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The Frontier blends fair
pricing, surprisingly enjoyable handling, impressive power, and good towing
capacity. Though it is a traditional truck-based design, the handling-biased
suspension makes it more fun to drive than Honda’s car-based Ridgeline, which
leaves the Frontier with a stiffer, less absorbent ride than its competitors.
It also lacks rear seat space, the flaw that, if corrected, would have given
this capable pickup a wide-margin win in this comparison.
As noted, the Frontier
rides stiffly, and slams its way over larger bumps. But it always recovers
quickly at least, and is stable and reasonably comfortable on smooth surfaces.
It handles quite well for a pickup, with restrained body roll and quick
steering that even provides good feedback, making it the sportiest vehicle in
this group. Its V6 is powerful, and though it isn’t exactly quiet, it sounds
pleasant. Road noise could be better-suppressed, but isn’t obtrusive. The
Frontier is rated to tow up to 6,100 lbs. Gas mileage is within the range of
this group, but doesn’t especially impress.
Inside, the Frontier’s
front seats are high, well-shaped, and quite comfortable, and there is
sufficient head and leg space. If only the same were true of the rear. While
the seat is reasonably well-shaped, it is rather small and mounted low, and
there is still a lack of leg and head space. Unless the occupants of the front
seats are especially short, not even two adults will fit with any comfort in
the rear. The versatile seat can either flip up or fold down, but neither way
opens up as much interior cargo space as some of the others. A fold-flat front
passenger seat helps, and the bed is appropriately sized for this class.
 The interior uses
mostly hard, cheap-feeling plastics, but they fit together well. The gauges
are clear and the instruments are well-placed and easy to use, though some are
a bit small. Drivers sit comfortably and have clear visibility. Entry/exit is
complicated by narrow door openings, particularly to the rear seat.
The Frontier reviewed
here came in at $26,809, well-equipped. Though it doesn’t have a power
driver’s seat, it does come with active head restraints, a tire-pressure
monitor, a roof rack, and hill ascent/descent control.
The Frontier is a very
competitive pickup, but its lack of rear seat space prevents it from being an
especially good family vehicle. The stiff ride and low-budget interior aren’t
great either. But it offers competitive pricing, good safety ratings,
comfortable front seating, a competitive towing capacity, excellent
acceleration, and nimble handling. If you don’t need a comfortable rear seat,
it’s the best choice in this group.
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