Larry H. Miller Nissan Mesa

2012 Nissan Frontier

Now available at Larry H. Miller Nissan Mesa in Mesa, AZ

  • Starting MSRP$22,550
  • Horsepower152–261 hp
  • EPA MPG19 city / 23 hwy
  • Max Towing3,500 lbs
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Common questions
2012 Nissan Frontier SV
2012 Nissan Frontier SV shown

The 2012 Nissan Frontier brings midsize pickup capability to Larry H. Miller Nissan Mesa in Mesa, Arizona, serving the Phoenix East Valley and Greater Phoenix metro area. Shoppers will find trim-level pricing, powertrain details, towing information, competitor comparisons, and practical buying guidance for this Nissan truck. The Frontier is offered across King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions, and four- or six-cylinder engines. Its range of configurations supports different priorities, from a lower starting price and straightforward utility to stronger V6 output and four-wheel-drive traction. Visit 2025 W Riverview Auto Dr or explore live Nissan inventory online as vehicles arrive on a rolling basis.

Starting MSRP
$22,550
Horsepower
152–261 hp
EPA MPG
19 city / 23 hwy
Max Towing
3,500 lbs
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive / Four Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Unleaded
Body Style
King Cab / Crew Cab

How the 2012 Nissan Frontier Compares With Its Competitors

Pricing, power, fuel economy, towing and drivetrain help define how the Frontier fits within the midsize pickup class. The 2012 Nissan Frontier starts at $22,550, and MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

2012 Nissan Frontier compared with 2012 GMC Canyon, 2012 Suzuki Equator, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
Spec2012 Nissan Frontier2012 GMC Canyon2012 Suzuki Equator2012 Chevrolet Colorado
Starting MSRP$22,550$24,685$25,699$28,460
Horsepower152–261 hp185–242 hp261 hp242 hp
EPA MPG19 city / 23 hwy16–18 city / 21–25 hwy15 city / 19–20 hwy16 city / 21 hwy
Max Towing3,500 lbs5,500–6,000 lbs6,100–6,300 lbs5,500–6,000 lbs
DrivetrainRear Wheel Drive / Four Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive / Four Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive / Four Wheel DriveFour Wheel Drive
FuelRegular UnleadedRegular UnleadedRegular UnleadedRegular Unleaded

Manufacturer figures for the model year shown; a range spans that model's trims. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, registration, and dealer fees.

Compared with the 2012 GMC Canyon, the Frontier offers 152–261 hp versus 185–242 hp, 19 city / 23 highway MPG versus 16–18 city / 21–25 highway MPG, and 3,500 pounds of towing versus 5,500–6,000 pounds. The Canyon starts at $24,685 and offers rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, so its higher towing range may suit heavier-duty needs while the Frontier’s stated fuel economy and lower starting price may suit efficiency- and budget-focused shoppers.

Compared with the 2012 Suzuki Equator, the Frontier starts at $22,550 versus $25,699 and provides 152–261 hp versus 261 hp. The Equator offers 15 city MPG and 19–20 highway MPG, plus 6,100–6,300 pounds of towing and rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, while the Frontier’s 19 city / 23 highway MPG and lower starting price may appeal to shoppers prioritizing everyday economy and initial cost.

Compared with the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado, the Frontier offers 152–261 hp versus 242 hp, 19 city / 23 highway MPG versus 16 city / 21 highway MPG, and 3,500 pounds of towing versus 5,500–6,000 pounds. The Colorado starts at $28,460 and uses four-wheel drive with regular unleaded fuel, making its higher towing figure relevant to buyers focused on hauling capacity while the Frontier offers a lower starting MSRP and different drivetrain choices.

Specifications and Configuration

The 2012 Nissan Frontier spans four trims with starting MSRPs from $22,550 to $30,970. Its engines range from a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder producing 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque to a 4.0-liter V6 producing 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque.

Configuration choices include King Cab and Crew Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions. The truck uses regular unleaded fuel, has a 21.1-gallon fuel capacity, and offers maximum towing of 3,500 pounds.

Across the model range, the Frontier measures 205.5 inches long, 72.8 inches wide and 68.7 inches high, with a 125.9-inch wheelbase and 3,732-pound curb weight. City fuel economy is 19 MPG and highway fuel economy is 23 MPG.

Buying This Vehicle in Mesa

Larry H. Miller Nissan Mesa serves Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert and Phoenix from 2025 W Riverview Auto Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201. The dealership receives vehicles on a rolling basis, so shoppers can review current Nissan options through the search inventory page.

For additional purchase planning, the dealership offers online finance resources and a convenient way to value a trade. Start with the value your trade tool before discussing the next vehicle.

What to Weigh Before Buying

Start by matching the cab, engine and drivetrain to the work the truck will do. The SV uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive, King Cab body and manual transmission, while the S, SL and PRO-4X use the 4.0-liter V6, Crew Cab body and automatic transmission.

Consider whether 3,500 pounds of towing meets the intended need, then compare the V6’s 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque with the four-cylinder’s 152 hp and 171 lb-ft. Four-wheel drive is offered on the PRO-4X, while the other listed configurations use rear-wheel drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

6 common questions answered

What is the starting price of the 2012 Nissan Frontier?The 2012 Nissan Frontier starts at $22,550.

Starting MSRP ranges from $22,550 to $30,970 across the four trims. MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

  • SV starting MSRP: $22,550
  • S starting MSRP: $24,350
  • PRO-4X starting MSRP: $30,970
What engine options does the 2012 Nissan Frontier offer?The 2012 Nissan Frontier offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 4.0-liter V6.

The four-cylinder produces 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 produces 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque.

  • Inline four-cylinder: 2.5 liters
  • V6: 4.0 liters
  • Regular unleaded fuel
Is the 2012 Nissan Frontier available with four-wheel drive?Four-wheel drive is offered on the PRO-4X trim.

Rear-wheel drive is used on the SV, S and SL configurations. This gives shoppers a choice between rear-wheel-drive setups and the four-wheel-drive PRO-4X.

  • PRO-4X: four-wheel drive
  • SV: rear-wheel drive
  • S and SL: rear-wheel drive
How much can the 2012 Nissan Frontier tow?The 2012 Nissan Frontier can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

That figure is the truck’s stated maximum towing capacity. Buyers should compare it with the weight of the trailer and equipment they plan to pull.

  • Maximum towing: 3,500 pounds
  • Available with King Cab or Crew Cab body styles
  • Four-cylinder and V6 engine choices
How does the Frontier compare with the 2012 GMC Canyon?The Frontier has a lower starting MSRP, while the GMC Canyon has a higher stated towing range.

The Frontier starts at $22,550 with 19 city / 23 highway MPG and 3,500 pounds of towing. The Canyon starts at $24,685, offers 16–18 city / 21–25 highway MPG, and has 5,500–6,000 pounds of towing.

  • Frontier horsepower: 152–261 hp
  • GMC Canyon horsepower: 185–242 hp
  • Both offer rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
How can I see a 2012 Nissan Frontier in person?Contact Larry H. Miller Nissan Mesa in Mesa, Arizona, or review live Nissan inventory online.

The dealership is located at 2025 W Riverview Auto Dr, Mesa, AZ 85201. Inventory changes as vehicles arrive on a rolling basis.

  • Dealer: Larry H. Miller Nissan Mesa
  • City: Mesa, AZ
  • Phone: (602) 905-4731