Two tests of the Frontier were conducted, one by the Institute of a 2wd King Cab and the other by Nissan of a 2wd Crew Cab as part of frontal crash test verification. The overall rating of Good is based on review of both tests, which independently result in overall ratings of Good. The ratings and vehicle specifications based on Nissan's test are shown below because the 2wd Crew Cab is similar to the configuration of other pickups tested more recently.

Injury Measures:
In each test, measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions in a crash of this severity. In the test conducted by Nissan, forces on the left knee, right tibia, and right foot indicate that left knee and right lower leg and foot injuries would be possible. (In the Institute's test, forces on the left knee and both tibias indicate that knee and lower leg injuries would be possible.)

Restraints / Dummy Kinematics:
Dummy movement was well controlled in both tests. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury.

Side airbags became standard beginning with 2010 models (they had been optional in 2005-09 models). The Suzuki Equator was introduced in the 2009 model year with standard side airbags. Structure ratings are based on this test and on an earlier test of a 2008 Frontier model without side airbags.

Driver Injury Measures:
Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

Driver Head Protection:
The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Passenger Injury Measures:
Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Passenger Head Protection:
The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.