2014 Nissan Frontier details

2014 Nissan Frontier

There are minor standard and optional equipment updates on the 2014 Nissan Frontier, and trucks equipped with the factory navigation system have enhanced voice control and smartphone app integration features.

With its raised fender flares and blocky design, the Frontier has a familiar family resemblance to Nissan's Xterra SUV and Titan full-size truck. Unlike the mammoth Titan, the smaller Frontier has a sportier, more athletic attitude. King Cab and Crew Cab models have the same overall length of 205.5 inches. A long bed is available in Crew Cabs, giving them the same 73.3-inch size of those found on King Cab models. PRO-4X models have multiple skidplates to protect vital parts from nature's jabs. Top-line Crew Cab SL trims have tubular roof rails similar to those on the Xterra.

Under the hood, there's a choice of a 261 horsepower, 281-pound-foot 4.0-liter V-6 engine or a 152-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The V-6 is the star of this show, with pep and pulling power that's almost equal to some smaller V-8s. Improvements to the engine's internal components last year reduced friction and boosted gas mileage slightly (along with minor aerodynamic improvements), helping to keep the V-6 competitive. The four-cylinder is fine for the commuter who occasionally needs a pickup, but it's ill-suited to heavier duty. Both 4x2 (rear-wheel drive) and 4x4 drivelines are available as well.

Equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive, the four-banger returns 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Choosing a five-speed automatic lowers those figures to 17/23 mpg with the highway figure being up 1 mpg over the previous iteration.

Most reviewers say the Frontier's front seats are comfortable and supportive, though they also note that the four-seat King Cab's rear jump seats are quite cramped. The five-seat Crew Cab has more useable rear-seat passenger space. A four-speaker stereo is standard, while options include air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD stereo, a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system, a USB port, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a navigation system with a 5.8-inch touch-screen display, dual-zone automatic climate control and a backup camera.

All Frontier models come standard with dual front, side and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems and a tire-pressure monitoring system.Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are available on all Frontiers, except the S and Desert Runner models.

The only crash test the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration performed on the Frontier was the rollover test, in which it earned four out of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Frontier a rating of Good in its moderate overlap front, side impact and roof strength tests, as well as an Acceptable mark for the head restraints and seats.