Review: 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Has An Old-School Small Truck Approach, Which Rocks

I’m a big fan of simplicity in cars. It just makes them more reliable, and easier to repair. But as we head towards the ever more complicated and technology-induced automobile, the back-to-basics, ultra-reliable and cheap-to-mend transportation device is becoming increasingly rare.

Which is probably why I immediately fell in love with the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X. Although it received a midcycle refresh in 2025, and that the current-generation was released in 2022, the Frontier doesn’t exactly feel modern. Actually, it does feel modern, but only in the areas that actually matter. It basically confirms that Nissan’s old-school approach here isn’t related to a lack of innovation. This was done on purpose, granting the Frontier one of the most charming personalities in the midsize truck segment.

2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X First Impressions: Very Orange, With A Now Longer Bed

Ever since this generation Frontier was introduced, I’ve always liked its straight-forward, tough and utilitarian look. The Pro-4X trim, dedicated to light offroading and taking the fight to models like the Ford Ranger Tremor or Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, adds a lot of road presence and actual go-anywhere hardware (more on that later). It also feels great to see a midsize truck that stays true to its proportions. As a matter of fact, this Frontier is about the same size as its predecessor. According to Nissan, when I attended the Frontier’s original launch event, a midsize truck doesn’t need to be bigger than that. And I agree.

The 2025 facelift doesn’t change much of this, except for a slightly revised front fascia that adds fake air vents to the grille’s upper section. I’m not a fan of those. I personally preferred the Frontier’s previous, more conservative look. My tester’s Afterburn Orange paint is also new, but I would probably get my Pro-4X in Tactical Green. The good news, however, is that all Frontiers can now be had with a 6.1-foot bed, even if you opt for the four-door Crew Cab configuration, as tested. The Frontier is also still available in a King Cab format (two tiny suicide doors), with a 5-foot bed.

2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Exterior Dimensions

2025 Nissan Frontier: Differences Between The U.S. And Canadian Market

The main distinction in the way Nissan sells the Frontier on both sides of the border is how the lineup is set up. American Frontiers come with a bargain-basement S trim, while in Canada, the lineup kicks off with the SV model. Nissan Canada also sells a top-spec Pro-4X Luxury model, which sits at the top of the lineup. Apart from that, both markets sell essentially the same Frontier.

U.S. Versus Canada Lineup Breakdown And Starting MSRP (model tested in bold)

Driving Impressions And Performance: Small But Tough, With Old-School V6 Power

The one area where the entire Frontier lineup distinguishes itself from other midsize trucks is that it comes standard with a naturally aspirated V6. Except for the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline, all of its rivals now come with turbocharged four-cylinders. This therefore grants the Frontier more simplicity, increased durability and the sort of old-school character we no longer get from small to midsize trucks.

There’s 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque on tap, all mated to a butter-smooth, ZF-sourced nine-speed, automatic transmission. But it all mostly comes alive at low to mid-RPM. There’s no point in revving the snot out of this engine as it’ll just scream annoyingly without actually creating speed. The Frontier, rather, casually puts down its performance in a more utilitarian manner, a clear reminder that this small truck means business.

There’s very little refinement in the way it drives. The Frontier doesn’t hesitate one bit to remind you of its body-on-frame configuration. But none of the Frontier’s roughneck driving characteristics arise by accident. There’s a sense here that Nissan tuned this thing to give it precisely that sort of back-to-basics feel. It’s also playful, nimble and actually quite fun to drive around, especially on a long stretch of broken-up dirt road. Most of that comes from a hydraulic power steering unit, and because Nissan couldn’t afford to fit an electric system instead. It was put there on purpose to give the Frontier more character, but also more steering sensitivity when it’s being driven along a rocky bit of trail.

Speaking of being able to take on the rough stuff, the Pro-4X adds just enough go-anywhere hardware to enhance this already capable little machine. While not as extreme as a Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 or a

, Nissan’s Pro-4X package does give you a set of model-specific Bilstein off-road dampers.

They’re obviously not as smooth as the ZR2’s Multimatic DSSV sets, but they do allow the Frontier Pro-4X to take in the hits harder and without fear of blowing through the shock. All-terrain tires, additional skid plates and an electronically locking rear differential complete the Pro-4X package. There’s evidently a lot of value here, especially considering that Nissan bumped the Frontier’s max towing rating from 6,640 to 7,150 lb at no extra cost.

2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Technical Specifications

2025 Nissan Frontier Fuel Consumption

Unfortunately, V6 power doesn’t improve the Frontier’s fuel consumption. Actually, when observing the EPA’s 18 MPG average, you quickly realize that fuel economy was not on Nissan’s list of priorities when developing this truck. You’ll basically get similar numbers as a full-size Ford F-150 powered by the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. And since I was driving this thing in cold, February weather, the best I could muster was a dismal 18 MPG.

EPA And As Tested Fuel Consumption

Interior Design And Comfort: Utilitarian And Straightforward

Like the rest of the truck, the Frontier’s cabin is all about getting work done. There’s absolutely no nonsense here, except for perhaps some orange accents that help underline the Pro-4X demeanor. But while this truck showcases an interior we’ve seen many times over, there’s a sense of simplicity and ergonomic brilliance in the way everything was set up. It also feels great to get back to physical switchgear in a world of screen-infested cars.

While the materials used are fine, it’s obvious that the Frontier was built to last. Everything has a tough and rugged feel to it, while the large grab handles on each side of the center console remind you that Nissan is serious about the Pro-4X’s adventure-seeking abilities. But while 360 visibility is great, the Frontier’s front seats are not all that comfortable, nor supportive. They’re pretty hard, actually. Out the rear, tall passengers might feel their legs squeezed against the front seatbacks due to the limited legroom. Yes, those seats can be folded flat to improve cabin cargo space, but overall cargo isn’t as good here as what you’ll find in, say, a Honda Ridgeline or even a Ford Ranger.

2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use: Wireless Android Auto Works Great, But The Infotainment System Feels Old

Technology is not the reason you buy a midsize truck, but although the Frontier’s rivals have all stepped up their game in that regard, Nissan’s small truck keeps things as straightforward as it gets. The good news is that the infotainment screen was kept relatively small at 12.3 inches. There are more physical buttons at your disposal, too, which eases the system’s operation when wearing a pair of gloves in winter.

But while wireless Android Auto (in my case) connected effortlessly, the system’s user interface feels like something taken out of the early 2010s. Graphic quality is average, menus are scattered in an odd pattern and there’s always a bit of lag when smashing icons. I always defaulted back to Android Auto to avoid having to deal with this system.

Cargo And Storage Space: Now With A Longer Bed!

The longer bed helps improve the Frontier’s ability to haul stuff around. At 6.1 feet long and 5.1 feet wide (3.7 feet between wheel housings), it provides the kind of utility you’d normally get from a full-size truck. Nissan also added to that bed some handy attachment rails, as well as a 120-volt power outlet.

2025 Nissan Frontier Cargo Space

A Good Small Truck That Doesn’t Necessarily Punch Above Its Weight Class

With the Frontier, you get a sense that Nissan is perfectly content selling a truck that’s not trying to outperform the competition. Because when you start comparing the numbers, you quickly realize the competition can tow more, carry more payload and even offer more off-road capability. But the Frontier’s solid bones, puppy-dog handling, proven reliability track record and decent value allow it to remain a steadfast contender in that space.

Plain and simple, this is one of those solid, tough and rugged small trucks that’s oozing character, with the sort of old-school approach we’ve lost in this segment. If you’re sick and tired of massive screens and turbocharged four-cylinders in the small truck world, then you’re going to love the Nissan Frontier.