Frontier Body Styles
The Nissan Frontier is available in two body styles:King Cab trucks have rear-opening side doors and jump seats in the second row -- not comfortable for long trips but good for transporting a few extra people for short distances. King Cab Frontier trucks have 6-foot beds.
Crew Cab trucks have full rear seating, with front-opening rear doors. Crew Cab Frontiers have 5-foot beds, but a 6-foot version is available.
Frontier Trim Levels
- XE Frontiers are bare-bones trucks, with basic features
- The XE Preferred Package takes features up a notch by adding a CD stereo and AC.
- Move up to the SE for a sliding rear window and better sound system. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are available at the SE level, and so are accessories like cruise control and keyless entry.
- Look at the LE or the off-roading touted Nismo if you want more equipment as standard features:
- Foglights
- Factory spray-on bedliner and Utili-track bed channel system, factory spray-on bedliner
- 17-inch wheels
- Side rails
- 8-way power driver's seat
The Nismo Frontier has an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road shocks, and special tires and skid plates.
Nissan Frontier Technology Package
The Technology package is new for 2008, and includes an upgraded sound system with an auxiliary jack, steering wheel audio controls, XM® satellite radio, Bluetooth for hands-free phone operation and Nissan's security system.
Frontier Packages & Options
- A power Moonroof package is available on Crew Cab Frontiers. The Leather Package is also limited to Crew Cabs, and a requirement if you want the moonroof.
- Side & Curtain Air Bag Package
- Side Step Package on 4WD long bed Frontier trucks
- Active Brake Limited Slip package
- Traction Package on 4WD automatic trucks (standard on the Nismo truck)
- The SE Value package adds power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, cruise, a bed extender and a few other perks to the basic Frontier.
Nissan Frontier Engine
Two engines are available in 2008:- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (King Cab 4x2 only) rated at 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque
- A 4.0-liter V6 that puts out 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. This engine is based on the Nissan VQ engine series that's used in the 350Z, Maxima, Altima, Murano and Quest, but tuned to suit the needs of a truck.
Nissan Frontier Driveline
King Cab
- Four-cylinder 2WD XE Frontiers are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- Four-cylinder 2WD SE Frontiers are have a 5-speed manual as standard equipment, but a 5-speed automatic is available.
- V6 King Cab Frontiers are available with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, depending on trim level.
Crew Cab
- Crew Cab Frontiers are all V6 trucks. They're available in 2WD or 4WD and with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic depending on trim level.
Frontier Towing Abilities
Frontier Crew Cab: 2WD Crew Cab trucks are capable of towing up to 6,300 pounds and 4WD trucks can tow slightly less, up to 6,100 pounds.
Frontier King Cab: 2WD 4-cylinder trucks can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Their V6 counterparts are rated at 6,500 pounds. 4WD King Cab trucks can tow up to 6,300 pounds.
Truck Bed Features
The Frontier's utility bed equipment is standard on Crew Cab and King Cab NISMO trucks, and optional on others. It includes a factory spray-on bedliner, bed rail caps, Nissan's Utili-track ™ channel system and four adjustable tie-down cleats.
4WD Nissan Frontier Trucks
- 4WD trucks have an electronically controlled shift-on-the-fly system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes. An off-road traction system is available and includes a 4-wheel limited slip system that helps shift power to the wheels with the most traction in slippery conditions.
- Hill Descent Control is available on 4WD Frontier trucks, and allows the vehicle to control its own speed going down steep hills. It works in forward or reverse in the 4H or 4LO positions.
- Hill Start Assist is available to momentarily keeps the truck from rolling back on a hill -- giving you time to move your foot from the brake to the accelerator.
Frontier Safety Features
The Frontier has crumple zones that provide controlled weak points, allowing the truck to crush, reducing some of the impact that would otherwise affect passengers.Anti-lock brakes are standard on all 2008 Frontier trucks, and the Frontier's four-wheel disc brakes are more effective than a disc/drum combination.
Side airbags are part of an optional package.
The Frontier received four out of five stars for its ability to protect the driver and front passenger in frontal impacts; it was awarded five stars for its ability to protect front and rear seat passengers during side-impact crashes.
Nissan Frontier Prices
King Cab: $16,250 to $26,200
Crew Cab: $21,000 to $28,050
