2012 Nissan Frontier in Bradenton

The 2012 Nissan Frontier offers a lot for a midsize truck: namely, power, payload capacity and towing capability, though with a price in fuel mileage. Off-road, the Frontier is very capable. It rides and steers well on gravel roads in 4WD, and on pavement, its ride is nice and its handling is tight. A wide variety of cab and trim levels offers plenty of options for perspective buyers. In the midsize truck segment, the 2012 Nissan Frontier is a top contender in size, performance and price. A new Sport Appearance Package available for King Cab and crew-cab SV trims includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a dark grille, body-colored bumpers, fog lights and special graphics. The Frontier is a stylish truck, yet it's clearly meant for work. In front is a distinctive grille and pronounced fender flares that give it a certain robust appeal. Inside is a continuation of the purposeful look, with all the controls in places that make them easy to reach and operate.

Powering the 2012 Frontier

Engine choices include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 152 horsepower and is EPA-rated at 19 mpg city/23 mpg highway with the manual transmission, and a hefty 4.0-liter V6 capable of 261hp that's rated at 20 mpg on the highway in the two-wheel drive version. While the Nissan Frontier makes the Titan feel huge, the Frontier never feels too small. On the road, the 261 hp V6 engine has very strong acceleration. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts in and out of fifth gear frequently, even at fairly low speeds during casual driving, but always smoothly and often invisibly. Handling on the Nissan Frontier is good, tight, and never flabby, doesn't wallow. On the highway, it doesn't feel like you are driving a big truck. Driving off-road is no problem, thanks in part to good, supportive seats.

2012 Nissan Frontier Design

Two body styles are offered on the 2012 Nissan Frontier: a King (extended) Cab with rearward-opening rear doors and flip-down seats, and a Crew Cab with a conventional four-door layout and a 60/40-split-folding bench that seats three. All King Cab trims have a six-foot cargo bed, while Crew Cab models offer five- or six-foot bed lengths. There's a family resemblance between the midsize Nissan Frontier and the full-size Titan, but the Frontier is two feet shorter and feels like it. After climbing out of a Titan, the Frontier seems like a nice, tidy size that is perfectly suited to most light to moderate jobs. The grille, headlights and front fascia convey an assertive look. The fender flares are big and smooth. The front end is clean, and the wheels have a lot of style. The Crew Cab looks rugged and purposeful with the optional roof rack. The interior is comfortable and well arranged, with good rugged standard fabric upholstery. The King Cab's wide-opening auxiliary doors give access to the two small folding seats. The front seat layout is excellent. Gauges are attractive and easy to read, and controls are nicely laid-out and well within reach. The center console is deep, and there are lots of other places for storage, including cubbies forward of the shift lever, cupholders galore and a very thoughtful dual-level glovebox.

New Nissan Frontier Trim Levels

Frontier S has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine on King Cab models and a 4.0-liter V6 on Crew Cabs. It comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, 15-inch steel wheels, manually operated windows, front bucket seats and cloth upholstery. You'll need to pony up for the S Preferred package to get air-conditioning and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player. Other options include a 5-speed automatic transmission, a bed liner, bed extender, splash guards and floor mats.

Frontier SV bumps up to 16-inch steel wheels on models with the four-cylinder engine and alloy wheels on the V6. Both get better tires, a chrome front bumper, a sliding rear window, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, upgraded cloth upholstery and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

Frontier PRO-4X is designed for serious off-roading and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, off-road tires, Bilstein off-road shocks, a locking rear differential, fog lights, underbody skid plates and a spray-in bed liner with tie-downs. Inside, the 2011 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, distinctive interior trim and gauges, a trip computer, built-in first aid kit and an upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system. The optional Luxury package adds a roof rack and cross bars, a sunroof, heated mirrors, leather upholstery, a rear armrest and heated power front seats.

Frontier SL, only available on Crew Cab models, comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and includes most of the luxury options available on the PRO-4X, but does not have the rugged mechanical upgrades such as the off-road suspension and tires.

Conclusions 

Safety equipment on all 2012 Nissan Frontier models includes two-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, a tire-pressure monitor and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution. Crew Cab models have three-point seat belts for all rear-seat occupants, including the center position, plus the LATCH child seat anchor system. All 2012 Nissan Frontiers equipped with the V6 engine also get standard traction control. For more on this model, visit the official Nissan Frontier website!