Nissan Frontier vs. Nissan Xterra
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Frontier and Nissan Xterra 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 Xterra.
When we compare the Nissan Frontier's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Frontier has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Nissan Xterra has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Frontier's and the Nissan Xterra's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2015 Nissan Frontier ranges from $9,990 to $22,883 while a used 2015 Nissan Xterra is priced between $10,213 to $25,498.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Frontier’s base engine makes 152 horsepower, and the Nissan Xterra base engine makes 261 horsepower. The Frontier is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 485 miles. The Xterra is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. This gives the Nissan Frontier the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Nissan Xterra. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Xterra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Nissan Frontier and Nissan Xterra are comparable in regards to front shoulder room and front leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Nissan Frontier has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$17,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$20,008
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$17,990 - $20,965
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,660
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,173
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,150 - $26,255
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$16,590
Price Range:
$9,990 - $22,883
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$20,291
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
$16,590 - $23,330
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
164
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
104,631
# Good or Great Deals:
71
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,781
Price Range:
$10,213 - $25,498
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$13,241
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,060 - $17,781
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
45
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
110,160
# Good or Great Deals:
21
Nissan Frontier Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Nissan Xterra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Frontier
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
4
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
3.2 - 5.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
36.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Xterra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
1.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 4.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
38%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Pickup Trucks)
0.9 - 6.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 10
Nissan Frontier Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 3Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Nissan Xterra Rankings
Summary 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 Nissan Xterra is a rugged two-row SUV with plenty of cargo space and a suspension designed for those with adventurous lifestyles. The Xterra was discontinued after the 2015 model year.
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
- Powerful engine
- Off-road capability
- Durable interior materials
- Unrefined on-road ride
- Short list of standard features
- Low fuel economy
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)
59.5 inches, 73.3 inches, 73.7 inches
Available Bed Length(s)
Not applicable
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Nissan Frontier Trim Levels
Desert Runner, PRO-4X, S, SL, SV, SV V6
Nissan Xterra Trim Levels
PRO-4X, S, X
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):
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
152 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.041 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
3500 lbs
Max Payload:
982 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
261 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
281 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 23 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
401 / 485 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 464 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Power outlet:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
25.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.9 inches
Cargo Space:
Not yet available
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
87.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.3 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
136.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3708 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
68.7 inches
Length:
205.5 inches
Wheelbase:
125.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4148 lbs
Width:
72.8 inches
Height:
74.9 inches
Length:
178.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P235/75R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P265/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Red
Cayenne Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Red
Cayenne Red / Lava Red
Silver
Brilliant Silver
White
Glacier White
Blue
Metallic Blue
Gray
Night Armor
Yellow
SolarFlare Yellow
Interior Colors
Gray
Graphite / Steel
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
