Forum

id="cnetReview" section="rvwBody">  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
2017 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Model year 2017 changes: A new S Work Truck Package is available with a spray-in bedline, bed rail caps, splash guards and rubber floor mats.S grade ditches the chrome rear bumper for a body-colored bumper.Editors' note, August 23, 2017: This review was written based on an evaluation of the 2016 Nissan Frontier. See the changes for the 2017 model year above.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
It was already over 100 degrees when I pulled into our pit area at the race track outside Barstow, California. I would be off road racing in a few hours, but for the time being, I had ample opportunity to play in the dirt with the 2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x pickup truck.I grabbed a pal, dropped the tire pressure on the Hankook Dynapro AT-Ms to 28 psi, and headed out to the open desert.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
What I found surprised me. The Frontier scrambled up the mountain the locals call Starter Ridge, the four-wheel-drive system and 281 pound-feet of torque propelling me up the steep and rocky slope like it was a walk in the proverbial park.  
  
Emme Hall/Roadshow  
We stopped at a flat spot on the hill and noticed a motorcycle rider on the highest peak, watching us with interest."Let's give him a show," I said to my co-driver. A single push of a button locked my rear differential and I switched the transmission into 4L. With 9 inches of ground clearance the Frontier clambered over a small sea of rocks to gain even more elevation. Alas, the trail turned to one better suited for two wheels than four, and we turned back.To be honest, I knew the Pro-4x, the off road trim of the midsize Frontier, would be good in the dirt as soon as I sat behind the wheel. It's simple. Everything about it is simple. There are no terrain-select geegaws to get in the way. Just a simple electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks and a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system. Frankly, I don't need much more than that.Well, on second thought, a beefier Dana 44 rear axle would help, something Nissan should make standard on each Pro-4x. Currently, it's only available in the smaller satta king satta result cab Pro-4x or SV V6 trims, not the larger crew cab.Uncomplicated InsideUnfortunately, the rest of the tech is simple as well. You want a 7-inch touchscreen? Too bad, you get a dinky 5.8-inch color touchscreen. Adaptive cruise control? Nope, drivers must deal with regular cruise control. Sure it has Bluetooth, satellite radio, iPod connectivity, voice control and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, but on the whole the tech is soooo 2000-late.  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
On the pavement the Frontier is a bit on the loud side, but sports a surprisingly comfortable ride. The 4-liter V6 engine puts out 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, but my test model came with the optional five-speed automatic. I found the engine delivered plenty of power for highway cruising and the eight-way adjustable seat kept me comfy for my 6-hour trek from Roadshow HQ in San Francisco to the high desert. The transmission shifted smoothly and downshifted quickly while going over Tehachapi Pass outside of Bakersfield, California.