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2026 Nissan Frontier: Price, Safety & Specifications

— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal

Among 17 value Trucks, the 2026 Nissan Frontier scores well for reliability but below average for fuel cost. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 2.6 average for Trucks.

Starting MSRP
$32,150 - $42,370
EPA Combined MPG
21 MPG
NHTSA Safety Rating
4-Star
Est. Annual Fuel Cost
$2,850 per year
EPA GHG Score
4 / 10
Recalls on File
1 recall on file
EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
$2,750 more over 5 yrs
Owner Complaints
2 on file
Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
$1,226 per month
Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
$0.79
Brand Origin
Japan
4★ NHTSASafetyNHTSA crash tested
DFuel CostAbove-average fuel cost among gas Trucks
4.0/5ReliabilityRepairPal rating
1Recalls1 recall since 2026

How we collect and verify data

Priced from $32,150 to $42,370 across 11 trims, the 2026 Nissan Frontier competes among 17 trucks. The data below covers what it costs to buy, fuel, insure, and maintain.

Data Summary

2026 Nissan Frontier at a Glance

Compared with similar pickup trucks in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Nissan Frontier are an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, but fuel cost is a weak spot.

Auto-generated from published safety, fuel-cost, reliability, recall, and cost data. It is informational only and not personal advice or a recommendation. How this works

Key signals
  • reliability

Strengths in the data

Cautions in the data

  • Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Above-average fuel cost among gas Trucks. Cheapest Trucks to fuel 2026 →
  • Safety is not one of the strongest points here: 4-star NHTSA.
  • EPA estimates this vehicle costs you about $4,500 more over five years in fuel than the average new vehicle.

Similar vehicles to compare

How Safe Is the 2026 Nissan Frontier?

The 2026 Nissan Frontier earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. For context, 55% of Trucks have earned the top 5-star rating. NHTSA tests evaluate frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. Source: NHTSA.

★★★★☆4/5

Overall Safety

55% of Trucks earned the top 5-star rating

CategoryRating
Frontal Crash★★★☆☆3/5
Side Crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★☆☆3/5
Detailed crash test ratings
TestRating
Frontal Crash - Driver★★★☆☆3/5
Frontal Crash - Passenger★★★★☆4/5
Side Crash - Driver★★★★★5/5
Side Crash - Passenger★★★★★5/5
Side Pole Crash★★★★★5/5

Rollover Risk: 20.4%

The NHTSA star rating covers frontal, side, and rollover crashes. IIHS picks up where NHTSA leaves off with small-overlap frontal tests, roof strength, and headlight evaluations.

How Did the 2026 Nissan Frontier Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?

IIHS has tested the 2026 Nissan Frontier but did not award a Top Safety Pick designation. Individual test ratings are shown below. A vehicle can still perform well in most categories without earning the overall award. Source: IIHS.

TestRating
Moderate Overlap FrontG Good
SideA Acceptable
HeadlightsA Acceptable
Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian)A Acceptable
Seat Belt RemindersG Good

IIHS vehicle class: Small pickups

Crash tests show how a vehicle handles impacts in a lab. The recall record shows what has gone wrong after thousands of 2026 Nissan Frontiers have been driven on real roads.

Does the 2026 Nissan Frontier Have Any Recalls?

The 2026 Nissan Frontier has 1 recall campaign on record with NHTSA, involving LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH. That is below the 2.6 average for Trucks. Recall repairs are performed at no cost at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.

1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.

Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Most recent: January 2026

Units affected: 26,432

What Do 2026 Nissan Frontier Owners Report to NHTSA?

NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Nissan Frontier. This is below the average of 8 complaints for 2026 Trucks. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.

most recent filed 2026-01-05

Most-reported problem areas

  1. Fuel System2
  2. Powertrain1
  3. Structure1

Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.

Trucks work hard and burn fuel accordingly. The EPA data below shows where the 2026 Nissan Frontier falls on the efficiency spectrum and what that costs you annually.

What Is the 2026 Nissan Frontier Fuel Economy?

The 2026 Nissan Frontier achieves up to 21 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850. That is $303 more per year than the $2,547 average for value Trucks. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).

TrimCombinedCityHighwayAnnual Fuel Cost
S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
S 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
S 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
SV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
PRO-X RWD GAS21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
PRO-4X Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB AT21 MPG1924$2,850 per year
PRO-4X Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB AT21 MPG1924$2,850 per year

Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $14,250 based on EPA data.

The most efficient trim ranks in the top 28% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.

Fuel is just the start. Trucks carry higher insurance premiums, heavier maintenance requirements, and steeper depreciation. AAA breaks down the full ownership cost below.

What Does the 2026 Nissan Frontier Cost to Own?

Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Nissan Frontier ranges from $79,865 to $113,955 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Midsize Pickup class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.

Maintenance$1,638 per year
Insurance$1,518 per year
Depreciation$4,287 per year
Registration & Taxes$771 per year
Financing$1,439 per year
Total (excluding fuel)$11,867 per year
Cost per mile$0.79 per mile

For a truck, the trim choice affects more than price. Payload, drivetrain, and cab configuration all change. The comparison below shows how those differences play out across the 2026 Nissan Frontier lineup.

How Do the 2026 Nissan Frontier Trims Compare?

The 2026 Nissan Frontier is available in 11 trims, with base prices ranging from $32,150 to $42,370. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. The table below compares key specifications and costs across all available trims. Prices shown are manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and do not include destination charges, dealer fees, taxes, or incentives.

TrimBase MSRPCombined MPGEst. Annual Fuel CostDrive TypeCurb WeightEst. 5-Year Cost
S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$32,15021 MPG$2,850 per yearRWD4,385 lbs$79,865
S 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$33,55021 MPG$2,850 per yearRWD4,466 lbs$81,265
S 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$35,15021 MPG$2,850 per year4WD4,543 lbs$105,985
SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$36,19021 MPG$2,850 per yearRWD4,492 lbs$83,905
S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$36,55021 MPG$2,850 per year4WD4,626 lbs$107,385
SV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$36,69021 MPG$2,850 per yearRWD4,557 lbs$84,405
PRO-X RWD GAS$38,57021 MPG$2,850 per yearRWD4,561 lbs$86,285
SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$39,49021 MPG$2,850 per year4WD4,657 lbs$110,325
SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$39,99021 MPG$2,850 per year4WD4,758 lbs$110,825
PRO-4X Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB AT$41,87021 MPG$2,850 per year4WD4,763 lbs$113,455
Show 1 more trim(s)
PRO-4X Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB AT$42,37021 MPG$2,850 per year4WD4,865 lbs$113,955

The Nissan Frontier lineup has contracted from 14 trims in 2024 to 11 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $2,120 since 2024.

New trims since 2024

added 2025

  • PRO-4X Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB AT
  • PRO-4X Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB AT

Trims no longer available

  • SV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) (4WD) (last available 2025)
  • PRO-4X (4WD) (last available 2024)
  • SL (RWD, 4WD) (last available 2024)

Price changes since 2024

  • SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) $37,130 (2024) → $39,490 (2026) +$2,360
  • S 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) $31,330 (2024) → $33,550 (2026) +$2,220
  • S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) $34,330 (2024) → $36,550 (2026) +$2,220
  • S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) $30,030 (2024) → $32,150 (2026) +$2,120
  • SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) $34,130 (2024) → $36,190 (2026) +$2,060
  • PRO-X RWD GAS $36,560 (2024) → $38,570 (2026) +$2,010
  • S 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) $33,230 (2024) → $35,150 (2026) +$1,920
  • SV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) $36,960 (2024) → $36,690 (2026) -$270
  • SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) $39,960 (2024) → $39,990 (2026) +$30
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
Trim202420252026
S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$30,030
21 MPG
$32,050
21 MPG
$32,150
21 MPG
S 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$31,330
21 MPG
$33,450
21 MPG
$33,550
21 MPG
SV 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$32,730
21 MPG
$34,390
21 MPG
S 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$33,230
21 MPG
$35,050
21 MPG
$35,150
21 MPG
SV 4dr Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$34,130
21 MPG
$35,790
21 MPG
$36,190
21 MPG
S 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$34,330
21 MPG
$36,450
21 MPG
$36,550
21 MPG
SV 4dr King Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$35,930
21 MPG
$37,690
21 MPG
PRO-X RWD GAS$36,560
21 MPG
$38,470
21 MPG
$38,570
21 MPG
SV 4dr Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$36,960
21 MPG
$36,290
21 MPG
$36,690
21 MPG
SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$37,130
21 MPG
$39,090
21 MPG
$39,490
21 MPG
PRO-4X 4WD GAS$39,560
21 MPG
SL RWD GAS$39,900
21 MPG
SV 4dr Crew Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A)$39,960
21 MPG
$39,590
21 MPG
$39,990
21 MPG
SL 4WD GAS$42,900
21 MPG
PRO-4X Crew Cab 5.0 ft. SB AT$41,770
21 MPG
$41,870
21 MPG
PRO-4X Crew Cab 6.1 ft. SB AT$42,270
21 MPG
$42,370
21 MPG

Compare Trim Costs

Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.

vs
Your driving & financing

Picking a trim covers the upfront decision. The next question is what happens after year one. RepairPal tracks how often this model needs repairs and what they cost.

How Reliable Is the 2026 Nissan Frontier?

RepairPal rates the 2026 Nissan Frontier at 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability, above average for value Trucks. This means lower expected repair frequency and cost compared to similar vehicles. Source: RepairPal.

4/5.0RepairPal Rating

RepairPal rates what repairs cost out of pocket. The warranty determines what Nissan covers at no cost. Here are the published terms.

What Warranty Does the 2026 Nissan Frontier Come With?

The warranty terms below reflect Nissan's published coverage for the 2026 Frontier. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.

Basic Warranty3yr/36k
Powertrain Warranty5yr/60k
Corrosion Warranty5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k

What Are the 2026 Nissan Frontier Specs?

The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Nissan Frontier. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.

EPA vehicle class: Mid-size pickup truck

Engine3.8L V6
Horsepower310 hp
Power-to-Weight127.4 - 141.4 hp per ton
Price per HP$104 - $137
Torque281 lb-ft
Transmission9-speed shiftable automatic
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive, Four-Wheel Drive
Fuel Typeregular unleaded
Fuel Tank21.0 gal
Est. Range per Tank441 miles per tank (EPA combined)
Length210.2 - 224.1 in
Width73.0 - 74.7 in
Height71.3 - 72.9 in
Wheelbase126.0 - 139.8 in
Curb Weight4,385 - 4,865 lbs

What Changed for the 2026 Nissan Frontier?

  • Number of available trims changed
  • Pricing changed across one or more trims
  • Recall status changed

All data shown for the 2026 Nissan Frontier comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. For a work truck, the ownership cost and reliability sections above are especially relevant. Data is refreshed periodically.

Source links

Verify this data

2026 Nissan Frontier FAQ

Answers generated from published EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, and RepairPal data. Not personal advice.

Which 2026 Nissan Frontier trim has the lowest ownership cost?

Among 11 available trims, the S 4dr King Cab 6.1 ft. SB (3.8L 6cyl 9A) has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $79,865, starting at $32,150 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $113,955. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.

What vehicles compete with the 2026 Nissan Frontier?

In the pickup truck (crew cab) segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Nissan Frontier are 2026 Toyota Tacoma (starting at $32,245, 4-star NHTSA, 23 MPG); and 2026 Chevrolet Colorado (starting at $32,400, 4-star NHTSA, 21 MPG); and 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz (starting at $29,750, 5-star NHTSA, 20-25 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Pickup Truck (Crew Cab)s.

What changed on the 2026 Nissan Frontier from last year?

Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 5 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $2,120 for the Nissan Frontier lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.

How much does a 2026 Nissan Frontier cost per month to own?

Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Nissan Frontier include about $989 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $238 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,227 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.

Where is Nissan based?

Nissan is headquartered in Japan. Brand origin reflects where the company is based, not where individual vehicles are assembled. Many Nissan vehicles sold in the U.S. are built at domestic or international plants. See our Japan-brand cars 2026 list.

What other Nissan models are available for 2026?

Each 2026 Nissan vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Nissan lineup on our Nissan models page.

How much does the 2026 Nissan Frontier cost to fuel for heavy use?

At its most efficient trim, the 2026 Nissan Frontier has an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,850 based on EPA testing at 15,000 miles per year. Trucks driven for work or towing typically exceed that mileage, so real-world fuel costs may be higher. See the fuel economy section above for a full trim breakdown.