Nissan Frontier vs. Nissan Pathfinder
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Frontier and Nissan Pathfinder contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Nissan Frontier and the Nissan Pathfinder.
When we compare the Nissan Frontier's and the Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value and base engine power. The Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Frontier's and the Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Frontier is a better car than the Nissan Pathfinder.
Pricing: A used 2025 Nissan Frontier ranges from $31,989 to $46,505 while a used 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is priced between $36,707 to $54,024. For a new model, the Nissan Frontier's price is between $31,247 and $49,199, with the Nissan Pathfinder priced between $37,917 and $54,221.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Frontier loses 39.6 percent of its value and the Nissan Pathfinder loses 55.8 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Frontier retains 16.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Pathfinder.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Frontier is 7.8 out of 10 while the Nissan Pathfinder's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Frontier being ranked 6 out of 7 Best Midsize Trucks and the Nissan Pathfinder being ranked 4 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Frontier is 7.9 out of 10. For the Nissan Pathfinder the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Frontier a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Pathfinder.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Frontier’s base engine makes 310 horsepower, and the Nissan Pathfinder base engine makes 284 horsepower. The Frontier is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 504 miles. The Pathfinder is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 500 miles.This gives the Nissan Pathfinder the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Frontier the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Pathfinder, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Nissan Pathfinder has higher safety ratings than the Nissan Frontier, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31247 - 49199
Starting MSRP:
32050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
35074
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
31590 - 40150
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37917 - 54221
Starting MSRP:
36400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
37741
Price Range:
31989 - 46505
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
43288
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
37741 - 49219
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
44412
Price Range:
36707 - 54024
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.33159181
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.26729184 - 0.42710395
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
20443
Depreciation %:
0.56163117
Resale Value $:
15957
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
13.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
12.7 - 16.8
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.251
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Pathfinder
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.21
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8729070191713277
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
1.4 - 9.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.8111312754086826
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 34Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
8 out of / 34Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 34Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 32Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
37 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Summary Review
The Nissan Frontier received a much-needed redesign for 2022, transforming it from the oldest to the newest truck in the midsize category. Its drivetrain, a 3.8-liter V6 with 310 horsepower connected to a 9-speed automatic transmission, was all new in 2021. Now the rest of the truck has caught up, giving the Frontier a stylishly-aggressive exterior design, high-quality interior materials, and a long list of advanced standard and optional technology.
Summary Review
The three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive segment.
Pros and Cons
- Powerful engine mates to an advanced, capable transmission
- Appealing style, inside and out
- Wide range of standard and optional high-tech features
- Towing capacity weaker than many competitors
- Resale value not as strong as class leaders
Pros and Cons
- “Right-sized” for this three-row segment (not huge, but certainly not small)
- Selectable modes to optimize optional AWD system
- Impressive suite of standard safety features
- Intuitive touchscreen infotainment system
- No green (hybrid/electric) version available
- Handling can be lackluster
Available Body Styles
Pickup Truck
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Cab Types
Crew Cab, Extended Cab
Available Cab Types
Not applicable
Available Bed Length(s)
58.9 inches, 59.5 inches, 72.7 inches, 73.3 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
PRO-4X, PRO-X, S, SL, SV
Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, Rock Creek, S, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
310 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Max Payload:
1590 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
259 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.8 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 24 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
399 / 504 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
26.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.4 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
85.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Cargo Space:
16.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
165.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4376 lbs
Width:
84.1 inches
Height:
71.5 inches
Length:
210.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4325 lbs
Width:
77.9 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
197.7 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
265/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Red Alert
White
Glacier White
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Not available
White
Glacier White
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Charcoal
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Charcoal
