Technical

The Frontier has a choice of two engines. Reserved for the King Cab 2WD trucks is a DOHC 2.5L inline 4-cylinder that puts out 154 hp at 5 200 rpm and 173 lb/ft of torque at 4 400 rpm. The other is a DOHC 4.0L V6 which develops 265 hp at 5 600 rpm and 284 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. There is a selection of three transmissions. The 4-pot can only be mated to a 5-speed manual and the V6 can be either joined by a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. A limited slip rear differential is standard on all 2WD Crew Cab models and the LE King Cab. The 4WD system has a 2-speed transfer case (N/A with base 4X4 XE).

The Frontier is available in many different trim levels but for those that want ultimate off-roading abilities, the Nismo (Nissan Motorsports) version is the one to get. This package includes skid plates, huge BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires and Bilstein shock absorbers. With over 10 inches of ground clearance and an approach angle of 32.6 degrees, this truck can go anywhere.

With the automatic transmission in the Nismo or LE models, hill descent control and hill start assist are standard. Every Frontier has 4-wheel disc brakes (front ones are larger with the V6), a front independent and rear multi-leaf suspension.

On the road

As far as the "go" portion of the show & go recipe goes, the 4.0L V6 does not let down. It gets the 2 013 kg pick up going with enthusiasm, although the Frontier does not feel as quick as the Xterra did. The 5-speed autobox upshifts on a whim however I found it to be a little lackadaisical when prodded for more acceleration through a kick-down. Fuel consumption, as expected, was high at a tad over 16.5L per 100 km. The tested LE Crew Cab 4X4 has a maximum payload of 625 kg (1 377 lbs) and a towing capacity of 2 858 kg (6 100 lbs)

The soft brake pedal requires loads of effort for the four big discs to do their job. Steering is pleasantly precise and easy to manipulate. The ride is plenty unyielding. On a broken up road surface, being slightly knocked off course is not to be unexpected. On a smoother thoroughfare, the Frontier actually feels refined with controlled movements.

Safety

The Frontier has standard dual front air bags, available side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the truck 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for a frontal impact for both front passengers and 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for the front and rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it "Good" in its category.