Smaller less powerful engines you have to run harder compared to a more powerful engine.

 

The I4 also gets smaller brakes.

 

+1 V8 man, the 2.5L I4 front rotors are 0.40" thinner than the V6. Unless you absolutely can't afford the fuel penalty, IMHO I'd go with the V6. I love mine.

 

Well from what I understand the V6 drivetrain has a beefier driveline, bigger breaks, I'm pretty sure they have the same m226 rear axle I'm not sure about the gearing tho. If your buying this truck to use as well...a truck I would get the v6 I tow with mine and I don't usually have the max behind me, however, I usually surpass the max for the I4. However...these trucks last forever, they depreciate in value rapidly..so if you are only looking for a basic truck due to funds,I found a 2010 pro4x with nothing at all wrong with it at 110k for 10k. But if you want a new truck a v6 is the way to go. hope that helps.::grin::

 

Sit with a Nissan brochure and all the differences are clearly listed then buy only what you can afford or are willing to part with, never bury yourself in debt or buy more than you actually need, it’s funny what a new vehicle does to your thinking at crunch time.

Clint

 

Also, why doesn't the I4 version get significantly better gas mileage than the V6 version? Gearing, maybe?

Weight has a lot to do with it.

These are not lightweight vehicles!

Honestly, the main advantage to the I4 is the lower purchase cost.

In just about every other category, the V6 wins, hands-down.

 

Great resource:

https://ppg.nissanproduct.info

Having owned a Gen 1 I4 5-sp and now a Gen 2 V6 6-sp (both as DD/worktrucks)...the latter is a LOT more fun. Yeah, it drinks more fuel, but the capabilities are staunch enough to warrant the initial expense as well as the hit on fuel economy.
'00 = 21-22 mpg // 26 mpg was best
'15 = 17.5 mpg // 21.7 mpg best so far

 

I only use my Nismo for local hauling and an occasional short road trip, but I do like a vehicle with enough torque to make it enjoyable to drive and have enough power to easily pull hills in high gear on the highway, so the 4.0L V6 is a great powerhouse with good engineering, with only a penalty of having lower fuel mileage (which I gladly accept for durability & reliability). Maybe I'm spoiled with the power, but the V6 is the only way to go for my preferences. Best of luck in your search … they are great, solid trucks that you can find for reasonable prices.

 

Thanks for all of the replies so far!

Unfortunately they all seem to be very heavy these days. The Frontier actually seems to be the lightest in its class.

I am trying to buy only what I need and the I4 version has almost as much power as my full-sized 1994 T100, which had a 3.0L V6. But then it also weighs more than that truck did, although the GVWR is still lower because the payload rating was significantly higher on the T100. Speaking of the T100, I swore I would never buy another V6 again because the layout is so much harder to work on than an I4. Now I'm not so sure, given all of the upvotes here for the V6 version.

I am in the process of working out the dimensions and techs that make up the I4 (QR25DE) and the V6 (VQ40DE). That still doesn't tell me about gearing differences, but it's a good starting point to understand why they have almost identical fuel consumption.

shift_RUSH, the info at the link you posted is laid out so much better than on Nissan's website. Thank you! I wish I'd come across that a long time ago.

Blazepro4x, that is exactly the kind of info I have been looking for. It's a good start that they share a common rear axle. But...I am beginning to lean toward the V6 version regardless of drivetrain similarities/differences - there are just too few reasons to go with the I4 version. And admittedly, the engine and transmission are almost always the weak points in a drivetrain, so I don't know what it would really mean if the I4 version were found to be overbuilt. I will definitely be buying new because I have been burned by hidden problems too many times and I don't currently have a shop for tinkering.

I am going to continue to research the engines and drivetrains before I come to a decision. I'll post as I learn more. In the meantime, I welcome any more info on drivetrain differences!

 

I have owned both the 4 and 6 cyl. models. I strongly reccommend the v6. The 4 has a lot less power and the gas miliage is about the same. The loss of power vs gas saved is not proportional. If you can afford it, do yourself a favor and get the 6. If you cant, the 4 will be a great little truck too just a lot slower and les power. The trucks have the same suspension system.

 

not sure how long you plan to keep the truck, but resale is also going to take a hit with the 4cyl model. You might save a few bucks on purchase price, only gain 1-3 MPG over the 6cyl, it has less power and you get less when you trade it in.

Also, not once while loaded or accelerating with the V6 would you ever say, dang, this thing pulls too hard, I wish I got the 4cyl instead.

 

Also, not once while loaded or accelerating with the V6 would you ever say, dang, this thing pulls too hard, I wish I got the 4cyl instead.

Haha, good point! I don't NEED the extra power, but I certainly wouldn't regret it.

 

Thosolas, watch the axle comparisons. Only the Pro4x in auto and 6 speed get the M226 axle, along with the S if its a 6 speed only. Somebody correct me please if I'm off about the S. The other models get a lighter duty axle C200.

 

No, you are correct. I was mistaken. but the v6 and the I4 have the same rear axle still. that being the c200. the m226 is the dana 44 variant. thank you, Ryan.

 

Go drive the 2. The i4 is fine, just slow.

 

If the I4 had better fuel economy it'd be worth considering, but it doesn't. It's hardly any different and that comes with a pretty large hit in power that you will feel on these trucks, as they are much bulkier and heavier than your 96. I shunned a lot of "advice" to buy capabilities knew I wouldn't use and was considering the I4 myself, until I actually drove one. I suggest you do the same

 

Well, I'll make my two cents, since I own and I-4. The truck is rather basic and slow, but I cruise the highways at a steady 70-75 here in north Florida and I've never returned less than 21.6 mpg on a tank of gas (hand calculated). The I-4 is simply an honest utility truck, but I don't kid myself into thinking it will ever be a heavy hauler. I'm okay with that, I bought it to commute to work and back, and then to be able to do some basic truck stuff, like hauling the occasional load of furniture or bulky items.

Really, it boils down to what do you want out of a truck.

FWIW, I've clocked my zero-60 time with the AC on and it's about 13 seconds. Not a road burner, but it's been solid and at 54K miles, my only complaint is that it wanders a little on-center when doing down the highway at speed.

 

ALL V6 Frontiers w/ a 6-sp manual transmission get the M226 rear diff. This includes CC 4x4 SV trim level.

(My '15 SV KC V6 6-sp 4x2 has an M226.)

 

What he said - only auto w/M226 is P4X w/locker

 

Get the 6! Had a few Toyota 4cyl's, a few Toyota 6cyl's an now this Frontier 6. Its a true champion. Fours are Ok but the lack of torque is a bore. I know other say to keep cost as affordable as possible but I think the other way. Get all the bells and whistles you can possibly afford up front. Its only a few extra payments and your more likely to enjoy your purchase longer. Offering more long term value vs. wishing you had ponied up and trading in immediately. The ease of selling down the road with things like fog lights, heated seats, V6, A/T only simplifies things. Plus the first time you pass some slow poke with that V6 you'll be glad you made two extra payments. Your money your call..

 

I didn't see this thread linked to in this discussion so here you go - what-axle-gears-do-i-have-my-2nd-gen

I have owned a Frontier V6 and now an Xterra V6 and could not go to an I4 now. The drive ability of the V6 just makes it a logical choice. In hilly terrain, on the freeway, when hauling or (in my case) when off road, the V6 shines everywhere. In all those instances the I4 would be getting overworked where the V6 just hums along.

Since you are going to buy new, look for a truck with the Value Truck Package at a minimum. It will greatly add to your positive ownership experience.

Good Luck!

 

If it helps, "The Fast Lane" on Youtube has done a long-term review on the 2016 Frontier with the I4...

The Fast Lane search for Frontier videos

First Video:

Playlist:

In a nutshell they seem to like it even with the four cylinder, and these guys are spending a lot of time in Colorado with it too, so there are mountainous roads to contend with.

 

I too am interested in an I4. More specifically a SV KC I4 MT. I had a '91 std body Nissan pickup with I4 MT that was fine. It obviously weighed less than the '18, but also made less power and without variable valve timing, probably had a much narrower torque curve.

I lived in NC at the time, and would occasionally pull a 2000# trailer loaded with sportbikes in the mountains. The truck did great! On the 4-lane sections I regularly passed traffic going uphill, and maintained a pace where nobody was ever waiting to pass my truck. _Nobody_. Of course I'm perfectly comfortable downshifting and flooring it.

I was looking at Tacomas (am I allowed to say that word here? ) but they discontinued the I4 MT. Finding what I'm looking for in a Nissan though is problematic. The local dealers assure me they never have my preferred configuration, because they won't order something that no one ever buys. NissanUsa otoh assures me that they do, and it's missing from the lots due to end of year inventory clearance.

I ride sport bikes. You know, sub-3sec 0-60 acceleration and hyper-legal speeds. The I4 and V6 are both going to feel almost equally slow. Even my 250 1cyl dual-sport will take most cars off the line. I'm looking for simplicity and reliability. Spending thousands more for a V6 that I'll rarely taker advantage of seems like a waste to me. That said, if I have to special order the truck I want, I lose out on factory/dealer incentives, and may not save much at all buying an I4.

 

Finding what I'm looking for in a Nissan though is problematic. The local dealers assure me they never have my preferred configuration, because they won't order something that no one ever buys. NissanUsa otoh assures me that they do, and it's missing from the lots due to end of year inventory clearance.

If I were in your shoes I'd look for dealerships that have large fleet-sales departments. At least the 4cyl models are popular among delivery companies, they might have or be willing to get what you want.

 

If you're looking for simple and reliable, I would suggest just going for the S rather than the SV. I have no experience with either trim level, but is keyless entry and satellite radio worth an extra $4500? I don't know, maybe those things are both amazing, and after all you'll be in it every day, so why not?

I had two dealers ignore my request for the S trim I4 KC MT and instead quote me for the SV trim V6 KC AT. I didn't persist because I wasn't completely sure I wanted to buy anything at all, so I don't know how they would have actually handled my request. If I ultimately decide to go with that, though, I am going to insist on it until they agree just to get me to go away. From what I understand, a custom order will likely be cheaper for the dealer because the dealer doesn't have to pay any insurance/stocking fees...which means that although they'll try to start with a really, really bad deal with the hope that you'll assume a higher price, you should be able to walk away with a lower price than if you'd bought something off their lot. At least, that's my understanding.

For my part, I am still struggling with the decision of SV V6 KC AT 4x2 versus S I4 KC MT 4x2. I was perfectly happy with both of my previous trucks, which were widely considered to be way under-powered, even with a full bed, so I have a feeling I'll be just as happy with an I4 MT Frontier. But that said, I took it slow because they were both well over twenty years old. Well, that and I drive like an old lady by default.

Weight capacity is important to me. The I4 Frontier is rated for around 600LB in the bed after gas and myself, while the V6 Frontier is rated for around 1100LB after gas/flesh. I am sure I could fudge a little with stronger suspension, but in my mind 1000LB is about the minimum to be worth the size and efficiency drawbacks of a truck. But is it worth an extra $6000 (with more expensive automatic transmission built into the price)?

I've been pretty adamant about getting a manual transmission in the past because I like to be able to control the drivetrain. However, I live in a city these days, where the creep of an automatic's torque converter would be really nice in stop-and-go traffic, plus torque converters are always going to be easier on a drivetrain than the hard lock of a clutch. I slip my clutch more than most for soft shifts, but I won't pretend to be an expert at rev-matching, especially when reacting to stupid drivers. Therefore, maybe auto is the way for me to go. That option appears to be a difference of a little over $3500 between two I4 setups, but if the automatic holds up the drivetrain will thank me.

So I guess that decides it for me: Frontier SV V6 KC AT 4x2. If the automatic is decided upon, that's only a difference of $2500 between S I4 AT and SV V6 AT.

Well, sort of decided. I really, REALLY don't like V6 engines.

So no, I'm not decided. Dang it.

By the way: After my limited, unfocused 'research', I have no hard data to say the VQ40DE (V6) is more or less reliable than the QR25DE (I4). They both have aluminum cylinder blocks and extra-fancy valve systems. All I can say is an I4 will be easier to maintain. Why no I6?

 

The I4 Frontier is rated for around 600LB in the bed after gas and myself, while the V6 Frontier is rated for around 1100LB after gas/flesh. I am sure I could fudge a little with stronger suspension, but in my mind 1000LB is about the minimum to be worth the size and efficiency drawbacks of a truck. But is it worth an extra $6000 (with more expensive automatic transmission built into the price)?

So I guess that decides it for me: Frontier SV V6 KC AT 4x2. If the automatic is decided upon, that's only a difference of $2500 between S I4 AT and SV V6 AT.

Where are you getting those prices?

The differences in advertised prices are considerably less than what you're using.

 

If you go with the 4 cylinder 2.5 engine, It is basic but is VERY dependable and you will be able to drive it for a very long time with zero problems...and very cheap to maintain.

 

Skibane: I was comparing apples and oranges - two different engines, two different trim levels.
Nissan's website lists MSRP for base model (S) KC I4 MT 4x2 at $18990. There is no base model configuration for a king cab V6, so I was referring to the SV KC V6 AT 4x2, which is $25220. I have no need for the SV stuff, but I want the 6' bed. If I go with an automatic transmission I4, I'll get the S trim, which is $22660. I just like to say confusing things.

$25220: SV trim KC V6 AT 4x2
$18990: S trim KC I4 MT 4x2
difference is $6230

$25220: SV trim KC V6 AT 4x2
$22660: S trim KC I4 AT 4x2
difference is $2560

I'm not even drunk. I guess I should have edited before posting... Apologies.

 

MSRPs don't reflect actual selling prices. They're usually muxh higher than actual selling "street" prices - particularly on a model that's been around for a while.

Fortunately, plenty of Nissan dealers post their current "sale" prices - which can be useful for comparing price differences among different trim levels, options, etc.

 

The I4 will match up & perform more admirably w/ the manual trans. But if one is a stalwart I4 w/ auto trans person, then I think you'll be equally happy.
Otherwise, the V6 is a hoot and can be driven in a civil manner...or like a banshee when the skinny pedal gets mashed.

It really is a shame NissanUSA quit offering the 6-sp manual/V6 combo in any KC trim level. 2015 was the last year this was offered.

 

TWX, I didn't expect that! I suppose that's good for MPG at idle, but I've always viewed creep as one of the most useful features of an automatic.

If I can get myself in gear today I am planning on going to a dealer to test drive and see how an I4 AT feels. No testing the I4 MT since they're too inexpensive to be worth stocking, but I can find an AT I4 and V6 to try.

Just...have to get myself moving. After this next cup of coffee.