2011 Nissan Frontier

Should you buy a 2011 Nissan Frontier or wait for the 2012 Nissan Frontier? Buy a 2011 Frontier if you want a selection of models and features that may not be so broad once the 2012 Frontier rolls out. The 2011 Nissan Frontier’s styling doesn’t change. Frontier features an extended cab, which Nissan calls the King Cab, and an eponymous Crew Cab. The 2011 Nissan Frontier S is still the entry-level model. Onto the next rung in place of the SE model slips the newly introduced 2011 Frontier SV model. The off-road-styled Frontier PRO-4X model returns.

Mechanical: In combination with the model relabeling, the 2011 Nissan Frontier loses its former LE King Cab and will not offer an SV Crew Cab with the long-bed and manual transmission. However, the 2011 Frontier roster gains an S Crew Cab short-bed and a PRO-4X Crew Cab short-bed with manual transmission.



In any configuration, the 2011 Frontier continues to follow compact-pickup convention with a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive (2wd) or four-wheel drive (4wd).

Frontier’s four-cylinder is a dual-overhead-cam 2.5-liter with 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. A few key competitors make 4wd available on their four-cylinder models, but Frontier’s four-cylinder is confined to 2wd models. The V-6 is available on both Frontier cab styles and with 2wd and 4wd. Four-cylinder Frontiers are only adequate performers. -- Changes to 2011 Nissan Frontier features run mostly to reconstituted and renamed options packages.



While most competitors have a short list of interior features, lackluster safety scores and lackluster performance, the Nissan Frontier has interior features and safety scores that impress. If you need utility, but want a truck that goes beyond the basics, shop the Nissan Frontier.



While reviewers like the Frontier overall, there are a few complaints. Critics don’t like the Frontier’s interior materials.

Nothing really proves that the Frontier is a nice truck better than the Suzuki Equator. The two trucks are virtually identical: Suzuki contracted Nissan to build the Equator



The SV V6 and PRO-4X King Cab models and all Crew Cab models have a VQ40DE 4.0 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with 261 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 281 pounds per foot of torque at 4,000 rpm.



All "2011 Nissan Frontier" models meet Tier 2, Bin 5 Federal emissions standards and LEV2-ULEV California emissions standards.



All King Cab models also have fold-flat front-passenger seats and forward-facing rear flip-up seats, and cloth seat trim. Additionally, all 2011 Nissan Frontier models come with a 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) built-in. The S and SV 4-Cylinder models have 11.1″ front vented disc brakes and 11.3″ rear vented disc brakes. The SV V6 and PRO-4X King Cab models and all Crew Cab models have 11.7″ front vented disc brakes and 11.3″ rear vented disc brakes.