2010 Nissan Frontier Adds Standard Side and Curtain Air Bags for All Models; Continues to Offer Performance, Utility and Value
08/14/2009
Nissan
The Nissan Frontier, a no-compromise pickup forged with premium hardware, extraordinary power and off-road athleticism, continues to be a leader in the mid-size truck segment. Updated in 2009 with a new front fascia, grille and headlight design and new machine-finished 16-inch wheels (PRO-4X) and new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (LE), the refinements continue in 2010 with added standard safety and security equipment - including standard side and curtain supplemental air bags on all models and standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on all V6-equipped Frontiers.
Other revisions for 2010 include the availability of a 5-speed automatic transmission on Frontier XE models, the addition of 2-wheel or 4-wheel Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) as standard for all SE and LE V6 models and the addition of Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control as standard equipment on all SE and LE 4WD automatic transmission-equipped models. One new exterior color, Night Armor, is also offered.
Frontier continues to offer an exceptional level of on- and off-road performance with the use of a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine with horsepower and torque that are second-to-none in the mid-size truck class. A 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is also available (King Cab only). With its strong performance, combined with good fuel mileage (19 city, 23 highway, King Cab 2WD), the Frontier is a fitting truck for work or play.
"The Frontier is a truck that acts big when it comes to such essentials as performance, towing capability, interior roominess and real-world utility," said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "Yet it's also easy to live with in terms of value, at the gas pumps or when maneuvering through tight spaces or down narrow off-road trails."
The 2010 Frontier is offered in both King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, in 4x2 and 4x4 driveline configurations and in a choice of four well-equipped trim levels - XE, SE, LE and PRO-4X.
Authentic Truck Style and Versatility - Inside and Out
The mid-size Nissan Frontier emulates many of Nissan Titan's full-size features, including its bold, expressive and adventurous exterior styling. Frontier utilizes signature Nissan truck themes, including an angled strut grille, large bumpers, short front and rear overhangs and large, stamped steel, geometric fender flares.
Again in 2010, Long Bed models are available with Frontier Crew Cab SE and Crew Cab LE. Measuring more than 13 inches longer than the Crew Cab's standard bed, the Long Bed models offer the roomy interior of the Crew Cab, plus the extended bed space of the King Cab.
Frontier also offers levels of innovation in areas where it matters most to truck owners - the bed. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab models offer an available high-utility bed that includes a factory-applied spray-on bedliner and the Utili-track(TM) tie-down system. The Utili-track system, first introduced on Titan, provides ultimate cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C" cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor, and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable utility cleats slide into the channels, providing a wide range of attaching points for securing cargo. In addition to the tie-down cleats, a full range of accessories is offered for use with the channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays and modular storage units.
The Frontier exterior also features a standard locking detachable tailgate, tinted front window, rear privacy glass and a hitch ball provision on the rear bumper. Frontier LE models include chrome front grille, outside mirrors and door handles, along with tubular step rails and front fog lights. A roof rack with cross bars is added to LE Crew Cab.
Just as the high-utility bed offers Frontier owners an exceptional level of flexibility and utility, Frontier's interior features outstanding functionality combined with comfort and intelligent design. Both Frontier King Cab and Crew Cab feature large rear doors (rear hinged on King Cab) for easy access to the rear seating and cargo areas.
The Frontier King Cab includes flip-up rear seats and both cab styles offer excellent cab storage and flexibility. Removable storage boxes are tucked beneath the rear seats, while the front passenger seat folds down for added load carrying capacity (not available on leather-trimmed models). A dual glove box with lock, damper and lamp, center console storage, one-liter bottle storage integrated into the front doors and a multitude of cupholders and power points are standard. Frontier Crew Cab also offers an available leather-appointed interior and available tilt and sliding moonroof.
Ample Power for an Active Lifestyle
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 improves structural rigidity for rock-solid performance on- and off- road.
Frontier's long 125.9-inch wheelbase helps enhance ride comfort and stability, 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 optimized off-road dynamics.
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 excellent 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(R)-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 XE 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. An off-road traction system is available with 4x4 models. It includes a 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 is available on 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 now standard on all V6 Frontier SE, LE 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 XE, SE, LE and PRO-4X models. Every 2010 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).
Advanced Safety Systems, A Variety of Models and Packages
The 2010 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 front occupant classification sensor), supplemental front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and supplemental curtain air bags for improved side impact and rollover head protection for front and rear outboard passengers.
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 (Crew Cab) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
A Wide Range of Available Models
The 2010 Nissan Frontier is available in a wide range of models and configurations. The Frontier King Cab is offered in five well-equipped models: Frontier XE (4x2, 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SE-I4 (4x2, 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier SE-V6 (4x2 or 4x4, 4.0-liter V6, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission); Frontier LE-V6 (4x2 or 4x4, 4.0-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission); and PRO-4X (4.0-liter V6, 4x2 and 4x4, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission). PRO-4X King Cab models receive a factory-applied spray-on bedliner, bed rail caps, Utili-track(TM) channel system and four adjustable tie-down cleats (standard on Crew Cab PRO-4X).
The 2010 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab is offered in SE, LE and PRO-4X models, in regular or Long Bed body styles (except PRO-4X), each offered with a standard 4.0-liter V6 and a choice of 4x4 or 4x2 drivelines. Frontier Crew Cab SE models are offered with either 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions, while Crew Cab LE and Crew Cab PRO-4X models are available with the 5-speed automatic transmission only.
The PRO-4X features Bilstein(R) off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, additional skid plates on the oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker, 2- or 4-wheel limited-slip (ABLS) and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with large BFGoodrich P265/75R16 Rugged Trail tires. All PRO-4Xs also feature body-colored grille and bumpers, outside mirrors and door handles and fog lamps. Added comfort and convenience features include cruise control, remote keyless entry power windows and door locks and dual power outside mirrors. The PRO-4X interior included leather-appointed red-stitched shifter knob (M/T only) and steering wheel, chrome accent ring around the white-faced meter gauges and trip computer.
A number of option packages are offered for the 2010 Frontier King Cab, starting with the XE Preferred Package and SE-I4 Power Package. The SE-V6 is available with a popular SE Value Truck Package, which includes Remote Keyless Entry, power windows with auto down, power door locks and outside mirrors, cruise control, Class III trailer hitch, microfilter, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, drop-in bedliner and floor mats. The King Cab LE-V6 and PRO-4X are both available with a Technology Package with AM/FMCD6 audio system with six speakers, auxiliary input, WMA/MP3 capability and steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, XM(R) Satellite Radio (PRO-4X AT only) (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), Immobilizer and Vehicle Security System.
Frontier Crew Cab options include the SE Value Truck Package, LE Value Truck Package and PRO-4X Value Truck Package - each with a range of comfort and convenience features including leather-appointed seating surfaces (LE and PRO-4X). Also available is the Moonroof Package (SE, LE and PRO-4X) and Side Step Rails (LE).