Does The Nissan Frontier Have Apple CarPlay?

Buying a new vehicle is always an exciting time. However, you might wonder if the model you’re looking at offers all of the interactive features you’re looking for. After all, we spend so much time in our vehicles these days that having convenience and connectivity is incredibly important.

When it comes to purchasing a 2021 Nissan Frontier, one question that might be on your mind is whether or not this popular pickup has Apple Carplay. While other Nissan models do have this awesome connection capability, the Frontier is a little more complicated.

Keep reading to learn more about Apple Carplay and what to expect from the 2021 Nissan Frontier line of pickup trucks.

Understanding Apple Carplay and Nissan Vehicles

So, does the Nissan Frontier Have Apple Carplay? The answer is yes. However, there is a bit of a caveat to this.

Nissan doesn’t directly advertise that they offer Apple Carplay. Instead, the Apple Carplay feature is listed within the brand’s NissanConnect feature available on Nissan Frontier vehicles. This leads to lots of confusion as to whether the vehicle is compatible with iPhone devices.

Furthermore, the newest model year of the Nissan Frontier seems to be the only one that offers this connectivity. Previous years, including 2019 and 2020, did not have Apple Carplay as an available option.

What is NissanConnect?

Of course, we can’t talk about interactive connectivity without fully explaining NissanConnect. This is the brand’s very popular touchscreen and bluetooth connectivity display software. It features numerous amazing features including:

• Remote Door Unlock
• Siri Eyes Free to Make Calls and Send Texts via Voice
• Speed Alert
• Curfew Alert
• Vehicle Health Report
• SiriusXM Radio
• Voice Recognition
• Twitter Connection
• Facebook Connection

And that’s just a few of the many different features and apps they are adding all the time. The Nissan Frontier also comes with Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone device, plus the ability to connect to your favorite AI assistant: Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.

NissanConnect Price and Features

While the Nissan Frontier does come equipped with NissanConnect, there is a monthly service cost for the program. But the available information on this seems a little spotty.

According to Nissan’s website, all new vehicles come equipped with NissanConnect with a free subscription. However, it looks like what you’re really paying for is the built-in WiFi connectivity. After the trial period of a year is up, you could be on the hook for paying a monthly amount for this feature, but the details of the exact cost isn’t clear at this time.

For most people, the benefits of having this connectivity is well worth a small monthly fee. It is also pretty much in accordance with similar features from other brands, such as the MyChevrolet connectivity on most new GM vehicles.

What Makes Apple Carplay So Awesome?

Now that we’ve discussed the 2021 Nissan Frontier having Apple Carplay through the NissanConnect app, we have to talk about why this feature is so amazing.

First, Apple Carplay doesn’t take any special equipment or software to use. All you have to do is plug your phone into the built-in USB port inside the vehicle. The app starts right up on the in-dash touchscreen for ease of use. (It is important to note that Apple Carplay cannot be used over Bluetooth, which is true for just about any vehicle out there.)

Then, you have the option to make calls, listen to music, browse social media, or listen to your favorite podcast series. If you have the Audible app on your iPhone, you can also tune in to hear your favorite audiobooks.

For navigation, Apple Carplay uses the same map program on your phone and can accommodate both Google Maps and Apple Maps with turn-by-turn audio instructions.

What If You Don’t Have an Apple iPhone?

If you don’t own an iPhone, you might wonder how you can connect your device to your NissanConnect service. The good news that the feature available on the Nissan Frontier also includes Android Auto, which is the smartphone platform’s answer to Apple Carplay.

While some of the specifics are a little bit different on Android Auto, it does allow for the same ability to play your favorite streaming music, enjoy quality navigation services, and make calls with your voice instead of having to touch your phone screen.

Likewise, it is important to note that you can switch back between Apple Carplay and Android Auto. This means that if one spouse has an iPhone drives the Frontier, the other spouse can still use Android Auto the next time they jump in the driver seat. Just like with iPhones, all it takes to connect is plugging in your smartphone into the in-dash USB port.

Other Great Features of the Nissan Frontier

In addition to NissanConnect, the 2021 Nissan Frontier also comes with a whole host of other amazing features that you’re sure to love. For example:

• Increased Towing Capacity: The new Nissan Frontier has a max towing rating of up to 6,720 pounds, which is bigger and better than previous editions.
• Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control: Enjoy a comfortable cab to your liking while your passenger selects their ideal climate setting.
• Push Button Ignition: No need to dig for your keys as long as the fob is located inside the vehicle.
• Heated Front Seats: Both the driver and passenger can enjoy a quick warm up on a cold morning or soothe a sore back on a long road trip.
• Tons of Storage Space: Just about everybody keeps stuff in their vehicle and the Frontier easily accommodates with a multi-level center console, under seat storage, and dual glove boxes with ample space for all of your essentials.
• Upgraded Safety Features: Vehicle dynamic control and six standard airbags help keep your family safe while out on the road.

Wrap Up: Apple Carplay in the 2021 Nissan Frontier

If you’re looking for a great pickup truck with Apple Carplay connectivity, look no further than the 2021 Nissan Frontier. While it can be difficult to figure out how this all fits in with the NissanConnect system, it is available as part of the interactive and infotainment features with this particular model of vehicle. Try it out for yourself by visiting your local Nissan dealer.

Read more about the Nissan Titan's Apple Carplay here.