Jan 8, 2023

If you’re looking for a new pickup truck with towing capacity that outshines the competition, look no further than the 2023 Nissan Frontier. Below, Reiselman Nissan will explore its main features, its towing capacity, and which models it can out-tow to help you decide if a Frontier is the next pickup for you.

2023 Nissan Frontier truck
Image courtesy of Nissan Newsroom

The new 2023 Nissan Frontier is the latest midsize pickup that outshines the competition in looks, quality, value, and towing capacity. Its boxy new design has the look and feel of the pickups of the 1980s, reinventing an old-school cool style that’ll stand out in the crowd. Under its hood, the Frontier has a 310 horsepower V-6 engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and you can choose rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Then, you can decide between the four-door crew-cab style or the extended King Cab and a bed length of 5 or 6 feet.

A large selection of safety features comes standard, and its ambient lighting and impressive tech will blow you away. Whether you opt for the base model Frontier S or spring for the Pro-4X off-roader, the midsize Nissan Frontier is a great value that really packs a punch.

New for 2023

The 2022 Nissan Frontier saw significant changes, so the 2023 model features subtle updates. The new Midnight Edition of the crew cab SV model offers blacked-out accessories inside and out. The SV Convenience package also has been upgraded to standard with the longer bed SV Crew Cab. This package comes with heated front seats, a custom spray-in bed liner, under-bed lighting, and a heated leather steering wheel. Apple CarPlay is also standard with the Pro-X and Pro-4X trims.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Nissan Frontier’s 3.8-liter V-6 generates 281 lb-ft of torque and a whopping 310 horsepower. This makes for a smoother ride while still offering adequate thrust to get you going from a complete stop. It’s also equipped with more responsive steering thanks to adjustments in the chassis.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

When you’re looking to tow a sizable amount, you want to make sure you’re covered. Nissan offers competitive limited and powertrain warranty packages compared with other midsize trucks on the market. Their limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, and their powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. However, scheduled maintenance doesn’t come complimentary.

Bed and Tailgate Features

When looking for the ideal pickup, you’ll’ want to ensure the bed and tailgate can meet your needs. Convenience is key when you’re’ more focused on getting your load from one place to the other, and ease of use is one area where Nissan doesn’t’ skimp. The Frontier’s’ bed supports lifestyles of all kinds, and its helpful features can make your life easier no matter what you’re’ carrying.

Their under-rail LED bed lighting can make it easier to load up after dark. An available 120-volt bed-mounted AC power outlet gives you optional power for tailgating, camping, and any other adventures that require electricity on the go. The days of tailgates thudding open are long gone with their dampened assist tailgate, which lowers itself in a smooth motion to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Whether you choose a truck to haul building materials, dirt bikes, or Christmas shopping, you want to make sure your goods are secure. To help control your cargo, the Frontier offers an available Utili-track Channel System in its beds.

First, their spray-on bed liner’s nonskid surface helps to protect the bed from rusting and prevent your items from further damage when coming in contact with a metal surface. The three available channels help you position and secure your items with cleats to prevent movement. The heavy-duty forged-aluminum cleats fit perfectly into the channels to provide a strong hold for your haul with unmatched ease of use.

A sliding bed extender allows you to haul cargo past the end of your closed tailgate without fear of losing anything. Finally, a bed assist grip gives you one-handed access to the bed.

Towing and Payload Capacity

Maxing out at 6,720 pounds, the 2023 Nissan Frontier’s towing capacity is unrivaled when compared with similar models. The Frontier brings with it a maximum payload of 1,610 pounds. Even better, towing is simpler than ever, thanks to Nissan’s smart towing technology.

Intelligent Around View Monitor helps you confidently line up your towing hitch with guidelines to assist you with precision. The Tow-Haul mode with Downhill Speed Control helps drivers avoid searching for the right gear, resulting in a smoother ride while towing. Trailer Sway Control does exactly what its name implies, ensuring that even the roughest roads and strongest crosswinds will keep in line with whatever you’re towing.

The Frontier’s available towing accessories make towing even more accessible. Opt for the Class IV Hitch Receiver, a heavy-duty, frame-mounted hitch that ensures the best connection. Add a Class IV Weight-Distributing Hitch Ball Mount to redistribute the load for a safer, smoother ride when towing. Or choose the Class III Hitch Ball Mount, rated for towing up to 5,000 pounds.

Midsize Truck Comparisons

The 2023 Nissan Frontier outshines others on the market when it comes to its towing capabilities. By comparison, the 2023 Honda Ridgeline maxes out at 5,000 pounds while costing nearly $10,000 more. The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz has an identically disappointing towing capacity to the Honda Ridgeline at only 5,000 pounds, and its unattractive rounded edges are no match for the retro design of the Frontier. Finally, the 2023 Ford Maverick can only tow up to 4,000 pounds, and its basic features and lack of all-wheel-drive options on some models will make you want to steer clear.

With a slew of desirable features and a whole new world of towing capabilities, the Nissan Frontier is sure to be your top choice. For more information, contact our dedicated team at Reiselman Nissan in Kansas City, Missouri. While you’re at it, don’t forget to schedule your next service appointment and check out our latest inventory to find your next Nissan.