This post may include affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we'll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This support helps us maintain and grow our site. Thank you for your support!

The Nissan Frontier debuted in 1997 to reclaim Nissan's position as the market's pioneer in compact trucks. But which is the best year for the Nissan Frontier?

Since its inception, Nissan has used the Frontier to introduce a range of innovative improvements to the compact truck category, demonstrating its capacity to achieve new breakthroughs. From the new headlamps to the dampened tailgate, the vehicle has been improved in practically every aspect.

The best year Nissan Frontier is the 2014 model. This model has received the highest overall safety ratings in all tests conducted by a federal testing agency. Plus, the model has all of the features one would want in a compact truck.

This mid-size pickup vehicle has been around since the late 1990s, and it has captured the hearts of many drivers over time. The Nissan Frontier is often described as a fairly-priced vehicle by most owners. The 2014 model took this to the next level and introduced a multitude of features that Nissan owners appreciate to this day.

Having driven many Nissan Frontier models over the years, we have decided to select the 2014 model as the best version of the Nissan Frontier.

Table of Contents

Best Year Nissan Frontier

The 2014 Nissan Frontier may not appear to be the most current truck on the market, but believe us when we say it is among the most reliable mid-size pickup trucks available. Let's delve into more detail about this incredible pickup truck, and we'll tell you everything you need to know before buying a Nissan Frontier 2014.

2014 Nissan Frontier

It's difficult to tell which pickup truck is worth your money when there are so many on the market. The Nissan Frontier isn't the most popular pickup truck among critics, but that certainly doesn't mean that it is not worth buying.

The year 2014 is the greatest year for Nissan Frontier since this model offers high dependability and performance compared to other models. The company received the least amount of complaints in 2014; therefore, investing in this model may be the best decision you ever make.

Not only will this purchase save you a lot of money, but these pickup trucks are also quite dependable and will keep you safe on your excursions. Therefore, if you're searching for a reliable and economical pickup truck, the Nissan Frontier 2014 model is an excellent choice.

Reliability

The Nissan Frontier has had a long time to earn its customers' trust, and it has done so admirably. The car's reliability is a very relative factor; practically any car can be reliable provided it is properly maintained. The vehicle has a reliability score of four out of five, which is excellent. These pickup trucks will last you a long time, and make you feel safe behind the wheel.

However, to get the most out of the Nissan Fortier's, you must maintain the vehicle, as failing to do so may result in unanticipated difficulties. So if you keep it in good shape, this pickup truck will be an excellent fit for anyone.

The 2014 Nissan Frontier model is known to be very reliable, with high levels of customer satisfaction and minimum faults or complaints. As already mentioned, even the most dependable vehicles, though, require regular maintenance.

Performance

The base four-cylinder model's 2.5-liter engine produces an economy-car-like 152 horsepower, and this is also reflected in its overall performance. It's feeble and wheezy and strains under any load. Since it can barely keep up, it doesn't get much better gas mileage than the V-6.

When you step up to the 4.0-liter V-6, though, the Frontier turns 180 degrees, producing 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque, making it feel brisk when unloaded and more than capable on the job.

The V-6 Frontiers have a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds and can be ordered with either a manual or automatic transmission. Most drivers choose the automatic transmission, and the five-speed gearbox (six-speed on SV, SL, and PRO-4X models) performs an excellent job of matching the Frontier's use, torque, and power.

Many customers of mid-size trucks are searching for more than just greater gas mileage and lower pricing; they also want better mobility. You'll get that with the Frontier, but only to a certain point; the steering is good, and the suspension does a nice job of controlling the vehicle, but it can get slightly uncomfortable over broken or damaged roads.

Quality and Comfort

The 2014 Frontier is no longer available in a standard cab, so instead, you should opt for a Crew or King cab. The 2014 Nissan Frontier's cabin is comfortable and even offers adequate rear-seat capacity in Crew Cab variants. Except for base S versions, Crew Cab models have regular manual rear windows, and a variety of equipment and interior technology enhancements improve the passenger experience.

The Frontier S and SV (both with four-cylinder or V-6 engines), the PRO-4X, the Desert Runner, and the SL are the five trim levels available (available in Crew Cab only). While the Frontier is a mid-size vehicle, it is spacious enough for most people.

Plus, it's easy to get in and out because of its low height, and the front seats are upright, comfortable, and supportive. Finally, the vehicle has excellent visibility throughout the range.

Frontier King Cab comes with a pair of jump seats and a set of rear-hinged doors that open up the space behind the front seats for greater cargo—though the jump seats are best saved for little children. The Crew Cab versions have four full-size doors that can easily accommodate adults when fully loaded.

Safety

The 2014 model is the safest to drive in every situation. The Frontier also contains side and curtain airbags, providing added security to drivers. Furthermore, they are extremely stable cars that can withstand any situation.

The 2014 Frontier has yet to receive official crash-test results, but it has performed admirably in the past and comes with a comprehensive package of standard safety features. Apart from a three-star rollover rating, the 2014 Nissan Frontier has received top grades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in roof-strength tests as well as moderate overlap side and front; the Frontier's seats and head restraints received "acceptable" ratings in IIHS testing.

Despite the lack of thorough official ratings for the current model, the Frontier is still our top option in this category due to its long history and an extensive list of basic safety features.

Styling

Despite new improvements for the 2014 model year, the Nissan Frontier is attractive and robust on the outside, but it shows signs of aging on the inside. However, the Frontier's style is excellent for the sporty, tough-looking exterior since it hasn't altered much in recent years; the austere interior, on the other hand, could use some visual enhancements, though the 2014 model comes with a slew of new features.

For 2014, there are three new alloy wheel styles to choose from, including two 16-inch options for the SV and PRO-4X variants and an 18-inch set for the SL grade.

The decor is modest and clean, yet it is not as charming or attractive as other variants. The cabin, if anything, feels as old as it is — nearly a decade old. The Frontier has more plastic and a less robust feel than full-size trucks, and it's also less pricey.

Features

The Nissan Frontier has received a number of modifications for 2014, making it a much better-equipped vehicle. The 2014 Nissan Frontier, like most pickups, comes in a variety of body/bed styles and models. The Frontier has something for practically everyone, from off-road enthusiasts to tradespeople and basic commuters to adventure seekers.

The Frontier Desert Runner, Frontier SL, Frontier PRO-4X, Frontier SV, and Frontier S are the five trim levels available. The SL is only available with a Crew Cab body; the Frontier S and SV are the only four-cylinder variants available. The Crew Cab is available in all trims, but only with the V-6 engine option. There are 4x2 and 4x4 drive options, although 4x4 is only available with the V-6 engine.

A number of changes for the 2014 model year aim to improve the Frontier's driving experience. Bluetooth, manual air conditioning, cruise control, and upgraded audio systems are now standard on S models; an enhanced navigation system with voice recognition is now available; the NissanConnect App also has smartphone integration with Android and iPhone – it comes with SiriusXM TravelLink and Weather. Frontiers with the SV VTP-package now come standard with heated front seats.

Frontier S models are the range's workhorses, with only the most basic features. The SV models, which include keyless entry and tilt steering, are a better pick for daily driving conveniences. The SL is the most feature-rich, with an eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, heated leather seats, step rails, and tie-down cleats in the bed.

For 2014, the Value Truck Package adds heated front seats to VTP-equipped SV models, as well as dual-zone climate control, rear sonar parking sensors, a rearview camera, a sliding bed extension, fog lamps, a trailer hitch, a spray-in bed liner, and Utili-Track tie-downs to all VTP-equipped vehicles.

Off-roaders will be interested in the Frontier PRO-4X and Desert Runner models. With Bilstein off-road dampers, a six-speed automatic transmission, skid plates, a locking rear differential, and bigger BFGoodrich trail tires, the PRO-4X is the toughest. The Desert Runner is only available in rear-wheel drive, although it comes with Bilstein dampers and a few exterior cosmetic modifications in addition to the SV package's amenities.

Fuel Economy

If you don't want to waste the money you saved, it's critical to pick a car that gets high gas mileage. The Nissan Frontier 2014 is a good pick that offers sufficient fuel economy.

The 2014 Nissan Frontier comes with 2.5L, 4-cyl. It gets 21 mpg for streets and highway combined, 23 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg on regular roads, according to Fuel Economy. Its 4WD version is even better, getting 16 mpg in the city, 21 mpg on the interstate, and 18 mpg combined.

Is the Nissan Frontier 2014 Model Valuable?

Yes, the Nissan Frontier maintains its value well. The average price reduction of a Nissan Frontier over the first five years is 38%, which is below average for pickup trucks; nonetheless, the Nissan Frontier holds its value quite well.

This price reduction applies to vehicles that have been driven no more than 12,000 miles per year and are in good condition, and have never been in an accident. So, yeah, you'll have to keep your automobile in good shape and resell it for more or less the same amount.

Why Are Used Nissan Frontiers So Expensive?

The Frontier once used to be an affordable pickup truck, but things have changed in the last decade, and it has now become more expensive than ever. It's most probably because of the improvements and new features that Nissan Frontier has added to its trucks in recent years.

Nissan has made a concerted effort to develop an innovative and futuristic pickup truck. Many things have changed since Frontier's inception, and this is the primary reason why it has become so pricey. However, we can assure you that they are well worth the extra money.

Best Places to Buy a Used Nissan Frontier

Buying a car is a big investment, and the worst thing that can happen is that you get cheated. That is why you should purchase your vehicle from a legitimate website or a licensed automotive dealer. When buying a used car, it's always a good idea to have a mechanic look at it because we cannot always spot the flaws that a professional can.

Overall, the Nissan Frontier is an excellent pickup and comes at a reasonable price. Quality appears to have fluctuated throughout time. Based on recall data, driver comments, and reviews, the consensus appears to be that you should choose a newer, later-model Frontier if you can afford it.

Early Frontier model (2013 and 2014) appears to be the best bet. During this time, the vehicles' reliability improved, although they still had a lot of concerns. When shopping for vehicles, one thing to keep in mind is if the one you're interested in has already had a new transmission installed or if it will require one soon.

A truck with a recently replaced transmission from a trustworthy shop could be excellent value for money. On the other hand, manual transmission trucks do not have nearly as many of these problems. The Nissan Frontier has been around since 1997, and it has remained almost unchanged since 2005. Despite the lack of revamping and remodeling, the Frontier continues to be popular.

Above all, the care and maintenance that each truck has received are more significant than the year. More than the truck's year, one cautious owner and a complete service history should sway you.

Of course, when buying a vehicle that is over ten years old and has tens of thousands of miles on it, as many Frontiers do, extreme caution is required. When purchasing Nissan Frontier, choosing a model can be difficult. Buyers can limit their options by looking at Consumer Reports' reliability ratings.

Best Year Nissan Frontier

About The Author

Charles Redding

Charles Redding

I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.

Read More About Charles Redding