Nissan Frontier Towing Capacity (by Engine & Year)
TL;DR
Max towing is configuration-specific - King Cab 4x2 models rate highest (6,720 lb for 2022-2024, 7,150 lb for 2025+), while Crew Cab and 4x4 versions typically fall in the 6,170-6,640 lb range. Always confirm the exact figure for your own truck on its door placard.
How much can a Nissan Frontier tow
The Nissan Frontier has been sold in two very different generations in the United States, and towing figures are not interchangeable between them. The current third generation (model years 2022 and up) uses a 3.8-liter V6 (VQ38DD) making 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque paired with a 9-speed automatic. For 2022-2024, Nissan rates the King Cab 4x2 at up to 6,720 lb (3,048 kg) when equipped with the available tow package, the highest figure in the lineup. For the refreshed 2025 model year, Nissan raised the King Cab 4x2 maximum to 7,150 lb (3,243 kg).
Why the number changes by trim and cab
Crew Cab models and any 4x4 configuration weigh more and carry that weight differently, so they are rated lower than the lightest King Cab 4x2. Reported maximums for 2022-2024 Crew Cab and 4x4 variants generally fall between about 6,170 lb (PRO-4X) and 6,640 lb (Crew Cab 4x2), depending on axle ratio and whether the factory tow package is fitted. A truck without the tow package will be rated lower than these figures.
The prior generation (2005-2021)
The second-generation Frontier (sold through model year 2021) used a different 4.0-liter V6 (VQ40DE, about 261 hp and 281 lb-ft). Published towing figures for this generation vary significantly between sources depending on cab, bed length, drivetrain and axle ratio, and we could not confirm a single reliable number that applies broadly across trims. If you own a 2005-2021 Frontier, do not rely on a generic number - look up your exact configuration.
Where to find your truck's real number
The only figure that matters for your specific truck is the one on your vehicle. Check these sources, in order of authority:
- The tow rating / GCWR label on the driver's door jamb placard
- Your owner's manual towing chapter
- The manufacturer's published towing guide for your exact model year
- Your VIN-specific build sheet from a Nissan dealer
Towing capacity by generation and configuration
| Generation / years | Engine & configuration | Max towing (lb / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Third gen, 2022-2024 | 3.8L V6, King Cab 4x2, tow package | 6,720 lb / 3,048 kg |
| Third gen, 2022-2024 | 3.8L V6, Crew Cab 4x2 | approx. 6,510-6,640 lb / 2,953-3,012 kg (sources vary) |
| Third gen, 2022-2024 | 3.8L V6, King Cab or Crew Cab 4x4 | approx. 6,350-6,480 lb / 2,880-2,939 kg (sources vary) |
| Third gen, 2022-2024 | 3.8L V6, PRO-4X trim | approx. 6,170 lb / 2,799 kg |
| Third gen, 2025+ | 3.8L V6, King Cab 4x2, tow package | 7,150 lb / 3,243 kg |
| Second gen, 2005-2021 | 4.0L V6, various cab/bed/drivetrain | not reliably corroborated - check your door placard or owner's manual |
Tongue weight guidance
Nissan does not widely publish a single tongue-weight spec across all configurations. As a general towing rule (not Frontier-specific), tongue weight should run about 10-15% of the actual loaded trailer weight. Your truck's exact allowable tongue weight is listed on the door placard alongside GCWR and payload figures - use that number, not a generic percentage, for anything close to the maximum rating.
Summary
| Highest published max tow (2025+ King Cab 4x2) | 7,150 lb / 3,243 kg |
|---|---|
| Common max tow (2022-2024 King Cab 4x2) | 6,720 lb / 3,048 kg |
| Typical Crew Cab 4x2 (2022-2024) | approx. 6,510-6,640 lb |
| Typical 4x4 configurations (2022-2024) | approx. 6,170-6,480 lb |
| Engine (third gen, 2022+) | 3.8L V6, 310 hp / 281 lb-ft |
| Second gen (2005-2021) | 4.0L V6 - check placard, figures not reliably corroborated |
| Where to confirm your exact rating | Driver's door placard, owner's manual, or Nissan towing guide |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Nissan Frontier: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Nissan Frontier?
It depends entirely on generation and configuration. The highest properly-equipped figure Nissan has published is 7,150 lb for the 2025+ King Cab 4x2 with the tow package; 2022-2024 King Cab 4x2 trucks top out at 6,720 lb. Crew Cab and 4x4 versions tow less. There is no single number that applies to every Frontier.
Does my Frontier need a tow package to reach the maximum rating?
Yes. The highest published towing figures for any given cab and drivetrain combination assume the factory-available tow package (which typically adds a Class IV receiver hitch, upgraded cooling and wiring). A Frontier without that package is rated lower than the headline number for its configuration.
Why do 4x4 Frontiers tow less than 4x2 models?
4x4 hardware (transfer case, front differential, driveshafts) adds weight and changes how that weight is distributed, which lowers the gross combined weight rating math versus a lighter 4x2 truck with the same engine. This is normal across pickup trucks, not unique to Nissan.
Where do I find the exact towing capacity for my specific Frontier?
Check the tow rating and GCWR printed on your driver's-door jamb placard, your owner's manual's towing section, or Nissan's published towing guide for your exact model year, cab, bed length, drivetrain and axle ratio - these override any general figure you read online.