Built Tough, Voted Cool: Nissan Frontier Named “Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi”

Brand

Nissan

The 2025 Nissan Frontier was recently named the “Coolest Thing Made in Mississippi” by the Mississippi Manufacturers Association. That’s more than just a local award. It reflects how far Nissan has taken the midsize truck segment, both in performance and build quality.

The Frontier is built at the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant—a massive facility that has supported jobs and local manufacturing since 2003. Over the years, it has become the epicenter of Nissan’s midsize truck production for the U.S. market.

Fast Facts: Nissan Frontier

Built in: Canton, Mississippi
Category: Midsize pickup truck
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive or 4WD
Primary competitor set: Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado, Honda Ridgeline, GMC Canyon

2025 Nissan Frontier: Key Specs and Features

The 2025 Nissan Frontier remains mechanically consistent with the previous model year but adds cosmetic improvements and tech updates to keep it competitive.

Engine and Power

Engine: 3.8-liter V6
Horsepower: 310 hp
Torque: 281 lb-ft
Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Performance and Capability

Max towing capacity: 7,150 lbs
Payload capacity: Up to 1,610 lbs
Ground clearance: Up to 9.8 inches (PRO-4X)

Fuel Economy

RWD: 18 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
4WD: 17 mpg city / 22 mpg highway

Tech and Interior

Infotainment screen: Up to 12.3 inches
Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
Driver aids: Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Cruise Control

Trim Levels and Starting Prices

Here’s how the Nissan Frontier lineup breaks down by trim and MSRP:

Trim	Starting MSRP (USD)
Nissan Frontier S	$33,450
Nissan Frontier SV	$35,790
Nissan Frontier PRO-X	$38,470
Nissan Frontier PRO-4X	$42,270
Nissan Frontier Hardbody Edition	$42,970

The Hardbody Edition adds retro styling cues with black exterior trim and 17-inch heritage-style wheels.

How It Compares: Nissan Frontier vs. Competitors

Let’s compare the Nissan Frontier pickup truck with five other top midsize trucks in the U.S. market:

Feature	Nissan Frontier	Toyota Tacoma	Ford Ranger	Honda Ridgeline	GMC Canyon
Horsepower	310 hp	278 hp	270 hp	280 hp	310 hp
Torque (lb-ft)	281	317	310	262	430
Towing Capacity	7,150 lbs	6,800 lbs	7,500 lbs	5,000 lbs	7,700 lbs
Starting MSRP	$33,450	$27,750	$25,980	$38,800	$36,000
Fuel Efficiency	18/24 mpg	20/23 mpg	21/26 mpg	18/24 mpg	18/23 mpg
Infotainment	12.3-inch	8-inch	8-inch	9-inch	11-inch

Key Takeaways:

The Frontier’s V6 comes standard—no need to upgrade like some competitors.
Fuel economy is mid-pack, but the engine output is near the top.
It offers a larger infotainment screen than most.

Video

Why the Award Matters

The Mississippi Makers’ Challenge, organized by the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, started with over 100 products.

The Frontier won through public votes, beating products from across several industries, including technology, food processing, and heavy equipment.

What this means for buyers:

The Frontier is built in the U.S. by a workforce with over two decades of truck-making experience.
It’s recognized locally and nationally as a reliable product that supports American jobs.
Quality control is tight because it’s made in a state-of-the-art domestic facility.