The 2017 Nissan Frontier lasts around 250,000 miles with some fuel tank and chipping paint issues reported. At $15,620 to $31,550, it’s a great value for a compact truck with decent reliability ratings.
Is the 2017 Nissan Frontier a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Nissan Frontier, although it’s still outdated compared to many competitors. Owner reviews praise the off-road performance, strong engines, along with the low ownership costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are basic but utilitarian, the seats are comfortable on longer trips, cargo space is also good with two bed options.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2017 Frontier, avoid models from 2012 which have engine issues, while 2013–2021 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from both the four-cylinder and V6 models, although it’s not as fast as some competitors.
- Safety 6/10 – The 2017 Frontier is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera along with rear parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 443 miles of range from the 21.1 gallon tank. Gas costs are $8 higher than average, at $289 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2017 Nissan Frontier is cheaper than many other compact trucks on the market with average depreciation rates as it ages.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Frontier?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Nissan Frontier is a quick and nimble compact truck, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Frontier at 4.1/5, enjoying the convenient features found in the bed, but doesn’t like the limited legroom in the rear seats.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Frontier a 4.4/5, praising the off-road performance, but owners don’t like the lack of safety technology.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Nissan Frontier Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Nissan Frontier include the fuel tank overflowing while filling, chipping paint, along with the manual seat not adjusting properly. Overall, these problems are similar to some other trucks on the market, leading to average repair bills as a Frontier ages.
The fuel tank overflowing while filling is the most widespread complaint from 2017 Frontier owners, at around 45,000 miles. The charcoal canister gets clogged up and allows fuel to fill too high, and eventually overflow. Replacing the charcoal canister costs around $200, depending on local labor rates.
Chipping paint is another problem mentioned by some Frontier owners at around 25,000 miles. The paint on the front bumper and hood tends to be prone to chipping since it’s relatively thin paint. The only way to properly fix paint chips is by repainting the affected areas, at a cost of around $1,000 per panel.
The manual seat not adjusting properly is another issue found on some Frontier models at around 15,000 miles. The seat rails tend to not lock in properly with the bottom of the seat, leading to the seats feeling like they are loose on the rails. Fixing the issue involves re-aligning the seat, which costs around $150.
There’s only one recall on the 2017 Nissan Frontier, which is better than some other trucks on the market. The recall covers the ignition switch, which may turn off and stall while driving. Nissan will replace the ignition switch on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2017 Nissan Frontier Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Nissan Frontier can last around 250,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Tacoma. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than some other trucks, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $284 per year.
As a used 2017 Frontier reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the A/C drier assembly for $250, variable valve timing solenoid costing $450, along with the wheel hubs which cost $550.
Don't have any problems with reliable. Having it serviced each time it needs it to make sure it runs like it should.
So far it has been very reliable and I have had no problems with it. I have had the vehicle for only a few months but I have been very pleased with everything. Before I bought the vehicle I read many reviews on how reliable the vehicle was.
Yes, the 2017 Nissan Frontier is very reliable. I have not had any problems with this truck at all. I would recommend this make and model.
I have had to take the truck to the dealership a few times, because the check engine light kept coming on.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is fairly basic, only offering a four speaker stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity and an auxiliary jack. Optional upgrades include a 5-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful Rockford Fosgate audio system.
There’s no advanced standard safety technology found on the Nissan Frontier. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera as well as rear parking sensors.
Is the 2017 Nissan Frontier a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Nissan Frontier is a good value since it offers reasonable reliability while also being more affordable than other trucks. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $15,620 to $31,550, making it less than a Honda Ridgeline or Chevy Colorado. When new, the price range was $18,390 to $36,800. Depreciation is similar to other trucks, losing around 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Frontier?
There are five different models of the 2017 Nissan Frontier offered from the entry-level S, all the way through to the more luxurious SL. The Frontier comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is an optional upgrade.
S is the entry-level model with:
- Comes with two-wheel drive, extended cab
- Equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual transmission
- 15-inch steel wheels
- Rear privacy glass
- Four-way manual-adjusting cloth bucket seats
- Optional automatic transmission adds air-conditioning, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack
- The S Preferred package can add these features to the manual version
- Crew cab version includes a V6 engine, 16-inch steel wheels, sliding rear window, and a six-speaker audio system
SV is a step up, adding:
- V6 engine optional for SV extended-cab models
- 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, power windows, locks, and mirrors
- Tilt-only steering wheel, upgraded cloth upholstery, sliding rear window
- 5-inch Nissan Connect touchscreen interface with Bluetooth audio connectivity and smartphone-integrated apps, USB port, media player interface, satellite radio, and an additional 12-volt power outlet
- Optional sunroof for the crew cab
- Value Truck package available for the V6-powered SV with fog lights, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a sliding bed extender, a spray-in bedliner, adjustable cargo tie-downs, a Class IV trailer hitch, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and two extra speakers on extended cabs
Desert Runner adds features such as:
- Two-wheel-drive V6 only, in either cab configuration
- Builds on the base SV equipment list
- Special styling details, fog lights, high-performance shock absorbers, off-road tires
- Eight-way manually adjustable driver seat
- SV Value package equipment not available
Pro-4X is the off-road focused model with:
- Four-wheel-drive only
- Knobby off-road tires, specially tuned shocks, a locking rear differential, skid plates
- Automatic headlights, a 5.8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen with navigation, satellite radio, and voice controls
- Eight-way adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a first aid kit
- Includes most features in the SV Value Truck package, trailer hitch and bed extender optional
- Crew cabs get a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system
- Pro-4X Luxury package available for automatic-equipped crew cabs with a sunroof, roof rack with crossbars, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a rear-seat center armrest
SL is the flagship model which has:
- Only available as a crew cab with the automatic transmission
- Keeps most of the Pro-4X Luxury package items, including a sunroof for long-bed SLs (sunroof optional for short-bed SLs)
- 18-inch alloy wheels and side steps that ease access to the cab
- Trailer hitch and bed extender remain optional.
What Engines Come In the Nissan Frontier?
- 2.5L Four-Cylinder Engine: This base engine generates 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque at up to 21 MPG. It’s paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, though a five-speed automatic is also available. Its 0-60 mph acceleration time is around 9.5 seconds. When properly equipped, this engine allows the Frontier to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
- 4.0L V6 Engine: The more powerful option, this engine produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque and gets up to 17 MPG. It comes with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. The 0-60 mph time for the V6 Frontier is roughly 7.3 seconds. In terms of towing capacity, the V6 Frontier can tow up to 6,710 pounds when properly equipped.
What Colors Does the Nissan Frontier Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Frontier?
The comfort level of the 2017 Nissan Frontier is often lauded by drivers and passengers alike. Inside the cabin, the seating is supportive and designed to keep occupants comfortable, even on long drives. Front seats are adjustable, allowing for customized seating positions to accommodate different heights and preferences. On Crew Cab models, rear seating is reasonably spacious and comfortable for a compact pickup, providing enough legroom and headroom for adults.
The interior layout of the Frontier is both practical and pleasant, with controls within easy reach and intuitively arranged. It’s designed with good visibility in mind, helping drivers to feel more at ease on the road. The quality of the materials used, along with the solid build, contributes to the overall sense of comfort and reliability.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Frontier Have?
The 2017 Nissan Frontier is a robust and versatile pickup truck that offers a lot of storage space, both in the bed and in the interior of the vehicle. The Frontier comes in two bed lengths – the standard bed, which measures around 5 feet (59.5 inches), and the long bed, which is around 6 feet (73.3 inches). The 5-foot bed offers enough room to transport items such as a standard-sized bike, gardening equipment, or small furniture. The 6-foot bed provides additional space, which is ideal for larger items such as ATVs, lumber for construction, or even a motorcycle.
The interior storage capacity of the 2017 Nissan Frontier is also quite versatile. In the cabin, it boasts an ample glove compartment and sizable door pockets for smaller items like books, maps, or small electronics. The center console offers additional storage for things like sunglasses, cell phones, or wallets. Depending on the configuration, some models even include a fold-flat passenger seat, which can act as a makeshift table or an extra space for larger items, and a multi-level center console with enough room for a laptop.
King Cab versions of the 2017 Nissan Frontier also offer under-seat storage in the second row, perfect for storing tools or other necessities out of sight. Additionally, Crew Cab models provide a 60/40 split flip-up rear bench seat, which can be configured to maximize interior cargo space when needed.
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 get a new 5-inch display with Nissan Connect.
2016: Sunroof added to SV model, along with some new color choices.
2017: New S Work Truck package with spray-in bedliner and rubber floor mats.
2018: Rearview camera standard on all models, A/C and cruise control now standard on S model.
2019: Larger 7-inch touchscreen added to the S and SV models.
2020: All-new 3.8L V6 engine added, fully redesigned center console.
2021: No major changes from earlier years.
How Does the Nissan Frontier Compare to the Competition?
The 2017 Nissan Frontier is a good budget-friendly option if you’re in the market for a small truck, although it’s not the most capable or reliable choice on the market.
The Toyota Tacoma is another popular small truck which costs around $4,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Tacoma, while the Nissan Frontier offers a little more rear legroom. We recommend the Toyota Tacoma since it’s the most reliable small truck on the market.
The Chevy Colorado is another competitor, which is available for about $2,000 more. The towing capacity is higher on the Chevy Colorado, while the Nissan Frontier has lower ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Chevy Colorado, although both are very similar and worth test driving to see which you prefer.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Frontier?
Yes it is! Very dependable. The worst thing about it is the gas mileage wish it was a little easier on gas..
It is awesome. My old dodge was too big for me and the inside was too small. With the frontier it is a smaller truck but the inside is very spacious. It runs great and I have had no problems.
Yes this is a good vehicle. It is reliable, comfortable, and I have been very happy with it. This is my second Nissan Frontier pickup truck.
Yes if you are a single person. Its small so the back seat is pretty much non-existent. They do make four door versions, I am aware of that, however in my case the back seat is terrible, also you have to manually roll the windows up and down.
