Ample Power for Active Lifestyles
The heart and soul of the Frontier is its rugged F-Alpha platform.
Starting with a full-size, fully boxed ladder frame, the F-Alpha
platform provides a rugged foundation on which to build. Constructed of
high tensile-strength steel, the platform provides structural rigidity
for rock-solid performance on- and off- road.
Frontier's long 125.9-inch wheelbase helps enhance ride comfort, while
the overall length of 205.5 inches (King Cab and Crew Cab Regular Bed)
is a perfect "activity size" for buyers who don't need a true full-size
pickup.
Frontier shares its suspension layout and many component designs with
the Titan, including its all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and
solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long
suspension stroke for off-road performance.
Exceptional acceleration, towing capacity and all-around off-roading
ability is provided, in large measure, by its powerful engine - a
4.0-liter DOHC V6 producing 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The
4.0-liter DOHC V6 is specifically tuned for the unique demands of truck
use. Besides smooth torque delivery, the V6 offers good fuel efficiency
and smooth operation.

The 4.0-liter V6 design includes a Continuously Variable Valve Timing
Control System (CVTCS), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS),
silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces,
Teflon®-coated pistons, resin intake manifold, forged crankshaft,
digital knock control system, high capacity muffler, lightweight
aluminum block and cylinder heads and 105,000-mile spark plugs. The
Frontier V6 is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine production facility
in Decherd, Tenn., which also produces Titan's 5.6-liter V8.
An advanced 2.5-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, with 152 horsepower
and 171 lb-ft torque, is also available on the Frontier King Cab S-I4
and SE-I4 4x2 models.
Frontier is offered with a choice of transmissions - a smooth 5-speed
automatic, a 6-speed manual or 5-speed manual transmission (King Cab
4-cylinder models). Frontier 4x4 models include a shift-on-the-fly
4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes operated by an electronically
controlled part-time transfer case.
Frontier 4x4 models are available with 4-wheel limited-slip system,
which helps transfer power to the drive wheels with more grip on low
traction surfaces. The available Hill Descent Control feature allows
slow hill descent without the constant application of the brake pedal.
Hill Descent Control must be engaged by the driver (via a switch) and is
available only when the transfer case is engaged in 4H or 4LO (it works
in both forward and reverse). It can be activated at speeds up to 21
mph in 4H and 15 mph in 4LO. Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver
to stop on an incline, release the brake pedal and not roll back for up
to two seconds while the driver moves their foot to the accelerator for a
smooth, controlled start. HSA operates in 4x4 models in 2WD, 4H and
4LO. HSA is designed for rugged, low-speed off-road driving situations.
Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are standard on all V6
Frontier SV, SL and PRO-4X 4x4 automatic transmission-equipped models.
All key underbody hardware is tucked up to the frame rails for a minimum
8.9 inches (4x4) or 8.6 inches (4x2) of running ground clearance on S,
SV, SL and PRO-4X models. Every Frontier also offers good approach and
departure angles for exceptional off-road capability.
Other Frontier driveline components include engine-speed-sensitive
power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 4-wheel disc brakes
with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Frontier is offered with a range
of available wheels and tires, including 16-inch off road style wheels
with rugged P265/75R16 white-letter tires and 18-inch wheels with
P265/60R18 tires.
Frontier's maximum towing capacity is rated at up to 6,500 pounds (maximum, when properly equipped).
The 2011 Frontier includes a long list of safety equipment, including
Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones, Nissan
Advanced Air Bag System (which includes dual-stage front supplemental
air bags with seat belt sensors and a occupant classification sensor),
front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted
curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front
and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Also standard are 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants,
including center position (Crew Cab), 3-point front seat belts with
pretensioners and load limiters, the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers
for CHildren) child seat anchor system and a Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS).