Want an Old Truck? Buy the 2021 Nissan Frontier
With the introduction of the 2022 Nissan Frontier, some truck shoppers may be wondering if the 2021 Frontier is worth buying. While Nissan’s mid-size pickup is nearly all-new for 2022, the 2021 model does have some redeeming qualities despite being almost 15 years old. This truck can come equipped with the new V6 engine and it is likely to be more affordable than the 2022 Frontier. But, in many ways, the second-generation Nissan Frontier is severely lacking when compared to other trucks.
How old is the 2021 Nissan Frontier?
At the time of its debut, the 2021 Frontier was one of the oldest trucks on the road. For nearly 20 years, the Frontier did not receive a full redesign, and by 2021 that fact was certainly starting to show. The Frontier had a distinctly old-school feel to it, especially when compared to models like the Tacoma and even the Chevy Colorado.
According to Car and Driver, the 2021 Frontier feels dated. It misses out on some popular equipment due to its age, and the cabin is not the most comfortable place to be. A redeeming quality of this mid-size truck is its V6 engine. The 3.8-liter V6 is a new powertrain for the Frontier, and in 2022 it became standard fare.
Should you buy a 2021 Frontier?
Really, it comes down to personal preference if you want a 2021 Nissan Frontier or not. This pickup is available in a variety of configurations and can come outfitted with four-wheel drive. And that helps it to be a practical mid-size truck, even though it is showing its age. It is worth noting that the 2021 Frontier does lack some features that have become fairly common in the industry. These missing features include things like Apple CarPlay and active safety tech.
One redeeming quality of this truck is the off-road version, known as the Frontier PRO-4X. This model brings a long list of off-road tech to the table, but more importantly, it is cheaper than other off-road trucks like the Tacoma TRD Pro. If you choose to shop used, there will likely be even more savings when compared to the competition.
The 2021 Frontier is dated, but that isn’t all bad
For some pickup truck owners, a truck that is old-school and basic is preferred over something that is more complicated. In that regard, the 2021 Frontier is likely the ideal mid-size truck for your specific needs. It may not have the flash of other trucks, but it does feel back-to-basics, which can be nice to have on a truck.
Better yet, the 2021 Frontier can tow up to 6,700 lbs and haul up to 1,400 lbs in payload. Because of this, the second-generation Frontier has legitimate usability. Especially if you find yourself hauling and towing often. Unfortunately, this pickup can not tow as much as some other mid-size trucks, but no vehicle is without its compromise. And for the cost, you can’t really fault the 2021 Nissan Frontier for what it brings to the table.
