- Fully redesigned for 2005, the Nissan Frontier is now one of the
better midsize pickups available. Its current styling apes that of its
bigger brother, the Nissan Titan, and it also shares a number of
significant features, such as a factory-applied spray-in bedliner, a
useful bed channel tie-down system and a fully boxed, all-steel frame
that makes it tough enough for extreme off-road conditions.
The
Nissan Frontier shares its suspension layout and many component designs
with the Titan, including a double-wishbone front suspension and leaf
spring rear suspension. The Frontier Crew Cab is identical in length to
the extended-cab (King Cab) version, but a larger rear-seating area and
forward-hinged rear doors make it a flexible vehicle for family use --
at the expense of some bed space. Interior storage space is also an
important consideration when you're buying a pickup, and both the King
and Crew Cab feature reconfigurable rear seats. Note that the Frontier
is not available in a regular-cab version. In a sign that Nissan is
serious about dominating the compact truck market, the Frontier's top
engine is a 4.0-liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of
torque. With that kind of power onboard, the Frontier boasts a
maximum tow rating of over 6,500 pounds, according to Nissan. A
2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine is standard on the base
Frontier King Cab model. Also offered are supplemental front-seat
side-impact airbags and available supplemental curtain airbags for
side-impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard
passengers. With a tough look, innovative features, big horsepower
under the hood and a high level of all-terrain capability, the 2006
Nissan Frontier provides serious competition for the Dakota and Tacoma.
This is good news for compact/midsize pickup buyers, who have plenty of
worthy candidates to test-drive when it comes time to shop. - Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
- The Nissan Frontier comes in two body styles -- extended cab (known
as King Cab) and crew cab. The King Cab has fold-up jump seats and
reverse-opening doors, while the Crew Cab has a larger cabin with fully
usable rear-seat accommodations (that also fold up) and conventional
rear doors that offer easier access to those seats. Available trim
levels include XE, SE, LE and NISMO; all can be had with two- or
four-wheel drive, except the XE which is 2WD only. The XE comes with
only the basics, including cloth front bucket seats and 15-inch wheels.
The SE adds more features, including 16-inch wheels, air conditioning
and a CD stereo, while the LE includes 17-inch alloys, keyless entry,
cruise control and power windows, locks and mirrors. The NISMO trim,
with its special suspension and tires, is for those people who plan to
do serious off-roading with their Frontier. A leather upholstery
package with power front seats is available on the LE, and a premium
Rockford Fosgate with an in-dash six-CD changer is optional for LE and
NISMO.
- Powertrains and Performance
- The XE comes with a 2.5-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine
rated for 154 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque; it can be paired with a
five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. All other
models come with a 4.0-liter V6, which produces 265 hp and 284 lb-ft of
torque. Transmission choices on the V6 include a six-speed manual and a
five-speed automatic. Towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
- Safety
- Four-wheel disc antilock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution are standard on all Nissan Frontier models. Optional are
front-seat side-impact airbags and curtain airbags that provide
side-impact and rollover protection for front and rear outboard
passengers. In NHTSA crash testing, the Frontier earned four out of
five stars for driver and front passenger in frontal impacts. In
side-impact crash tests, it received five stars for both front- and
rear-seat occupants.
- Interior Design and Special Features
- The roomy cabin offers straightforward controls, comfortable front
seats and an attractive design, though excessive use of hard plastic
detracts from the overall look. The 2006 Nissan Frontier offers a
utility bed package that includes a factory-applied spray-in bedliner
and the "Utili-track" tie-down system. The tie-down system provides
extra cargo hauling flexibility through the use of five special "C"
cross-section rails mounted in the bed (two channels in the bed floor,
and one each on the bed side rails and the bed header panel). Removable
utility cleats slide into the channels to provide a wide range of
attachment points for securing cargo. In addition to the tie-down
cleats, a full range of accessories are offered for use with the
channel system, including bed dividers, sliding cargo trays, modular
storage units and bike racks.
- Driving Impressions
- Step on the V6's throttle in this Nissan truck and you get instant
results, thanks to plenty of low-end torque and well-tuned
transmissions. Ride quality is a bit choppy, though the steering is
tight and communicative for a compact truck. Advanced off-road systems
like downhill assist control and hill start assist make off-road models
capable performers in the rough stuff.
|
