The engine name is VQ40DE, a 4.0-liter V6 used in the 2007 Frontier.
Developed by Nissan as part of the VQ engine family, the VQ40DE powers the Frontier with a DOHC 24-valve design and produces roughly 265 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque, delivering a balance of torque for hauling and everyday driving.
Engine identification and specs
Key technical details of the 4.0-liter V6 used in the 2007 Frontier.
- Engine code: VQ40DE
- Displacement: 4.0 L (about 244 cu in)
- Configuration: 90-degree V6, DOHC, 24-valve
- Power output: ~265 hp at 5,600 rpm
- Torque: ~284 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm
- Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection (EFI)
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
In essence, the VQ40DE is the backbone of Nissan’s midsize-truck V6 lineup from that era, known for its wide torque band and reliability across daily use and light-duty work.
Context and legacy
The VQ40DE sits within Nissan’s broader VQ engine family, a line that includes several 3.0–4.0-liter V6s used across trucks, SUVs, and sport models in the early to mid-2000s. For the 2007 Frontier, this engine provided the heavier traction and mid-range torque that buyers expected from a mid-sized pickup without sacrificing fuel efficiency compared with larger displacement V6 options.
Outlook for owners typically highlights routine maintenance, such as timely timing-belt/chain service, cooling-system upkeep, and clean fuel delivery, as keys to long-term reliability for the VQ40DE platform.
Summary
In closing, the 2007 Nissan Frontier’s V6 is powered by the VQ40DE 4.0-liter engine, a member of Nissan’s VQ family. It delivers a solid blend of horsepower and torque tailored to a midsize truck, and remains a defining feature of the model line for that year.
How much horsepower does a 2007 Nissan Frontier 4.0 have?
261 horsepower
This 2007 Frontier here at Frederick Nissan come equipped with the 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Nissan 3.5 V6 a good engine?
The 3.5L VQ35DD V6 engine delivers refined power and responsiveness across every drive. Standard in the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, this naturally aspirated engine balances smooth acceleration with strong towing capability.
Does the Frontier have a VQ engine?
Since 2020, the Nissan Frontier has been offered with just one engine: the 3.8-liter VQ38DD. It checks a lot of boxes for buyers looking for a no-nonsense V6, free from complexity and rooted in the well-established VQ family.
Is the Nissan 3.8 L V6 reliable?
Under the hood, the Nissan Frontier is powered by a reliable and proven engine. The 3.8-liter V6 engine delivers impressive power and torque, allowing the Frontier to tow and haul with ease. This engine has been refined over the years and has a track record of dependability.