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Acceleration
"Only V6 models made available for test so far. Class-leading horsepower makes
them strong from a stop and around town, especially the lighter King Cabs. Automatic
transmission kicks down quickly for good midrange passing punch. Maximum towing
capacity is 5000 lb."
Value
"Frontier carves out a nice niche for itself in the compact pickup market with
a powerful V6, middle-of-the-pack size, and options that appeal to off-road enthusiasts.
Ride and handling are also good for the class, but interiors disappoint with
too much tacky plastic and subpar rear-seat room."
Ride
"Firm but absorbent. Sharp ridges register, but don't jar. Typical trucklike
bounding, jiggle over bumps is quickly quelled. Various tire sizes make little
difference to comfort."
Economy
Test automatic-transmission 4WD Crew Cab averaged 14.5 mpg. Nissan recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
Noise
"V6 growls at full throttle, but isn't unduly loud. Wind rush evident over 60
mph, rises sharply with speed. Tires drone on coarse pavement, and NISMO's all-terrain
tires whine at highway speeds."
Comfort - Front
"Good 6-footer head and leg room. Seats comfortable, but need more side bolstering
to hold front passengers in place through turns. Wide-base windshield pillars
can hinder visibility to front corners; good views to rear corners, directly
aft."
Comfort - Rear
"King Cab's rear seats best used for small cargo; only preteens will fit. Crew
Cab has more space, but leg room still kid-size with front seats even halfway
back, and head room is tight for 6-footers--especially beneath sunroof housing."
Controls
"Simple, handy layout. Controls within easy reach, but feel light and plasticky.
Hard plastic abounds on dashboard, console, door panels, and looks low-buck;
other cabin materials predictably workmanlike."
Cargo Room
"Both cab types provide useful space behind front seats. Some thoughtful small-item
storage up front, though console's shallow tray needs a rubber mat to keep objects
from sliding around."
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