The 2021 Nissan Frontier lasts around 250,000 miles with some average suspension and paint issues reported. At $22,999 to $33,990, it’s a great value for a compact truck that offers excellent practicality for shoppers.
Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Nissan Frontier since it’s a practical truck that’s more affordable than the competition. Owner reviews praise the V6 engine, four-wheel drive system, and the stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are utilitarian and basic, the seats are reasonably comfortable, there are also two bed choices offered.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Frontier. Stay away from the 2012 model since it has engine problems while 2013–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – The V6 engine offers reasonable performance, but it’s not as strong as some of the other trucks on the market.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2021 Frontier is reasonably safe earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while rear parking sensors are an optional upgrade.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is decent at 20 MPG, giving 422 miles of range out of the 21.1 gallon tank. Gas costs are $34 cheaper than average, at $219 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Nissan Frontier is cheaper than many other small trucks on the market with average depreciation rates, making it a good value for shoppers.
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Frontier?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Nissan Frontier is relatively nimble for a small truck, and it earns good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Nissan Frontier at 4.2/5, enjoying the off-road performance, but doesn’t like how cheap the interior materials look and feel.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Frontier a 4.4/5, praising the powerful engine for the truck’s size, but owners don’t like the small touchscreen stereo system.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Nissan Frontier Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Nissan Frontier include excessive noise from the suspension, paint chips, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact trucks on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Frontier ages.
Excessive noise from the suspension is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Frontier owners, showing up at around 20,000 miles. The front suspension rubber components tend to wear out relatively quickly, and have to be replaced. Fixing the problem costs around $650, depending on local labor rates.
Paint chips are another problem found on the Frontier within the first 30,000 miles. The paint on the front bumper and hood edges tends to be thin, and easily chips. Some owners use touch up paint which costs around $80, while others repaint the damaged areas at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
Stereo system issues have also been reported by Frontier owners in the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improves its reliability. Most dealers will install these updates for free, while others charge around $50 for the labor to update it.
There are two recalls on the 2021 Nissan Frontier, which is similar to other trucks from the same year. Both of the recalls cover the transmission which may slip out of park, and allow the vehicle to roll away. Nissan will reprogram the transmission control module on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Nissan Frontier Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Nissan Frontier can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Tacoma. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small trucks according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $460 per year.
As a used 2021 Frontier reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the windshield wiper motor for $175, A/C pressure switch costing $225, along with the wheel hubs which costs $450.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good for a small truck, and has a 7-inch touchscreen display. Optional upgrades include a premium 10-speaker sound system.
Standard safety technology is very basic, and only includes a rearview camera. The only optional upgrade available are rear parking sensors.
Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Nissan Frontier is a good value since it’s cheaper than other small trucks, while still offering great practicality. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $22,999 to $33,990, making it less than a Chevy Colorado or Ford Ranger. When new, the price range was $27,190 to $37,890. Depreciation is similar to other trucks, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Frontier?
There are three main models of the 2021 Nissan Frontier offered from the entry-level S through to the off-road focused Pro-4X. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Nissan Frontier S is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth upholstery
- Keyless entry
- Push-button start
- Rearview camera
- 7-inch touch screen
- Four-speaker stereo (six speakers in Crew Cab models)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB port
- Siri Eyes Free
- Available four-wheel drive
Nissan Frontier SV is a step up, adding:
- Power-adjustable side mirrors
- Sliding rear window
- Premium cloth upholstery
- Available features:
- Four-wheel drive
- Utili-Track movable tie-down system
- Rear parking sensors
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front seats
Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is the off-road focused model with:
- Offered only as Crew Cab
- Bilstein shocks (off-road)
- Skid plates
- Front tow hook
- Enhanced off-road capability
What Engines Come In the Nissan Frontier?
The 2021 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine across all its models. This engine delivers a robust 310 horsepower and 281 lb.-ft of torque, providing ample power for various driving situations. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which contributes to a combined fuel economy of approximately 20 MPG. The towing capacity of this engine stands at up to 6,720 pounds, accommodating a range of towing needs. When it comes to acceleration, the 2021 Frontier can go from 0-60 MPH in roughly 7.5 seconds, offering a brisk performance for a midsize truck.
What Colors Does the Nissan Frontier Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Frontier?
The 2021 Nissan Frontier stands out for its comfort features, offering a pleasant ride experience that balances the ruggedness of a truck with the comfort of a passenger vehicle. Inside the cabin, the Frontier is equipped with well-cushioned seats that provide good support, making it suitable for long drives. The front seats, particularly in higher trims, come with options like heating and power-adjustability, enhancing comfort for the driver and front passenger. The rear seats in Crew Cab models are nice, offering adequate legroom and headroom for adult passengers, which is not always a given in the midsize truck segment. The overall interior design, though straightforward and functional, includes soft-touch materials and ergonomic layouts that contribute to a more comfortable in-cab experience.
On the road, the 2021 Frontier’s ride quality is noteworthy. It features a suspension system that is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, ensuring a smooth ride even on rough terrains. While it retains the sturdy handling characteristics expected of a pickup, the Frontier does not feel overly stiff or cumbersome, a common issue in some trucks. This balance makes it equally adept at handling daily commutes and longer journeys.
However, it’s important to note that while the Frontier offers a commendable level of comfort for a midsize truck, it may not match the plushness or advanced features of some of its competitors in the segment. The simplicity of its design and features might appeal to those who prefer a no-frills, straightforward driving experience, but those seeking more luxury-oriented features might find it a bit lacking. Overall, the 2021 Nissan Frontier provides a solid, comfortable ride that should satisfy most drivers looking for a capable and reliable midsize truck.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Frontier Have?
The 2021 Nissan Frontier offers a versatile storage space suited for various needs, with options in bed sizes and clever interior storage solutions. Primarily, the Frontier is available with two bed sizes: a standard bed measuring about 5 feet (59.5 inches) and a long bed, approximately 6 feet (73.3 inches) in length. These dimensions provide ample space for a variety of items. For example, the standard bed can comfortably accommodate typical home improvement materials like plywood sheets or large home appliances, while the long bed is ideal for longer items such as kayaks or longer lumber pieces. The bed’s utility is enhanced by Nissan’s Utili-track Channel System, which offers adjustable tie-down points, adding flexibility and security for cargo of various shapes and sizes.
In addition to the bed, the 2021 Frontier features various interior storage spaces designed for convenience and practicality. The rear seats in the Crew Cab models fold down to create additional cargo space. Small-item storage is thoughtfully integrated throughout the cabin, with spaces like a dual-level glove compartment, door pockets, and center console storage. These areas are perfect for everyday items like smartphones, wallets, water bottles, and small tools. This blend of bed utility and interior storage solutions positions the 2021 Nissan Frontier as a practical choice for both work-related tasks and everyday use.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Nissan Frontier was introduced for the 2005 model year.
2015: SV and Desert Runner models have an all-new 5-inch screen with Nissan Connect apps.
2016: More exterior color choices offered, sunroof added to the SV model.
2017: S work truck package has a spray-in bed liner, and rubber floor mats are standard.
2018: Rearview camera is now standard on all models, A/C and cruise control is also standard on the S model.
2019: Upgraded 7-inch touchscreen available on S and SV models.
2020: Improved 3.8L V8 engine offered, redesigned center console.
2021: No significant changes from earlier years.
How Does the Nissan Frontier Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Nissan Frontier is a great small truck since it offers decent reliability ratings and a reasonably comfortable cabin while being more affordable than some competitors.
The Toyota Tacoma is another small truck which costs about $4,000 more. Standard technology is more up-to-date in the Toyota Tacoma, while the Nissan Frontier has a more spacious cabin. We recommend the Toyota Tacoma since it’s the longest-lasting compact truck, but it’s worth testing both to see which you prefer.
The Ford Ranger is a popular competitor which costs around $2,000 more. Where the Ford Ranger stands out is with a larger cabin, while the Nissan Frontier offers better off-road performance. We recommend the Nissan Frontier since it’s more affordable to own long-term, but both are worth looking at to see which fits your life better.
