Quick answer: the 2020–2025 Nissan Frontier 3.8L V6 (VQ38DD) takes 5-1/4 US qt (5.0 L) of oil with a filter change and 5 US qt (4.7 L) without. Nissan recommends Genuine Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20.
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Without filter | Oil type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L V6 (VQ38DD) | 5-1/4 US qt (5.0 L) | 5 US qt (4.7 L) | 0W-20 |
The 2020 Frontier is the first with the 3.8L. It kept the old body but got the new VQ38DD engine, so a 2020 Frontier uses 0W-20, not the 5W-30 of the 2019 truck. The redesigned 2022+ Frontier uses the same engine and oil.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | With filter | Without filter |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5-1/4 US qt (5.0 L) | 5 US qt (4.7 L) |
| 2021 | 5-1/4 US qt (5.0 L) | 5 US qt (4.7 L) |
| 2022 | 5-1/4 US qt (5.0 L) | 5 US qt (4.7 L) |
| 2023 | 5-1/4 US qt (5.0 L) | 5 US qt (4.7 L) |
| 2024 | 5-1/4 US qt (5.0 L) | 5 US qt (4.7 L) |
| 2025 | 5-1/4 US qt (5.0 L) | 5 US qt (4.7 L) |
We read the “Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities” tables of all six owner’s manuals.
Recommended oil type
Genuine “NISSAN Motor Oil 0W-20” is recommended (SN in the 2020 manual). If it is not available, a synthetic 0W-20 oil may be used.
How to reset the oil change reminder on the 2020–2025 Nissan Frontier
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
Nissan’s owner’s manuals handle the oil reminder from the vehicle information display: open Settings, select Maintenance, then Oil and Filter and reset the reminder. Newer models also have an Oil Control System item that resets the current oil interval; reset it only after an oil change.
Oil change tips
- Buy 6 quarts: one change needs a little more than 5.
- Add about 5 quarts, check the dipstick, then top up.
- Nissan lists these as approximate capacities: after refilling, run the engine, turn it off, wait more than 10 minutes and check the level with the dipstick.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Nissan’s owner’s manuals, published on Nissan USA’s official manuals site (“Recommended fluids/lubricants and capacities”):
- 2020 Frontier owner’s manual
- 2021 Frontier owner’s manual
- 2022 Frontier owner’s manual
- 2023 Frontier owner’s manual
- 2024 Frontier owner’s manual
- 2025 Frontier owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 22, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2020–2025 Nissan Frontier take?
5-1/4 US quarts (5.0 L) with a filter change.
What oil does a 2020+ Frontier use?
Genuine Nissan Motor Oil 0W-20, or a synthetic 0W-20.
Does the 2020 Frontier use 0W-20 or 5W-30?
0W-20. The 2020 truck has the new 3.8L V6; the 2019 and older 4.0L used 5W-30.
How much oil without changing the filter?
5 US quarts (4.7 L).
How do I reset the oil light on a Frontier?
In the vehicle information display, open Settings, then Maintenance, then Oil and Filter, and reset the reminder.
Older Frontier? See the 2013–2019 Nissan Frontier oil type and capacity.