Nissan Frontier trim comparison
2025 Nissan Frontier S vs SL
The Frontier S starts at $32,050 while the SL is $41,810. That $9,760 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
$9,760 more is ~$172/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
The S is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $172/month in your budget matters. The SL earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $172/month more over 60 months, or roughly $10,320 extra all-in once interest is included.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The S and SL are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $9,760 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,880 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 3 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | S | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $32,050 | $41,810 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.8L V6 | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 281 lb-ft | 281 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 19 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 24 | 24 |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 21 |
| Fuel Tank | 21.0 gal | 21.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,100/yr | $2,100/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,376 lbs | 4,656 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 126.0" | 126.0" |
| Length | 210.2" | 210.2" |
| Width | 73.0" | 73.0" |
| Height | 71.5" | 71.4" |
| Truck Specs | ||
| Cab Type | King Cab | Crew Cab |
| Bed Length | 6.1 ft | 5.0 ft |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Nissan Frontier S vs SL Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Nissan Frontier lineup, the Nissan brand hub, the Midsize Trucks, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Frontier SL cost than the S?
The SL starts at $41,810 compared to $32,050 for the S (both King Cab RWD). That is a $9,760 difference, or approximately $172/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Nissan Frontier S and SL have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.8L V6 producing 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do both the 2025 Frontier S and SL come in 4WD?
Both trims start with RWD as standard. 4WD is typically available as a factory option on both. Check with your dealer for current 4WD pricing. This comparison uses the base RWD configuration.
Is the 2025 Frontier S or SL safer?
Both share the same Nissan Frontier platform with an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Nissan Frontier come with?
All 2025 Nissan Frontier trims, including both the S and SL, come with Nissan's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Frontier SL Worth $9,760 More?
Same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy, $9,760 more. The Frontier SL adds minor equipment upgrades over the S, but the core driving experience is identical.
What Both Trims Share
The Frontier S and SL share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $9,760 difference comes down to 2 feature and equipment changes, not mechanical differences.
Bottom Line
The Frontier SL costs $9,760 more than the S (about $172/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 2 meaningful changes at $4,880 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Nissan Frontier S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Nissan Frontier SL
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SL when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Nissan or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.