No. The Nissan Frontier has never offered a CVT in any model year. In current and recent generations it uses a conventional 9-speed automatic; older Frontiers offered manual transmissions or traditional automatics, but not a CVT.
The question matters for buyers weighing durability, towing capability, and maintenance costs. CVTs are common in many Nissan passenger models, but the Frontier’s drivetrain history shows a preference for standard automatics (and manuals on older versions) rather than a CVT. Here is a concise overview of the transmission history and the current setup for the Frontier.
Transmission options by generation
Below is a snapshot of the types of transmissions Frontier has used across its generations. Note that CVTs have not been part of the Frontier lineup.
- Older to mid-generation Frontiers (the D22/D40 lineage) were offered with manual transmissions and traditional automatics, but never a CVT.
- The current generation (2022–present) pairs a 3.8-liter V6 with a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT); there is no CVT option.
In practical terms, buyers can expect a conventional automatic—or a manual on some older models—rather than a CVT in the Frontier.
Current model status and implications for buyers
As of the latest model year, the Frontier’s drivetrain is built around the 3.8L V6 and a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT). This setup is designed to balance everyday driving with towing and payload capability, areas where a CVT is not typically favored in trucks.
Summary
The Nissan Frontier does not offer a CVT in any current or recent model year. The latest Frontiers use a 9-speed automatic, while older versions used manual or conventional automatics. If you specifically want a CVT, you would need to consider other Nissan models, but not the Frontier itself.