Used 2011 Nissan Frontier SL for sale 

While the cabs and the build of the vehicle change, the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is offered in 4 trims. The base S model, with an upgraded SV trim. This trim then builds up to the luxury-oriented SL trim and the off-road spec PRO-4X. Every trim is offered with an optional 4X4 setup. While the automatic is standard on the SL trim, every other trim offers a 6-speed manual.

We Recommend

For people looking for convenience, the SV is a great deal and quite comparable to most of its competitors. While the Pro-4X offers a variety of performance upgrades, it does have a hefty premium on the price tag.

The Nissan Frontier is available with two engines. The Extended Cab in the S and the SV trims come standard with a 2.5L inline-4 making 152 horsepower and 171 foot-pounds of torque. This engine comes standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox, though a 5-speed automatic is available.

The larger engine, a 4.0L V-6 is standard on the Crew Cab models. This engine comes standard with a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. The V-6 comes with a 4WD option and RWD as standard. A properly equipped V-6 can tow 6,500 pounds.

Comparing the power, the Nissan is much better equipped than either the Honda Ridgeline or the Toyota Tacoma. Though Hondas smaller engine is much better at higher RPMs. The Honda Ridgeline further comes only in a Crew Cab and is quite a bit pricier than the Frontier.

Comparing fuel economy, the large motor on the Frontier is the least proficient of the lot. The Nissan frontier manages to get just 15 mpg in cities, 21 mpg on highways, and 17 mpg combined with the 4.0L V-6 in RWD. Considering the 4x4 variant, it offers 14 mpg in cities, 19 mpg on highways, and 16 mpg combined.

Toyota’s low-stress engine in the Toyota Tacoma gives a better fuel economy than either the Honda Ridgeline or the Nissan Frontier. The larger tank on the Ridgeline gives it the best range in the class. Overall compared to the competition, the Nissan Frontier is quite well-specced and efficient.

The interiors are quite simple yet tastefully designed. The setup is a bit heavy in hard plastics, though it does have a solid vibe. The Crew Cab comes with large doors that have great space for 4 passengers.

The rear seats are quite roomy, yet they do not offer much in terms of cushioning or comfort. The front seats on the other hand are quite comfortable and upright, with a high driving position. The ride quality though is a bit lacking and could use some work.

The Frontier can haul quite a hefty load of cargo, its stout frame and suspension allow for a sturdy bed and capability. The beds are available in either 5-ft or 6-ft, though it includes a spray-in bed liner. Optional features include a Utili-Track cargo tie-down system to secure luggage. Some major interior features are:

• Front bucket seats
• Cloth upholstery
• Air conditioning (S-Preferred PAckage)
• Sliding rear window
• Full power accessories (SV trim)
• 8-way manual front seats (PRO-4X)
• Leather upholstery (SL trim)

How intuitive is the 2011 Nissan Frontier’s infotainment unit?

The basic S trim offers a 4 speaker audio in the S Preferred Package. The SV upgrades this to a 6-speaker system. The Pro-4X and the SL trims offer a Rockford Fosgate 8-speaker audio. Additional features include XM or Sirius Satellite Radio. AM/FM RAdio and a CD Player are also available. There are even Auxiliary audio input ports and Bluetooth Connectivity offered optionally. Some major infotainment features are:

• CD player
• Six speakers Audio (SV trim and higher)
• Rockford Fosgate 8-speaker Audio (Pro-4M and SL trims)
• Auxiliary port
• Music streaming via Bluetooth
• AM/FM Radio
• Sirius/XM Satellite Radio

While most pickup trucks have very little in terms of styling, the Frontier does offer some car-like styling and outfitting. The styling cues adopt from Nissan’s SUVs.

the large Chrome bar in the front grille is a drawing point in the front. Flared wheel arches and beveled window frames give the truck a muscular look. The Pro-4X has a body-colored front grille and a more off-road-worthy appeal. 

While the Frontier isn’t quite as simple as the Toyota Tacoma, it is not quite car-like like the Honda Ridgeline. Though the build of the Tacoma is the lightest of the bunch, while the Honda Ridgeline tends to be the heaviest. The overall ground clearance offered by the Nissan Frontier is also quite average. Some standout exterior features include:

• Spray-in Bedliner
• Adjustable tie-down points
• 15-inch steel wheels (S trim)
• 16-inch steel wheels (SV trim)
• 16-alloy wheels (SL and Pro-4X)
• Underbody skid plates (Pros-4X)
• Bilstein off-road Shock Absorbers (Pro-4X)

Though the new Nissan Frontier doesn’t quite offer the best safety in the market, it is quite a bit safer than most pickups for sale currently. It shares its underpinnings with the larger Nissan Titan pickup, making it much more capable than most other trucks. The IIHS has awarded the pickup “Good” scores in almost all categories, except the rear impact test. The NHTSA on the other hand rates the SUV in either 4 or 5 stars throughout. Some standout safety features include:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Hill Descent Control
• All-wheels Disc Brakes
• Active Headrests
• Tire Pressure Monitor
• Seatbelt Pre-tensioners

The Nissan Frontier is quite the well-engineered pickup. It has a large cabin, with comfortable space for 5 passengers. The truck is built on the larger frame of the Nissan Titan, and thus is quite a bit more rigid and firm than most of its competitors. It has a great response from the V-6 engine and boasts a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The steering is easy to use and quite maneuverable. Overall it is sure to be one of the best picks in the segment.