The 2010 Nissan Frontier ranks 2 out of 8 Compact Pickup Trucks. This ranking is based on our analysis of 47 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Frontier, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Nissan Frontier is known for its rugged construction and comfortable on-pavement performance, something that can be hard to come by in a compact pickup. A long list of safety features and interior options helps the Frontier sail by most of the competition.
Motor Trend says, “The Nissan Frontier has been a solid contender in the midsize-truck segment since it was introduced over a decade ago. Not a whole lot has changed for the Frontier over the years, but then, not a lot has needed to change.” All in all, the Nissan Frontier makes sense for compact pickup buyers who are look for a little comfort alongside their truck’s capability. As an added bonus, the Frontier can be optioned into a fast performance truck or capable off-road machine. Though a few reviewers complain about the interior materials, most agree that any compact pickup truck buyer would do well to give the Frontier serious consideration.
While the Frontier wins plenty of good reviews from the press, perhaps the biggest complement comes from a rival manufacturer: Suzuki sourced its Equator pickup from the Nissan Frontier, proving that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, that flattery may throw a wrench into Nissan’s sales. Since the Equator is pretty much the same as a Frontier, but Suzuki sales are much lower than Nissan’s, buyers may be able to negotiate a better deal on the Equator. Even more important, the Equator offers a longer warranty than the Frontier. If you’re not picky about the badge your truck wears and you like the Frontier, you might save some money at the dealership and down the road by opting for the Equator.
Buyers should also check out the class-leading Toyota Tacoma. While its looks aren’t as rugged as the Frontier’s, and it reviewers don’t praise its performance as much, it does start at about $2,000 less than the Frontier. Some reviewers also say it offers a nicer interior.
The 2010 Nissan Frontier has two cab styles, though both have four doors. The King Cab is slightly smaller and is available in four trims — the base XE, SE, Pro-4X and LE. The Pro-4X is the trim of choice for buyers looking to take their trucks off-road. The Crew Cab is available in three trims — the SE, Pro-4X and LE.
In 2009, the Frontier got a slight refresh, but is largely unchanged for 2010. That means that savvy buyers could get a deal by opting for the 2009 model instead of the 2010. Also, check out our Nissan deals to see what discounts and incentives are available on a new Frontier.
Frontier Performance – 8.9 (Very Good)
When it comes to performance, few competitors can match the Frontier, which offers plenty of power and a comfortable ride. Four Wheeler notes, “This is an amazingly nimble package for a pickup … the awesome drivetrain leaves the competition and some larger trucks in the dust.”
Frontier Exterior – 8.5 (Very Good)
The Nissan Frontier looks good. According to the Washington Post, the Frontier “has the demeanor of a physically fit young man who has enough money, time and sense of adventure to do and go where he wants when he wants.”
Frontier Interior – 8.0 (Very Good)
Despite complaints about cheap materials, most reviewers feel the Nissan Frontier’s interior is good enough for the class. ”As is common in Nissans, the cabin is well designed, but materials are cheap,” writes Automobile Magazine. That’s pretty typical for a compact pickup.
Frontier Safety – NA
The Frontier performs well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, and comes equipped with a wide array of active and passive safety features — including electronic brake force distribution and an energy absorbing steering column. New for 2010 are standard side-curtain airbags for all models, and stability control on V6 models.
Frontier Reliability – 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2010 Nissan Frontier reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Nissan provides a limited warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles.
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