2021 Nissan Frontier

Rating applies to 2017-21 models built after February 2017

Tested vehicle: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab

The Nissan Frontier King Cab was redesigned for the 2005 model year. Beginning with 2013 models, design changes were made to the frontal airbags and seat belts. Beginning with 2017 models built after February 2017, the side curtain airbags were lengthened to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.)

Action shot taken during the driver-side small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver’s survival space was not maintained well.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

Intrusion of the footwell and instrument panel contributed to a high risk of injury to the left lower leg, a significant risk to the left foot and right lower leg, and a moderate risk to the right knee.

Rating applies to 2013-21 models

Tested vehicle: 2013 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab 4wd

The Nissan Frontier Crew Cab and King Cab were redesigned for the 2005 model year. Beginning with 2013 models, design changes were made to the frontal airbags and seat belts.

Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by Nissan. (The vehicle tested by Nissan was designated as a 2012 model but included the airbag and seat belt changes of the 2013 models.) Because the vehicle structure did not change after 2005, structure ratings are based this test as well as two earlier tests of the Frontier, one a 2005 model and the other a 2008 model.

The moderate overlap frontal ratings apply to both the Crew Cab and King Cab models.

Rating applies to 2015-21 models

Tested vehicle: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab

The Nissan Frontier King Cab was redesigned for the 2005 model year. Beginning with 2012 models, design changes were made to the side curtain airbags to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. Beginning with 2015 models, design changes were made to the side torso airbags and front door trim panels to further improve protection for front seat occupants.

View of the vehicle and barrier just after the crash test.

View of the vehicle after the crash with the front door removed, showing the side airbags and damage to the occupant compartment.

Smeared greasepaint shows where the driver dummy's head was protected from being hit by hard structures by the side curtain airbag. (The head was also contacted by the side torso airbag.)

Smeared greasepaint shows where the rear passenger dummy’s head was protected by the side airbag.

Rating applies to 2016-21 models

Tested vehicle: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV King Cab

Seat type: Manual cloth seats AHR

Rating applies to 2017-21 models