Used 2021 Nissan Frontier for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Nissan Frontier cost?

Prices have softened 4.76% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,329 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and conditions.

Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Frontier earns a 4.5/5 user rating, which points to strong owner satisfaction. Owners commonly praise its smooth and quiet ride, good value, decent towing capability, and good handling, especially for outdoor activities. For you, that means it fits best if you want a midsize pickup with straightforward utility and everyday comfort rather than a highly polished luxury truck. With 31.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Frontier reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also leans toward dependable ownership, with praise for its smooth ride, good value, and capable performance. At the same time, some drivers mention transmission smoothness concerns, so you should pay close attention to how the truck drives and shifts during a test drive. For used buyers, that makes condition and maintenance history especially important if you want to reduce long-term ownership risk.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Frontier?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should start with a history report to confirm the truck has no accident or title issues, then prioritize a thorough inspection of the transmission behavior and overall drivability. Pay close attention to how smoothly it shifts, since owner feedback points to transmission concerns. It also makes sense to focus on cabin condition, cargo-bed wear, and signs of hard use, especially if the truck was used for towing or outdoor activity.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Frontier?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,329 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.76% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,456, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Frontier's resale value?

The current average of $22,347 sits slightly below last year's $23,464.

That softer pricing suggests the truck has already moved through some of its recent depreciation, which can help future resale stability if you buy at the right price. Because the market still shows meaningful deal availability, your entry price matters a lot for eventual resale. If you buy near the lower end of the range and keep the truck in good condition, you give yourself a better chance of limiting loss later.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Frontier or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.76% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,629, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,347 average.
• It keeps the Frontier’s simple, no-frills character.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $27,239, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,347 average.
• It brings a redesigned look and a more modern cabin.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around choice if you want a balance of price, owner satisfaction, and available inventory. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping the Frontier’s straightforward appeal. If you want a newer-feeling truck and can stretch your budget, the 2022 is the upgrade path to consider.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.