Roadtripping a Nissan Frontier: Here's My Honest Review From This Adventure originally appeared on Autoblog.
Another experience with the Frontier
I’ve driven the Nissan Frontier plenty of times off-road, in traffic, towing loads, but never on a real road trip. This time, that changed. Nissan invited me to Lake Arrowhead Resort for a drive that would take us from Southern California’s wide freeways to rural highways and winding mountain passes. The goal? Highlight inexpensive road trip destinations, and do it in a Nissan.
The trip’s mission was simple: keep it affordable, keep it scenic, and make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination. With summer travel shifting away from crowded airports toward open roads, this was a timely demonstration. More couples, families, and friends are opting for wallet-friendly escapes close to home, and this one ticked every box.
Yes - it was a PR event. But it also showcased how a weekend getaway can be memorable without burning through the budget. Along the way, we stopped for sweeping mountain vistas and even made a nostalgic detour to Baldwin Park, home to the very first In-N-Out Burger. The recreated original drive-thru and mini museum were wonderfully kitschy-perfect for burger fans.
The truck
Our “Afterburn Orange” Frontier Pro-4X, priced at about $42,000, came fully loaded. All Frontiers pack a 310-hp 3.8L V6 with 281 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic. Power can be sent to all four wheels via a traditional 2-speed transfer case. Towing capacity has climbed to 7,150 lbs, depending on configuration, making it competitive in the midsize pickup segment.
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Inside, we had a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a telescoping steering wheel, upgraded power seats, and Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” seats for excellent long-haul comfort. My only gripe during the three-hour rush-hour crawl from LA was the hard, thin plastic strip at the windowsill right where my elbow likes to rest.
On the move, the Frontier was impressive. The steering feel, weighty and precise, is among the best in its class. Body control in the mountains was excellent, yet the ride stayed smooth through the city. My combined fuel economy sat around 19 mpg combined, or 16 city / 20 highway.
The experience
Traffic was brutal at first, but the moment we started climbing into the mountains, the mood shifted. We rolled down every window, including the little rear slider, and were greeted by pine-scented air, cooler temps, and a blissful absence of city noise. By the time we reached Lake Arrowhead, the water shimmered like glass. The lakeside homes were gorgeous, but the real beauty was the lake itself.
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Lake Arrowhead Resort was our destination. Our resort was aging yet charming, boasting a prime lakeside location, excellent cuisine, and live entertainment. Renovations are already underway. All in, this trip could cost $500-$600 (lodging, food, and activities), plus about $50 in gas. By comparison, our last weekend getaway to Las Vegas cost $800-$1,100 before gambling losses or extra drinks.
Final thoughts
It’s easy for Southern Californians to forget about gems like Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear, but they’re close, affordable, and scenic. A weekend like this proves you don’t need a massive budget to recharge, just good company, a beautiful destination, and the right truck to get you there. The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is exactly that: rugged yet smooth enough for mountain curves, comfortable enough for hours of driving, and stylish enough to make you smile every time you walk up to it.
Roadtripping a Nissan Frontier: Here's My Honest Review From This Adventure first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 12, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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