2021 Nissan Frontier Press Kit
01/25/2021
Nissan
Heart-thumping power: 3.8-liter V6 engine, 9-speed transmission
For 2021, Frontier continues to feature the all-new V6 engine and all-new 9-speed transmission introduced on the model year 2020 Frontier. Along with best-in-class 310 horsepower1, torque is rated at 281 lb-ft.
Development of the engine, which previews the powertrain to be offered in the next-generation 2022 Frontier, focused on the needs and demands of U.S. truck owners.
Key technical features include the direct injection gasoline system, cylinder heads with integrated exhaust manifolds, a variable displacement oil pump, variable timing control and a variable tumble control valve. The engine is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., alongside the full-size TITAN pickup's 5.6-liter Endurance(R) V8.
The 9-speed automatic transmission is similar to the one introduced on the 2020 TITAN and is designed to maximize powertrain efficiency and provide enhanced acceleration feel. With enhancements such as an expanded lockup area, a new high-response electro-hydraulic system, long input shaft and a 99 percent larger gear range, the transmission offers quick, crisp and direct shift response throughout the entire gear range. The 9-speed automatic transmission is also noticeably quiet due to a centrifugal pendulum absorber.
Legendary capability continues
Every 2021 Frontier starts with a full-length, fully boxed ladder frame. Constructed of high tensile-strength steel, the platform provides structural rigidity for rock-solid performance on- and off-road. All 2021 Frontier models feature an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for off-road performance. Frontier PRO-4X adds Bilstein(R) off-road high-pressure shock absorbers.
Frontier 4WD models include a shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes operated by an electronically controlled part-time transfer case. Frontier 4WD models are available with 4-wheel limited-slip system, which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low traction surfaces.
The available Hill Descent Control feature allows slow hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal. Hill Descent Control must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and is available only when the transfer case is engaged in 4H or 4LO (it works in both forward and reverse). It can be activated at speeds up to 21 mph in 4H and 15 mph in 4LO.
Hill Start Assist can allow the driver to stop on an incline. The system is designed to release the brake pedal and not roll back for up to two seconds while the driver moves his or her foot to the accelerator for a smooth, controlled start. HSA operates in 4WD models in 2WD, 4H and 4LO. Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all 4WD models. A 2-Wheel Brake Limited Slip system is standard on all 2WD models.
All key underbody hardware is tucked up to the frame rails for a minimum 8.9 inches (2WD) or 10.1 inches (4WD) of ground clearance. Every Frontier also offers strong approach and departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.
Other Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System.
Frontier's maximum towing capacity is rated up to 6,720 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped).
Authentic Frontier style and utility
In a segment where truck dimensions continue to grow, Frontier remains a true mid-size truck - just right for fitting in urban parking garages and tight backwoods trails.
Frontier is also big enough - with a choice of standard and long wheelbase models - to handle large loads of cargo, work equipment or building materials. Frontier's long 125.9-inch wheelbase (standard wheelbase models) helps enhance ride comfort, while the overall length of 205.5 inches (King Cab and Crew Cab Regular Bed) is a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size pickup.
The exterior design retains a number of signature Nissan truck themes - an angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs and large, stamped-steel geometric fender flares.
Six exterior colors are available: Gun Metallic, Magnetic Black Metallic, Glacier White, Cayenne Red Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic and Arctic Blue Metallic.
Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and Utili-track(R) Channel System. The Utili-Track(R) system provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed. Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo. In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories is offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units. All Frontier pickups feature a locking tailgate and cargo bed light.
Just as the high-utility bed offers Frontier owners an exceptional level of flexibility and utility, Frontier's interior features outstanding functionality combined with comfort and intelligent design. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab feature large rear doors (rear hinged on King Cab) for easy access to the rear seating and cargo areas and flip-up rear seats, along with excellent cab storage and flexibility.
Useful storage boxes are tucked beneath the rear seats. A locking dual glove box, center console storage, one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors and a multitude of cupholders and power points are standard. Frontier Crew Cab also offers an available leather-appointed interior.
The 2021 Frontier includes Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor), front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection. Also standard are the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
A range of well-equipped models
For 2021, the Frontier King Cab is offered in 2WD and 4WD S and SV grades. The Frontier Crew Cab is available in 2WD and 4WD S, SV SWB (standard bed) and SV LWB (long bed), along with the Crew Cab PRO-4X (available in 4WD only).
The Frontier SV Crew Cab Long Wheelbase's bed measures more than 13 inches longer than the SV Crew Cab Short Wheelbase's standard bed. A 5-foot bed is standard on all Crew Cab models, with a 6-foot bed optional on Crew Cab SV Long Wheelbase models. The 6-foot bed is also standard on all King Cab models.
The 2021 Frontier offers a long list of standard features, including push button start, leather shift knob, manual tilt steering, power door locks and power windows with driver side auto-down. Also standard on the Frontier S grade are 16-inch styled steel wheels with 65/70R16 tires. Frontier SV again offers 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
In addition to the PRO-4X's Bilstein(R) off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, skid plates, electronic rear differential locker 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with 265/75R16 All-Terrain tires, also featured for PRO-4X are body-colored grille and bumpers, outside mirrors and fog lamps, standard NissanConnect with Navigation, with 5.8-inch display, touch-screen display, rear fold-down center armrest, moonroof and a roof rack with crossbars.
Three option packages are available. The Value Truck Package, available on SV grade, includes rear sonar, Dual Zone Auto A/C, two additional speakers auto-dimming mirror with compass and temperature, spray-in bedliner, Utili-Track(TM) system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, heated cloth seats, fog lights, Vehicle Security System, sliding bed extender, and a trailer hitch.
The Midnight Edition Package includes Gloss Black painted grille, 18-inch Gloss Black wheels, 265/60R18 all-season tires, body-colored rear bumper, black painted exterior rearview mirrors, semi-gloss black carline badging and Midnight Edition badge. It is available on Crew Cab SV SWB.
The Special Edition Package, offered on Crew Cab SV SWB, includes a trip computer, Satin Chrome grille, body-colored rear bumper and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 265/60R18 tires.