2012 Nissan Frontier

Intro

The mid-size Nissan Frontier pickup combines versatility with practicality, and is suitable for both work and the trail. It is available in either a rear-wheel (4x2) or four-wheel drive configuration, with two body styles - extended (King) Cab and Crew Cab.

The Frontier is offered in five trim levels: S, SV-I4, SV, the PRO-4X off-road model and the luxurious SL. Available engines include a 152-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder (S, SV-I4), mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and a 261-hp 4.0-liter V6 (SV, PRO-4X and SL), paired with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Aluminum wheels, cruise control, keyless entry and power windows, along with a manual sliding rear window on Crew Cabs, are standard on all but the S trim level. The PRO-4X and SL get a Rockford Fosgate 6CD audio system, satellite radio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, while the SL is further equipped with heated front seats and leather upholstery. Safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, six airbags, active anti-whiplash front head restraints, a tire pressure monitor and Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) electronic stability control system, including integrated traction control.

The Nissan Frontier carries over with minimal changes for 2012. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is now standard on all models; additionally, a new Sport Appearance Package debuts for SV trims, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, dark grille treatment, body-colored bumpers and body side sport graphics.

10.78.7

...buyers looking for a touch more 'tude in a midsize truck will likely find the Frontier right up their alley.

Turning radius...leaves something to be desired, but the hefty steering feel is reassuring.

We noted some hard shifts in the five-speed automatic transmission under heavy acceleration...

Typical trucklike bounding and jiggle over bumps is quickly quelled.

The larger overall size results in much improved passenger room, but the overall materials quality is still average.

Ride and handling is improved...although, it's still a bit bouncy as you might expect from a compact truck.

With a tough new look, innovative features and big horsepower under the hood, the new Frontier should provide serious competition for the new trucks from Dodge and Toyota.

The large V6 engine that is standard in all but the very base model of the new Frontier is more powerful than any of its competitors' five-, six-or even eight-cylinder powerplants.

The...Nissan Frontier has a bold and aggressive stance like its big brother, the full-size Nissan Titan, though in less intimidating dimensions.

...this F-Alpha architecture gives the Frontier a solid foundation that can be tuned for hauling cargo, traversing rough trails and for providing a comfortable ride around town or at expressway speeds.

Front seats are comfortable yet supportive. Passengers riding in the back seat of the Crew Cab won't be complaining about being cramped, not with 33.6 inches of legroom.

The driver grasps a nicely sized (not too large) steering wheel with a rim that has a tab-like enlargement on each side, right where you want to rest your thumbs to maintain a proper 9 and 3 o'clock driving position.

Nissan...seems to have exorcised the rude, crude behavior common to small trucks.

Steering seemed the only glaring drawback.

The engine responds promptly, sounds good, propels the truck smartly.