2005-2021 Nissan Frontier

Overview of the Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier was a very good mid-size pickup when it debuted back in 2005, which is much longer ago than some of us want to think about. And it's remained a very good (and very popular) truck for all these years. Cutting edge? No it is not (not anymore, anyway), but the Frontier does all the things trucks are supposed to do and it does them quite well.

Any vehicle that lasts this long without major changes deserves some serious respect. After all, when you talk about things like this, you're also talking about long-term successes like the Volkswagen Beetle, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and the original Range Rover, to name a few. Stout company indeed.

That said, the Frontier's stock stereos were never all that awesome, and some of them are just plain old at this point. This article will discuss what you can do and how we can help you do the job yourself.

Note: This info also applies to the seldom seen (but always appreciated) 2009-2013 Suzuki Equator.

There were several different radio/dash looks over the years. This is one of them. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Factory stereo system

While the Frontier's basic form didn't change much over the years, there were the usual year-to-year updates, upgrades, and tweaks. For our purposes, the changes that matter happened in the interior, where styling changes and equipment upgrades resulted in some stereo variations.

The Frontier was available in a number of trim levels with a number of stereo options. Thus, the available factory systems range from nothing at all (radio delete) to not bad. None of the factory systems are exactly high-tech, so an aftermarket upgrade will give you an immediate boost in sound and functionality.

When you replace your truck's stock radio, you'll lose the factory AUX, USB, satellite radio, and nav functions. All of these can be replaced with newer, better versions with the right aftermarket receiver, so that's actually no big deal. No matter what you're starting with, you can choose from a wide variety of single-DIN (2" tall) and double-DIN (4" tall) aftermarket stereos.

Regardless of the model year, removing and replacing the factory radio is a reasonably easy project in the Frontier. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory radio

With so many changes over so many years, a step-by-step guide to removing each factory radio variant would take up more space than we want to use and more time than you want to spend. You're probably just interested in learning how to remove the old receiver from your Frontier, and frankly, we don't blame you.

Besides, all the instructions you need for your truck can be found in the vehicle-specific disassembly instructions included free when you buy your new stereo or speakers at Crutchfield.

Detailed stereo and speaker removal instructions

With step-by-step disassembly instructions and plenty of up-close, detailed photos, our exclusive Crutchfield MasterSheet™ takes the guesswork out of removing the factory stereo and speakers. It's free with your Crutchfield order, or you can purchase one separately for just $9.99.

The required wiring harness adapter, which is included at a very nice discount (along with a dash kit) when you buy from us, does not have a ground connection, so you'll need to connect your stereo to a grounding point in your truck.

And finally, you'll need to use the factory radio's brackets to install the new stereo. If they've gone missing for some reason, you'll need to acquire some new ones from a dealer or an online vendor.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Phillips screwdriver, Torx T-20 driver

Read our Car Stereo Buying Guide for shopping tips and advice.

Shop for car stereos that fit your Suzuki Equator

Steering wheel audio controls

It's relatively easy to retain your Frontier's steering wheel audio controls when you install a new stereo. When you enter your vehicle information, our database will choose the adapter you need to make your factory steering wheel controls work with a compatible receiver.

Upgrading the factory speakers will make a big difference in your truck's audio performance. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the factory speakers

Depending on body style and trim package, your Frontier can have no speakers or quite a few speakers. If you do have them, you'll probably want to replace them. Stock speakers are never that great to begin with, and it's not like they improve with age.

In some cases, replacing the radio means replacing the low-impedance factory speakers with standard 4-ohm aftermarket speakers to prevent overheating and other damage to your new radio. Or, you can add an aftermarket amplifier. If you have questions about all this, give us a shout via phone or chat.

The Frontier's corner dash tweeters are easy to reach. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the dash corner tweeters

Your truck's tweeters (if present to begin with) are just a tad more than 1-1/2" in diameter. Getting to them is easy, since all you have to do is pry up the speaker grilles and remove the screws holding the tweeters in place. In some Rockford Fosgate-equipped trucks, there are three screws, while the other tweeters are secured by two screws.

A wide range of aftermarket tweeters will fit in these locations, but there are no wiring harnesses that work here. You'll need to splice, solder, or use a set of Posi-Products speaker connectors to connect to the factory wiring.

Tools needed: Small flat blade screwdriver, right-angle Phillips screwdriver, 7mm socket, ratchet, and extension

You'll find plenty of great speaker choices for your Frontier's front doors. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the front door speakers

The Frontier's stock front door speakers are 6"x9" models that can be replaced by same-size, 5-1/4" or 6-1/2" aftermarket models.

There's nothing exceptionally challenging about reaching and removing these speakers, but you will need to remove the door panel. That's a simple process, really, but there are some procedural differences between power window-equipped trucks and their hand-crank window cousins.

All the ins and outs of both are detailed in the disassembly instructions included with your order. We'll also include the speaker adapter bracket you'll need for the 5-1/2" or 6-1/2" speakers.

Pay close attention to the speakers you're ordering, because impedance does matter. Replacing the 1- or 2-ohm factory speakers with higher-impedance aftermarket models will result in lower volume levels.

Tools needed (see your instructions for vehicle-specific list): Panel tool, clean shop rag or window crank removal tool, 8mm/10mm/14mm socket, ratchet, and extension

You'll need to remove the panels to replace the rear door speakers in the Crew Cab Frontier. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the rear speakers — Crew Cab

Depending on the model year, the Crew Cab's rear door speakers can be replaced by 5-1/4", 6-1/2", or 6-3/4" aftermarket models. To see what's available for your truck, enter your vehicle information.

Installing the new speakers is pretty simple, but you'll need adapter brackets for your new speakers. They're included free with your Crutchfield speaker purchase.

As noted above, pay close attention to the speakers you're ordering, because impedance matters here, too.

Some Frontiers are equipped with factory rear door tweeters, too. There aren't any brackets that'll work here, so you'll need to use hot glue, silicone, or our universal backstraps to secure your new tweeters. Well, unless those tweeters have threaded holes in the magnets, in which case you might be able to reuse the factory bracket.

Tools needed: Panel tool, Philips screwdriver

The King Cab's doors are smaller, but the array of aftermarket peaker choices is still pretty large. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Removing the rear speakers — King Cab

King Cab trucks also have rear door speakers, which can be replaced by 5-1/4", 6-1/2", or 6-3/4" aftermarket models. Impedance matters here, too, so pay attention to that when you're shopping.

To start the removal process, pry off the top seat belt anchor cover and remove the 14mm bolt securing the anchor. Next, you'll do the same thing on each bottom seat belt anchor. With those out of the way, use your panel tool to pry around all sides of the door panel the release the retaining clips. Remove the panel to expose the speakers, then remove the three Phillips screws securing the speaker and remove the speaker.

You'll need adapter brackets for the new speakers, and they'll be included free with your Crutchfield speaker purchase. In most cases, there’s no speaker wiring adapter available, so you'll want to use Posi-Products speaker connectors to connect the new gear to the truck's wiring. This is a lot easier than splicing and you'll get a much more durable connection – especially helpful if you’re into off-roading.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, panel tool, 14mm socket, ratchet, and extension

Read our Car Speakers Buying Guide for more information.

Shop for speakers that fit your Suzuki Equator

The underseat subwoofer enclosure contains a pair of Rockford Fosgate subs. (Crutchfield Research Photo)

Bass in your Frontier

Frontier Crew Cabs equipped with the Rockford Fosgate system include two 6-1/2" subwoofers in an enclosure mounted below the left rear seat. This location only receives bass frequencies, so any replacement speakers will magically turn into subwoofers when you install them.

To remove the enclosure, lift up both rear seat bottom cushions, then remove the underseat storage tray. Remove the three 10mm screws securing the enclosure to the body, then disconnect the harness and remove the enclosure.

Remove the twelve Phillips screws securing the grille to the enclosure, then remove the grille. Pull out each sub, cut the wires and remove the sub.

You'll need to drill new mounting screw holes to secure your new speakers. This isn't hard, but any time you're drilling, you'll want to work carefully and wear eye protection.

As for aftermarket sub enclosures, you're kind of out of luck. Neither the Crew Cab nor the King Cab offer enough space in the rear seat area to install anything back there.

Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 10mm socket, ratchet and extension, drill with 1/8" bit

Learn more about building a bass system in our Car Subwoofer Buying Guide.

Protect your truck's carpeting with a set of custom-fit WeatherTech FloorLiners.

Other options for your Frontier

Here are some other smart ideas for your truck.

Sound damping to block road noise

There's no way to totally eliminate wind and road noise from any pickup, but installing some Dynamat in the doors can reduce the roar and seal in sound. A set of inexpensive foam speaker baffles behind your new speakers will also help, plus they'll help protect your new speakers from dust and damage.

See more with a rear-view camera

These trucks aren't as massive as some modern pickups, but they can still be a handful in tight parking spots. A rear-view camera will enhance your safety and peace of mind.

Protect your carpeting with custom-fit floor liners

Driving a pickup eventually leads to doing truck-type things, and those things can really take a toll on your truck's carpeting. WeatherTech floor mats and liners will help protect your floors from dirt and damage.

Security systems and remote start

Installing a security system in your Frontier won't be easy (security systems rarely are), but it's definitely a good idea. Our Crutchfield Advisors can help figure out what you need to get the job done, but we usually recommend taking your truck to a professional installer.

Adding remote start capability to your truck lets you warm it up in the winter or cool it down in the summer. Installation is usually easier with these systems, but we still ask that you call to order so that we can make sure you get the right harness for your ride.

Let's get started!

Ready to shop? Use our vehicle selector to find the gear that will fit your car or truck. If you have questions, give us a shout via phone or email.