Curious about the nissan frontier towing capacity? This guide provides ten key insights to unlock its towing potential, from engine power to setup tips. Ideal for hauling trailers, boats, or work gear, these tips ensure Frontier drivers tow safely and effectively on any journey.

Safety Warning: Towing is hazardous. Secure trailers properly, check weights, and use safety chains to prevent accidents or vehicle damage.

1. Base Towing Capacity

The 2025 Nissan Frontier offers a base towing capacity of 6,350 pounds with its 3.8L V6 engine in Crew Cab 4×4 configurations. This suits light to medium towing tasks, like small trailers or ATVs, perfect for weekend adventures or small projects.

Base towing is reliable. Here’s what it covers.

• 6,350-pound limit. Tows small campers or jet skis, costing $0-$200 to hitch.

• Standard V6 engine. 310 horsepower, available across all trims, costing $0.

• Tongue weight. Supports up to 635 pounds, ensuring safe balance, costing $0 to verify.

• Everyday use. Hauls 5×8-foot trailers for outings, saving $100-$400 on rentals.

2. Maximum Towing Capacity

The nissan frontier towing capacity peaks at 7,150 pounds with the King Cab S 2WD and Class IV Tow Package. This allows towing larger campers or boats, making it a top performer among midsize trucks.

Max capacity is impressive. Here’s how to achieve it.

• 7,150-pound capability. Tows 20-foot campers or boats, saving $200-$1,000 on rentals.

• King Cab S 2WD. Maximizes towing with lighter weight, costing $0-$595 for tow package.

• Class IV hitch. Includes wiring and receiver, costing $200-$600 to add.

• Rear-wheel drive. Boosts capacity over 4WD, included in base price.

3. Towing Package Features

The Frontier’s Class IV Tow Package equips the truck with a hitch receiver, trailer brake wiring, and Trailer Sway Control. These features ensure safe towing for loads up to 7,150 pounds, enhancing stability and control.

Packages improve performance. Here’s what’s included.

• Class IV hitch. Supports 7,150 pounds, included or $200-$600 to install.

• Seven-pin connector. Connects trailer lights and brakes, costing $0-$50.

• Trailer Sway Control. Automatically stabilizes trailers, standard with tow package.

• Tow-Haul mode. Optimizes gear shifts, standard on SV and above, costing $0.

4. Engine Performance Impact

The Frontier’s 3.8L V6 engine, standard across all trims, delivers 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic, it provides robust towing power for various loads, from light to heavy.

Engines drive towing. Here’s their impact.

• 3.8L V6. 310 horsepower, tows up to 7,150 pounds, standard on all trims.

• Nine-speed automatic. Ensures smooth shifts for towing, included in base price.

• Fuel efficiency. Drops to 14-16 MPG towing, costing $40-$80 per 300-mile trip.

• Power delivery. Accelerates to 60 MPH in 7.3 seconds with light trailers.

5. Trim and Configuration Variations

The Frontier’s trims—S, SV, PRO-X, PRO-4X, and SL—offer towing capacities from 6,350 to 7,150 pounds. The King Cab S 2WD achieves the maximum, while Crew Cab models prioritize passenger space.

Trims affect capability. Here’s how they differ.

• King Cab S 2WD. Tows 7,150 pounds, ideal for max towing, costing $0-$600.

• Crew Cab SV 4×2. Tows 6,510 pounds, balancing space and power, costing $0-$600.

• PRO-4X 4WD. Tows 6,350 pounds, focusing on off-road, costing $3,000-$5,000.

• Verify setup. Check trim and drivetrain via VIN, costing $0, to confirm capacity.

6. Payload and Towing Balance

The Frontier’s payload capacity, up to 1,620 pounds, complements its towing ability. Balancing payload and towing weight is critical to stay within the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) for safe hauling.

Balance ensures safety. Here’s how to manage it.

• 1,620-pound payload. Carries 40 40-pound bags in the bed, costing $0.

• Towing reduces payload. A 7,000-pound trailer lowers bed capacity, requiring checks.

• GCWR limits. Ranges from 11,000-11,400 pounds, avoiding $1,000-$3,000 in damage.

• Weigh loads. Use a scale ($0-$20) at truck stops to stay within limits.

7. Compatible Trailer Types

The nissan frontier towing capacity supports various trailers, from lightweight utility models to mid-size campers. Selecting the right trailer ensures safe and efficient towing for your specific needs.

Choose trailers carefully. Here’s what fits.

• Light trailers. 2,000-4,000-pound jet skis or ATVs, hitching in 15-30 minutes.

• Mid-size campers. 5,000-7,000-pound trailers, costing $2,000-$10,000 to buy.

• Heavy loads. 7,150-pound boats or RVs, needing King Cab S, costing $200-$600.

• Check weights. Verify trailer weight to avoid $500-$2,000 in vehicle damage.

8. Towing Safety Features

The Frontier includes safety features like Trailer Sway Control and Intelligent Around View Monitor to enhance towing confidence. These technologies simplify handling heavy loads, especially for novice towers.

Safety improves control. Here’s what’s offered.

• Trailer Sway Control. Automatically brakes to stabilize trailers, standard with tow package.

• Around View Monitor. Aids hitching with 360-degree views, optional, costing $0-$500.

• Tow-Haul mode. Optimizes transmission for towing, standard on SV and above.

• Inspect connections. Check hitch and chains before towing, costing $0, preventing accidents.

9. Fuel Economy While Towing

Towing impacts the Frontier’s fuel efficiency, dropping from 18 MPG city to 14-16 MPG with heavy loads. Planning for reduced MPG is essential to manage trip costs effectively.

Fuel affects budgeting. Here’s the impact.

• Base efficiency. 18 MPG city without towing, dropping to 14-16 MPG with 6,000 pounds.

• Cost increase. Heavy towing adds $40-$80 per 300-mile trip in fuel costs.

• Plan routes. Avoid steep grades to save 1-2 MPG, costing $0 to map.

• Monitor usage. Use trip computer to optimize fuel, saving $20-$50 per trip.

10. Real-World Towing Scenarios

The Frontier handles real-world towing tasks, from recreational adventures to work projects. Owners report success with various loads, showcasing its versatility for practical hauling needs.

Practical towing excels. Here’s what owners tow.

• Recreational gear. 3,500-pound boats or ATVs, hitching in 15-30 minutes, costing $0-$200.

• Campers. 5,000-6,500-pound trailers, like pop-ups, taking 30-60 minutes to hitch.

• Utility trailers. 4,000-pound trailers for tools, saving $100-$500 on rentals.

• Avoid overloading. Exceeding 7,150 pounds risks $1,000-$3,000 in transmission damage.

Conclusion

The nissan frontier towing capacity, ranging from 6,350 to 7,150 pounds, empowers adventures with trailers, boats, or work gear. Plan carefully and tow safely. At STUCK, our 24/7 towing service in Sugar Land, Texas, provides 24/7 support, ensuring Frontier drivers get reliable help for any towing challenge!