2026 Nissan Frontier

Truck · 3.8L V6 · RWD

71/100

AutoVault's overall score, weighted for what a truck is actually for — performance, technology, comfort, reliability, safety and value.

Specifications

Engine	3.8L V6
Horsepower	310 hp
Torque	281 lb-ft
0–60 mph	6.9 sec
Top speed	112 mph
Drivetrain	RWD
Seats	5
Combined MPG	21 mpg (18 city / 24 hwy)
Range	432 miles
MSRP	$32,150
Body style	Truck

The verdict

What's good

Body-on-frame construction handles abuse a unibody midsize pickup simply cannot
V6 engine runs confidently at high altitude and under sustained towing load
Lower bed floor than most rivals makes loading cargo less back-breaking
Strong resale in work-truck market keeps depreciation modest over five years

What's not

RWD-only base configuration loses to most rivals in slippery winter conditions
Cabin plastics and materials trail the Tacoma and Colorado at similar trim levels
Tech stack including safety features lags class leaders by a generation
Ride quality empty feels noticeably harsher than the Ford Ranger unloaded

The engine

VQ

3.8L NA V6

A naturally aspirated V6 with a broad, easy torque spread suited to towing and hauling, delivering its pull smoothly without the heat or lag concerns of forced induction.

The VQ38DD belongs to Nissan's long-running and award-winning VQ V6 family; it replaced the older 4.0-liter VQ40DE in the third-generation Frontier and is part of the same lineage as the GT-R's VR-series V6.

It uses Nissan's NEO-Di direct-injection and electronically controlled variable valve timing rather than turbocharging to make its power.
The VQ family was named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list every year from 1995 through 2008, a record run of fourteen consecutive years.
Despite a larger bore-and-stroke redesign, it stays naturally aspirated, a deliberate choice for long-term durability in a work truck.

See the rest in AutoVault

The six sub-scores behind the 71 — performance, tech, comfort, reliability, safety and value
Market value today and year-by-year value history
All 5 trims with pricing
Studio photography — exterior, rear and interior
Side-by-side comparison with up to four cars

Open in AutoVault