2020 Nissan Frontier — Full Specifications
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The 2020 Nissan Frontier is a pickup powered by a 3.8L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–24 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Nissan Frontier workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2019 Nissan Frontier: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 24 mpg (UK) combined. EPA lists new engine options for 2020: 3.8L 6-cyl. No longer listed: 2.5L 4-cyl, 4L 6-cyl. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.8L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S9) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Pickup |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 22 urban / 29 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 18 city / 24 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 277 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,350 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2020 Nissan Frontier, all with the 3.8L 6-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 20 mpg (US), or 23 to 24 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/23) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl | Automatic (S9) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/24) | 277 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2020 Nissan Frontier
Running Costs: 2020 Nissan Frontier
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 Nissan Frontier at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2020 Nissan Frontier Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Frontier as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Nissan Frontier. The most-reported areas are Power train (12), Engine (5), Service brakes (3). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 1 reported injury. That is close to the median of 38 complaints across the 17 Nissan Frontier model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 Nissan Frontier
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (12 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (5 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Brakes (3 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (3 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Nissan Frontier compare to similar pickups? Pickups in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 277 g/km CO₂ figure is 6 g/km lower than the 283 g/km average for pickups on this site. This comparison is based on 264 pickups in our dataset.
Nissan models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2020 Nissan Frontier's 24 mpg is 5 mpg below that make average. Its 277 g/km CO₂ figure is 37 g/km higher than the 240 g/km Nissan average.
Of the 17 Nissan Frontier model years we cover, the 2020 ranks 14th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (24 mpg UK combined, against a high of 25 mpg). See every Nissan Frontier year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2020 Nissan Frontier
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have?
It's fitted with a 3.8L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s9) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 24 mpg.
How much does the 2020 Nissan Frontier cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 3 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2020 Nissan Frontier have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Frontier as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2020 Nissan Frontier?
Among the 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (12 complaints), Engine (5 complaints), Service brakes (3 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Nissan Frontier's fuel economy good for a pickup?
It returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the pickups we track.