2011 Nissan Frontier

The 2011 Nissan Frontier is a small pickup that can seat up to five people. It’s for drivers seeking a compact truck with capable engines and comfortable handling.

Frontier buyers can choose from two body styles: a two-door extended cab (King Cab) and a four-door Crew Cab. King Cab models have a 6-foot truck bed, while Crew Cab trucks can have a 5- or 6-foot bed.

Nissan sells the Frontier with a choice of two engines. The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder producing 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque, and it’s paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the only available driveline. A 4.0-liter V6 with 261 horses and 281 pound-feet of torque is an optional upgrade, teaming with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic and RWD or 4-wheel drive (4WD).

The Frontier impresses with its pleasant ride. Ride quality is smoother than you might expect from a pickup, making this Nissan a good choice for daily driving. Also, the Frontier has comfy front seats that provide welcome support on long and short trips. This small pickup’s engines also deserve praise; both powertrains are robust enough to facilitate confident acceleration.

There are also some shortcomings to keep in mind. The backseat in the Crew Cab is upright and low; it’s uncomfortable compared with rival crew cabs. Also, unlike other trucks in its class, the Frontier doesn’t offer a regular-cab body style.

Nissan Frontier Changes for 2011

• No notable changes.

Where the Frontier Sits in the 2011 Nissan Lineup

Nissan’s vehicle lineup includes trucks and cars. The Frontier slots below the full-size Titan in the brand’s truck range.

2011 Nissan Frontier vs. the Competition

Small pickups are sized just right for many truck buyers. The Frontier competes with these rivals:

• Honda Ridgeline: Useful cargo features and a comfortable ride.

• Toyota Tacoma: Strong engines and a roomy cabin.

• Chevrolet Colorado: Available V8 and decent towing capability.

What’s the Best 2011 Nissan Frontier Trim for You?

Which Trim Is the Best Value?

The base S trim provides good value. It has 15-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, and front bucket seats.

Find a used Nissan Frontier S near you

Best Trim for Fuel Economy

Models with the base engine and manual transmission earn the best fuel-economy ratings, at 21 mpg combined city/highway.

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Best Trim for Cargo Space

Models with the 6-foot bed have the most cargo space.

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Best Trim for Towing

A Frontier pickup truck with the V6 engine and RWD is best for towing, pulling up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.

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Best Trim for Off-Roading

The PRO-4X trim is best for off-roading. It adds features like skid plates and off-road shocks.

Find a used Nissan Frontier PRO-4X near you

Top-of-the-Line Trim

The SL is the top trim in the range. It adds luxury features like heated front seats and leather upholstery.

Find a used Nissan Frontier SL near you

Should I Buy an Older Nissan Frontier Instead?

The 2011 Frontier is part of the truck’s second generation, which launched with the 2005 model. Any older third-generation model (2005-2010) will be broadly similar to the 2011 Frontier, and you can save money by purchasing one of these used trucks.

You can find a used Nissan Frontier with Carfax used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax vehicle history report.

Research the Frontier from other model years