When it comes to off-roading, Nissan might not be the first name that comes to some people’s minds. But since the Nissan Frontier for sale was inflated from a compact to a midsize pickup in 2005, it has established itself as a dependable truck that can do a little of everything, including driving over the hills and through the woods. The Frontier PRO-4X doubles down on this with mechanical updates, technical features, and a body design to make difficult paths a breeze, along with some trail-conquering style, too.
Originally an upgrade package introduced in 2009 before later becoming a standalone trim level, the Nissan Frontier PRO-4X remains one of the better-kept secrets in the midsize off-roading community. With the entire Frontier lineup getting a refresh for 2025, including some specific tweaks to the PRO-4X, I’m here to give you the details and how it competes against some of its midsize rivals. Join me for a look at the 2025 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X to see how it builds on the baseline Frontier, why it’s a great off-road truck, and what’s been added for the 2025 model year.
What’s So Special About the Frontier PRO-4X Trim?
I’ll first address the big-picture question of what sets the Frontier PRO-4X apart from its peers. After all, the truck has plenty of competition from other automakers like the Chevy Colorado ZR2, Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road, and Ford Maverick Tremor. There are other options under the same roof for that matter with the recently-discontinued Nissan Titan PRO-4X and Frontier PRO-X. Why should people choose the Frontier PRO-4X over any of these options?
The Frontier PRO-4X vs. Its Siblings
Let’s begin with the in-house comparison. Although the Nissan Titan PRO-4X is no longer being made, there are a lot of gently used models, so it’s worth discussing. This truck is great when maximum brawn and towing power are desired, or if someone is also using their off-road truck as a work or DIY project vehicle. However, the Frontier PRO-4X is ideal if someone wants a smaller, nimbler machine. It is far easier to maneuver in just about any situation whether that means handling tight off-road corridors or city streets. The Frontier also has significantly better fuel mileage than its full-size counterpart.
As for the Frontier PRO-X, it certainly has some of the features that off-roaders need. This truck comes with a limited-slip rear differential, an off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, all-terrain tires on machined alloy wheels, tow hooks, all-LED front exterior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, optional built-in navigation, and an available 360-degree camera. Such a package will undoubtedly suffice for entry- or mid-level off-roading. The Frontier PRO-4X, though, gives you the whole enchilada with even more add-ons for serious adventurers:
- Standard on-demand 4WD to maximize grip on dirt, grass, and snow.
- A two-speed Lo/Hi transfer case operated using a switch for the most efficient torque delivery.
- An electronic locking rear differential to equalize power to the rear wheels.
- Steel underbody skid plates to protect critical components.
- Standard Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control to help you drive safer on steep inclines.
- Special off-road gauges to monitor information like 4×4 engagement, body roll, and pitch.
- An Easy-Fill Tire Alert to quickly set the desired PSI when airing up or down.
- Intelligent automatic headlights for the best visibility.
- Intelligent Around View on the optional 360-degree camera system which includes an off-road mode for full visibility.
The Frontier PRO-4X vs. Other Models
Now to answer why someone looking for a midsize off-road truck would select the 2025 Frontier PRO-4X over another make and model. The short answer is that no other truck in the segment offers the same all-around combination of eyebrow-raising specs and practical performance in three crucial areas. First, consider what’s under the hood. The 310 hp from the returned 3.8L V6 engine is the most of any non-hybrid powertrain among midsize pickups. No internal combustion engine from the Chevy Colorado, Ford Maverick, or Toyota Tacoma lineups can beat the Frontier PRO-4X, giving you a strong response underneath your right foot. With six cylinders instead of a typical turbo-four, it goes through the powerband as smoothly as butter.
There’s the towing, too. Even with the added weight from all the off-road accessories, the 2025 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X still boasts a towing capacity of 6,310 lbs—a 500-lb increase from last year and only about 700 lbs less than the Frontier’s maximum. On the Chevy Colorado ZR2, meanwhile, towing falls from 7,700 lbs on non-off-road trims to 6,000 lbs. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road and Pro also only hit 6,000 lbs, and the Maverick Tremor isn’t even in the same zip code at a 4,000-lb maximum.
Finally, beginning in 2025, the Frontier PRO-4X can be ordered with the longer wheelbase option which allows a crew cab and a six-foot cargo bed. This makes it the first midsize off-road truck that can be ordered with such a combination. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road still only offers a long bed with a double cab, and the Maverick Tremor and Colorado ZR2 have one combo each that uses a short bed. Any off-roader who wants a more spacious cab and storage area will only get it from the 2025 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X. Owners have three total options with the king cab/six-foot bed and crew cab/five-foot bed combos, making it the most configurable midsize off-road truck available.
What’s New on the Frontier PRO-4X for 2025
Although I touched on a couple of the new Frontier PRO-4X goodies in the comparisons above, the full list deserves a look. As part of the 2025 refresh, all Frontier models including the PRO-4X received a slew of upgrades to boost performance and style. The PRO-4X body and interior have both been updated with a redesigned bumper and fascia, a sliding rear window, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a four-way power passenger seat, new wheels, a sunglasses holder, and other standard fare.
Nissan has also revamped the tech on the 2025 Frontier PRO-4X. The infotainment screen has been stretched from 9 to 12.3 inches, and wireless Apple CarPlay is standard with available wireless Android Auto. On the 360-degree camera, the off-road mode now works at up to 12 mph. The standard driver assistance suite has grown greatly with tech like a Blind-Spot Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, a Rear Sonar System, Lane Departure Warning, and a vehicle security system. Want to make the 2025 Frontier PRO-4X an even badder beast? More features are ready to roll with a pair of optional packages:
- PRO-4X Convenience Package: Comes with the 360-degree camera; wireless device charging; a 120-volt outlet; and heated front seats, side mirrors, and steering wheel.
- PRO Premium Package: features integrated and turn-by-turn navigation, a moonroof with a sunshade, real-time weather and traffic displays, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
A Great Midsize Truck With a Thirst for Off-Road Adventure
It’s a bad pun, but I’ll make it anyway: this truck is made for exploring any frontier. The PRO-4X trim gives midsize truck off-roaders everything they could need and then some. It may not have the flash or even the catchy name of other midsize pickups, but in terms of utility meets badassery, I don’t think it can rival it.
The Nissan Frontier PRO-4X was a finalist for MotorTrend Truck of the Year in 2022 and the 2023 TAWA Mid-Size Pickup Truck of Texas, showing its history of greatness. The 2025 edition is the best yet—and hopefully, the one that makes it the truck off-roaders think of first when considering their next vehicle.
