The 2017 Nissan Frontier pickup offers the perfect alternative for buyers who don't want or need the extra size and towing capability of the larger Titan or Titan XD. The Frontier is available in five trim levels, topped by the do-it-all Desert Runner and the off-road-oriented PRO-4X. 

Below, we'll take a look at both of these unique trim levels to help you decide which is appropriate for you.

Power and Capabilities

Both models are powered by Nissan's 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, which produces 261 horsepower yet returns up to 23 mpg on the highway. With an accompanying 281 lb-ft of torque, towing's easy: The Desert Runner can pull up to 6,710 pounds, the PRO-4X can handle up to 6,450 lbs.  

The two-wheel-drive-only Desert Runner will happily tackle off-road duty, courtesy of its Bilstein shock absorbers and 16-inch wheels shod with mud- and snow-rated all-terrain tires. No matter where you go, you'll be able to enjoy the standard five-speed automatic transmission, hands-free Bluetooth audio, a comfortable 8-way adjustable driver's seat, and generous rear-seat room for passengers or cargo. 

Nissan hasn't skimped on safety features, either, from its Advanced Air Bag System, which includes both seat- and roof-mounted side-impact protection, to its four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control, and Active Brake Limited Slip, which redirects power from a spinning wheel to one with more traction.

Unique Features


To help distinguish the Desert Runner from other Frontiers, Nissan has enhanced its visual appeal with body-color front and rear bumpers and a satin-finished chrome front grille. Standard fog lights and a tailgate spoiler add both flair and functionality. 

While it looks very similar, aside from standard splash guards and body-color door handles and mirrors, the four-wheel-drive PRO-4X raises the off-road stakes considerably. To the Desert Runner's Bilstein shocks, the PRO-4X adds electronic hill start and descent control to help you handle steep grades, an electronic locking rear differential to improve off-road traction, and rugged skid plates underneath to protect the truck's oil pan, fuel tank, and transfer case from rocks and other hazards. 

The five-seat Crew Cab version comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission for ultimate control, while the five-speed automatic that's standard on the four-seat King Cab is available as an option. 

The heavy-duty PRO-4X also comes fully equipped for hauling. A factory-applied spray-on bed liner is standard, as is Nissan's Utili-track cargo-carrying system, which allows you to place sturdy aluminum cleats where you need them on the bed floor or walls. 

A rearview camera and rear parking sensor help you maneuver in tight spaces, while all of the truck's occupants can enjoy the PRO-4X's standard Rockford-Fosgate sound system, NissanConnect infotainment system, and dual-zone climate control.

Pricing

The Desert Runner King Cab starts at $25,400 (the Crew Cab costs $1,430 more), while the PRO-4X King Cab starts at $32,580 (with the Crew Cab costing $240 less). 

Nissan also offers plenty of useful accessories to customize these trucks to your needs, including bed extenders, towing hardware, large tool boxes, even a tent that turns the truck's bed into a safe and sturdy sleeping area.