vid. 1/ location? altitude? 2/ average mpg? 3/ reason you would not tow that trailer with the Frontier? 4/ overall, the truck performed very well.

[@EngineAdventures]

1. Utah, Starts at 4,500ish and goes to 6,200ish 2. 11.7 ish per the trip computer 3. Frontal area is well above what Nissan recommends 4. The Frontier was my favorite midsize truck until I drove the 2023 Colorado Trail Boss

[@robgrune3284]

thanks. 12 mpg towing 4.5k# TT has been my experience too. also too, the Taco mpg was 10 mpg towing same rig on the return leg of 300 miles. have you towed similar with the Colorado? overall, for reliability, I place my trust more in the NA 6cyl than a turbo 4cyl, until proven otherwise in say 10 years.

[@EngineAdventures]

I've towed with the Tacoma and 2023 Colorado over this same course. I like the way an NA engine drives more than the turbo, however the extra torque in the Colorado made a huge difference in this test.

[@robgrune3284]

re Colorado. I have heard similar from others. I am not a fanboy. But I do know trucks; eg the semi rigs. Were I to consider a turbo 4, I would place more trust in Toyota than other brands. One salient pro to Toyota engines is they are dual port injected. The Nissan is single direct port, so carbon fouling will be an issue over time. That and no brake controller are 2 glaring issues; but brake can be easily remedied, if Nissan were so to choose. The fouling will need to be cleaned every 50k miles or so. Still, it is better than taking the risk of a turbo failure; less risk for Toyota, but a real risk for the 'big 3' brands. These points are not raised in your videos, nor those of others. Overall, when towing, I found the Frontier to be very capable and better than the competitors; no replacement for displacement, and more stable overall with less driver fatigue. As a grocery getter, which is what 90% of drivers want, the Nissan may not be the best choice.

[@gardnerberry113]

@@robgrune3284 Would you be confident pulling a

[@antoniocognato5023]

Does yours have a moonroof or solid roof?

[@EngineAdventures]

This one had the moon roof. It was a media vehicle that I only had for a week.

[@mattthompson3656]

does Nissan have the fuel management system where it shuts off cylinders to save gas?

[@EngineAdventures]

As far as I know it does not. There are mixed feelings about cylinder deactivation as many vehicles have had oil consumption, cam, or other issues from it. I installed a component on my wife's car to stop cylinder deactivation as I would notice it burning oil on startup sometimes. It no longer does that.

[@hankhill5622]

No, it’s a big reason the frontier is probably gonna be my next truck

[@kscipkkkk]

GM is the only brand that I’m aware of and when it takes a dump on you it’s a $ 3500.00 bill to fix

[@7CFlo]

Does towing void the warranty? It says it does in the book but there must be more to it..

[@EngineAdventures]

I don't know if that is a generic statement that Nissan puts in for all of their vehicles, but that is interesting it says that under misuse. I'm wondering what they mean by that, could be flat towing the Frontier not towing with the Frontier because the tire section talks about setting the proper tire inflation when towing.

[@7CFlo]

@@EngineAdventures That's true. I called the dealership today and they said towing does not void the warranty unless you tow more than the vehicles limit. It is a vague statement in the book though.

[@CdotForbes13]

What travel trailer is that?

[@EngineAdventures]

It's a Thor California Summit. I think it's actually for an 18 foot living area but the sticker on the side says RB22 indicating it's 22ft (which is about the total length). Maybe they did things differently before, but now the standard is to put the living area length on it, not the total length.

[@timfranko8354]

The ongoing debate surrounding fog lights presents a clear polarization of opinions. Upon closer examination of the bumper, it becomes apparent that the lights are positioned too high off the ground to align with the design standards, which, as commonly agreed upon, should adhere to the Webster’s dictionary definition of a ‘fog light,’ placing them closer to the ground to avoid obstructing the field of view, unlike low/high beams. Moreover, the regulatory requirements add another layer of complexity to the matter. It’s worth noting that a significant portion, approximately 95% by my estimation, of drivers tend to leave their fog lights on continuously, presumably for aesthetic or perceived sportiness reasons. This nuanced discussion on vehicle lighting warrants exploration, ideally within the domain of experts such as @technologyconnections. I would certainly find such content engaging and informative.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing! I have a pretty strong opinion because it seems I get caught in a blizzard at least once a year in our family vehicle. It has "fog lights" that only turn on if the headlights are on. I often have the desire to just turn off the headlights and drive with the running lights, but then oncoming traffic wouldn't be able to see me very well. In every vehicle I've driven it can have the fog lights on with the headlights, but it's not the other way around. Let people choose for themselves.

[@nooneproductions27]

The tism is strong with this one

[@EngineAdventures]

There were some serious typos in there! Haha it should be fixed now.

[@jacewace8788]

What color is that frontier?

[@EngineAdventures]

Baja storm

[@theshittybowman]

No anti-sway system? Why?

[@EngineAdventures]

For testing purposes, if I owned the truck I would use an Equal-i-zer brand hitch to tow this trailer. When comparing different vehicles it is much easier when a weight distribution hitch with sway control is not in the picture.

[@theshittybowman]

@@EngineAdventures ahhhh, gotcha.

[@mscffp]

The sad thing about the oil pressure gauge is that it never moves. It is essentially a fancy idiot light. Kinda sad considering that the proper sensor could easily send it information to the dash to give a real reading. Add some actual numbers and the truck would be amazing.

[@EngineAdventures]

Yeah I don't like dummy gauges!

[@hankhill5622]

Yeah, the temperature gauge has been like that for years on these trucks as well, you don’t get an actual reading until it reads operating temp. And over heating. Outside of those two preset temperatures you never get an actual reading. I hate that Nissan does that.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

My 2001 Dodge 24v Cummins oil pressure is the same. The engine operates in the 30-35lbs range, but the gauge defaults to 72lbs upon start up, no matter temp, no matter rpm.

[@kscipkkkk]

The four idiot gauges are an annoyance! Shane on Nissan

[@christophersmith5116]

Do you think I would get similar results with my 2008 Nissan Frontier CC LWB with 67K Miles? Thanks.

[@EngineAdventures]

It would probably be close. The newer models have the same torque, but higher horsepower. They also have the 9 speed as opposed to your 5-speed. Overall the newer one will perform a little better because the extra gears means it can stay in the highest power/torque output range better than the 5-speed. As far as stability goes, I can't say for sure, but the LWB should be more stable.

[@deancm3759]

You do realize fog lights are yellow in colour and cut through fog, driving lamps are meant to light up the front of the vehicle and the curbs whether they’re on or off with the headlights is irrelevant.

[@EngineAdventures]

Yellow is certainly easier on the eyes in most every condition, which helps especially in fog. Fog lights don't have to be yellow, but it's better that way for sure. The lower location and angle of the lights is what matters most. Having the lights lower and angled flat or down greatly reduces the amount of light that gets reflected back into the driver's eyes, if the headlights are required to be on with the fog lights then all of that benefit is gone. I've driven through many many snow storms in a 2nd Gen Honda Pilot. I'd rather turn my headlights off and just use my parking/running lights than try to use the fog lights with the headlights on, but then oncoming traffic wouldn't be able to see me. I should really just modify the wiring so that I can use the fog lights without the headlights.

[@deancm3759]

@@EngineAdventures I agree with most of that, but white light doesn’t cut through fog as well as the yellow. Almost every new passenger car, SUV, or truck that has “fog lights” they are in reality driving lamps to light up directly in front of the vehicle and the curbs/side on dark windy roads. I agree with heavy fog and snow as I live in Canada so I’m well aware of it. I’m not sure about recent vehicles but back in the day, going back to the 80s we used to wire the driving lamps so that they would come on without the headlights and all you would have is parking lights and driving lamps.

[@CT-gc1ck]

What's the payload capacity? If it's less than 1000, does that mean you can only get you and a fat friend and not 2 fat friends?

[@EngineAdventures]

1070 lbs for this one, so a young family of 4 with smaller kids would be just fine.

[@dougwarren5471]

​@@EngineAdventuresNo way you can have a family of 4 unless mom and dad weigh 100lbs each and you have 2 small babies. Keep in mind your trailer hitch with battery, propane and WDB are gunna take up at least 500lbs of that payload.

[@EngineAdventures]

It would definitely be tough, but with my family of 5 I could fit in the ratings. Would have to leave the dog home and not as any additional cargo to the truck. However, you make a great point. Many 1500, 150, Tundra, etc. are barely over the 1k payload rating, but with much higher tow ratings than the Frontier. Definitely something people need to look out for!

[@Stclairm1]

Keep in mind, being at elevation hurts its towing capability, so it did even better IMO.

[@EngineAdventures]

I've taken many vehicles over this same course, so for me it's a good comparison. I took the Tacoma up the same hill with the same trailer a week after I had the Frontier. The Frontier was way better!

[@Stclairm1]

@@EngineAdventures I recently test drove a new Tacoma V6 4x4 ext cab and it couldn't get out of its own way. My wife even commented about how slow it accelerated. It didn't make any power until 3700 rpms. It did perform better over bumps than the Frontier as it never really shuddered, but I expect a truck to have useable low end power. We found the new Chevy Colorado to sound and drive terribly. Not sure why so many are giving that truck glowing reviews. Also drove a Gladiator Willy's. Just too loud at highway speeds, but I would probably pick it over the Chevy.

[@EngineAdventures]

I'm finally getting the chance to drive the be Colorado in a few weeks. I've driven the Silverado with the 2.7 turbo 4, and it was ok. I'm curious how it will do in the Colorado.

[@Boltdriver70]

@@EngineAdventures If you get the Tacomas tuned they are much better. Stock tuning on the Tacomas are horrible

[@josel1325]

Just got my 23 frontier and the fog lights are so annoying I like running my drl and fogs but noooooo Nissan

[@EngineAdventures]

I don't need fog lights often but when I do I expect them to work!

[@chevyedwinhalevasquez2994]

I might get aftermarkets in the future that can run both with fog lights . I don’t have the pro4x so I don’t have drls but i don’t mind for now in miami

[@charlielivermanjr8837]

In Virginia having the fog lights on without the headlights is illegal. Unless the laws have changed you can't have the fog lights on and the high beams on at the same time and you can't have lights on without the headlights.

[@EngineAdventures]

Thanks for sharing. I probably didn't mention that in this video, but that's a bad law that totally negates the function of the fog lights, which is also a safety hazard.

[@charlielivermanjr8837]

@@EngineAdventures yeah, it's a bad law, there are many like it. i just don't want anyone getting a ticket over a stupid law.

[@cwqrpportable]

There's no included brake controller!

[@EngineAdventures]

Not on this one, but the newer ones do have that option.

[@MouwDown]

Is it necessary to be revving so high the whole time?

[@EngineAdventures]

This is a steep grade and starting at a pretty high elevation. If you think this is bad, watch my Tacoma towing video.

[@vackyvlada1]

It's a V6 natural aspirated engine, they are meant to rev high, that's how they get power, no forced air( turbo). Nothing is going to happened to an engine if it's working in high rpms, it's designed that way

[@beexiong2995]

Wrong type of engine for towing. I would never tow anything with a V6 over 3000lbs. I dont care what anyone says. If I want to tow anything heavier Im getting something with more low end torque and higher payload to handle these load capacities like a full size truck. 1000lbs of payload is pitiful. You have to calculate the tongue weight into the payload as well. Cant have anything with you in the truck. Its useless

[@EngineAdventures]

It really depends. I wouldn't normally tow a trailer this size with a midsize truck, but it's good for this short test. The weight of the trailer isn't an issue, however the size and wind resistance are too high for this truck. High crosswinds will unsettle the truck and trailer much easier than with a larger heavier tow vehicle.

[@kCI251]

I'll take a V6 over a turbo 4 in a truck anyday! In ten years, those turbo trucks will be in junk yards while the Nissan is still working it's tail off.

[@EngineAdventures]

We will see. Diesel engines run pretty high boost pressures with turbos, and often last a very long time. The Chevy 2.7 liter turbo 4 is a pretty stout engine from what I understand.

[@tg8150]

Guess what, that trailer is big, huge, broad.

[@EngineAdventures]

It's like pulling a bill board down the road! Not heavy, but very poor aerodynamics.

[@dalemllns]

Automotive batteries weigh about 30-45lbs... so unless you have 4 it's not 150 lbs lol

[@EngineAdventures]

2 deep cycle 6v batteries that are 60 ish pounds each. Plus there are a few other things we take out for the winter.

[@dougwarren5471]

1070 lb payload is garbage for a truck!

[@EngineAdventures]

The terms half-ton, 3/4 ton, 1-ton, etc. came from the payload capacity of the trucks. A mid size truck that has an actual half ton of payload isn't too bad, when many modern 1500's are in that range. I do agree that if you're towing at max capacity, you're essentially left with only enough payload for the driver.