The 2027 Nissan Frontier’s new Sport Edition package brings a little PRO-4X style to the more affordable SV trim level.
2027 Nissan Frontier Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Nissan Frontier
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Nissan Frontier
The Sport Edition package delivers off-road-inspired styling, all-terrain tires, and an optional aluminum skid plate at a lower cost than the PRO-X and PRO-4X trim levels. PRO-X and PRO-4X grades gain access to a Moonroof package when paired with the Convenience Package, and the PRO Convenience package upgrades to a Qi2 wireless charger for faster, more consistent phone charging. A new Alpine Metallic exterior color rounds out the changes.
Design
The 2027 Frontier's appearance varies considerably by trim. The PRO-X and PRO-4X make the strongest impression with over-fenders, black exterior trim, Lava Red tow hooks, and a front skid plate that leave little doubt: these are the trims meant for off-roading. The S and SV are more workmanlike by comparison, though the new Sport Edition package closes that gap for SV buyers by adding a black front fascia, grille, and mirrors, 17-inch off-road-style wheels with all-terrain tires, LED fog lights, and yellow accent stitching inside. Alpine Metallic is new for 2027, joining a color lineup that already includes Tactical Green Metallic, Afterburn Orange, and Boulder Gray Pearl, among others. Inside, the dashboard takes a deliberately functional approach. The layout is simple with clearly labeled buttons and large knobs that drivers can work while wearing gloves. Live with a Frontier for a week, and it’s clear that Nissan built this interior for people who actually use their trucks.
Powertrain
In a segment that has largely moved on to turbocharged four-cylinders, every 2027 Frontier comes with Nissan's 3.8-liter V6 and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 makes 310 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque on regular 87-octane fuel. It's stout and capable, and critically, a known quantity at this point. Towing and payload vary by configuration. The S King Cab 4x2 leads the lineup at 7,150 pounds of towing capacity, while the 4x4 version of the same truck is rated at 7,000 pounds. Maximum payload is 1,590 pounds, also in the S King Cab 4x2. That payload figure trails most of the competition, though the towing capacity at least beats the Toyota Tacoma's 6,500-pound maximum. The Frontier is available in King Cab (S grade only) or Crew Cab body styles, with a choice of a 5- or a 6-foot bed.
The PRO-4X is the trim for buyers who actually plan to leave the pavement. Standard equipment includes front and rear Bilstein shocks, separate steel skid plates for the front, transfer case, and fuel tank, plus an electronic locking rear differential and slightly more ground clearance at the front differential than other trims. Standard tires are 265/70R17 Hankook Dynapro all-terrain, with the more aggressive Dynapro AT2 Xtreme available as an upgrade. All 4WD Frontiers include hill descent control and a low-range transfer case. The Sport Edition adds all-terrain tires and an optional aluminum skid plate to the SV, which is a step up from stock. Shoppers with serious off-road intentions should still look at the PRO-4X. Fuel economy is about average from a naturally aspirated V6 in a midsize truck: 19 mpg city, 24 highway, 21 combined mpg in RWD trims, 17/21/19 in 4WD, and 16/20/18 in the PRO-4X.
Interior
The 2027 Nissan Frontier’s front seats are excellent. They're comfortable on long drives, with good thigh support and controls within easy reach. Storage up front is practical, and includes a dash-top tray, door bottle holders, a center bin, and an optional wireless charger. The back seat is a different story. As with most midsize pickup trucks, the rear seat in a Frontier feels tight for adults. Also, the backrest angle is uncomfortable on longer trips, and there are no rear air vents. USB ports are available back there, and a 120-volt outlet is optional, but rear passengers will feel the compromises. Sport Edition models get black cloth upholstery with yellow contrast stitching. PRO-X and PRO-4X grades are available with leather and add Lava Red interior accents.
Technology
The S trim gets an 8-inch touchscreen, while SV and PRO trims move up to a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired on the S and wireless on SV and PRO. New for 2027, PRO trims gain an upgraded Qi2 wireless charger as an option, using magnets for better phone alignment and adding a cooling fan to manage device temperature. The S comes with two USB ports, only one of which is USB-C. SV and PRO trims get four, split evenly between USB-C and USB-A. A six-speaker stereo is standard on SV and PRO grades, with a 10-speaker upgrade available on PRO trims. A Wi-Fi hotspot via NissanConnect is optional across the lineup and SiriusXM is standard with a subscription.
