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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $29,019–$38,540 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Nissan Frontier at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.7/10. It's a capable but unexceptional truck — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.1/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.2/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $29,019–$38,540, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Frontier sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Nissan Frontier is a passable truck but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Nissan Frontier ranks #336 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 35% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,019 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 17%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Nissan Frontier scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.6/10 | $32,846 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.6/10 | $32,846 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $31,890 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $30,933 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $29,976 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $29,019 | |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $28,063 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.2/10 | $27,106 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $26,149 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.1/10 | $25,193 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $24,236 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.1/10 | $23,279 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Automatic transmission 24/06/2022 · 22V457000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway. |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission 07/09/2022 · 22V671000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.