2010 Nissan Frontier 4x4 PRO4X King Cab: A Rugged Off-Road Midsize Truck

What’s New:

After experiencing a mild makeover last year, for the 2010 model year, the design of Nissan’s midsize truck is virtually unchanged, with the exception of a few tweaks to the standard feature list. Nissan’s Frontier, also known as the baby Titan, referencing its larger sibling, now includes standard side and curtain air bags on all models (4-cylinder and 6-cylinder equipped models).

And for the 6-cylinder models, the Frontier also comes equipped with Nissan’s standard Vehicle Dynamic Control system. Moreover, Nissan’s Hill-Start Assist and Hill-Descent Control are now standard on all SE and LE 4X4 models outfitted with automatic transmission. Added to that, a 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS) system is now standard on all SE and LE 6-cylinder models. 

Must Have Goodies:

Nissan’s midsize truck is currently available in over twenty-seven different configurations as either a 4x2, 4x4, King Cab or Crew Cab. The vehicle we reviewed was a 4x4 Frontier with what Nissan’s termed as having ‘Off-Road Athleticism.’

Our Frontier, with its two-front bucket seats, included an optional technology package, which included XM satellite radio, an AM/FM/6-disc CD player, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity and a vehicle security system. Besides the options noted, the Frontier is also available with a sliding bed extender, a tow-hitch package and a portable navigational system.

Also for Ipod fans, our Frontier included an interface system connect their application, too. And floor mats were included to take of those dirty feet, when the truck is taken off-road.

Besides the features noted, the vehicle could also be outfitted with a sliding bed divider, a sliding bed extender, a tow-hitch package and a portable navigation system.

  

What Rocked:

Our Frontier had it all covered when it came to storage and cup holders. There was storage in the center armrest, in the front doors, a dual lockable glove box and underneath the flip chairs, which located in the rear of the trunk. Furthermore, although this was a 4x4 truck, we didn’t need step rails or a ladder to enter or exit the vehicle. Also the bed of the truck was equipped with a spayed-on gravel-like bed liner along with four adjustable tie-downs. Moreover, the midsize truck was also easy to maneuver on and off the road unlike most full size trucks.

And for the off roaders, they’ll love the PRO-4X package on truck which features Bilstein off-road high-pressure shock absorbers, additional skid plates on the oil pan and transfer case, an electronic rear differential locker and unique machine-finished 16-inch aluminum-alloy off-road wheels with large BF Goodrich 16-inch rugged trail tires.  

What We Hated:

Nissan’s Frontier, with the off-road package, was just a few hundred dollars sky of $30,000. This pricing exceeds a number of the full size 4x4 trucks. Unfortunately, we found our well-built, midsize truck to be a little pricey, especially since it really only provided seating for two comfortably, after discounting the two flip-up jumper seats in the rear.

Yes, the vehicle was great for providing additional storage in the rear, but it didn’t do the same for carrying human cargo comfortably. Conversely, since the vehicle is available in a number of configurations, this Nissan can also be ordered with a Crew Cab, if additional room is needed for human cargo Also since the vehicle didn’t include a navigational system, we were surprised that the Frontier didn’t come quipped with a directional gauge or an outside temperature gauge.

Any Juice:

Our Frontier was outfitted with the punchy standard 4.0-liter, dual overhead cam 6-cylinder engine, which produced 281-horsepower along with 281-lb ft. of torque.

The Verdict:

Don’t expect luxury frills like heated leather seats in the off-road King Cab we reviewed, although these premium features are available in the roomier Crew Cab. If you’re in need of a well-built, midsize work-horse on and off the pavement, there are less than a handful of midsize compact trucks that can match and/or possibly go toe-to-toe with the Frontier

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the 2010 Nissan Frontier start at $17,540 for the Frontier XE King Cab I4 4x2 with manual transmission and $22,290 for the Frontier SE Crew Cab V6 4x2 with manual transmission. Now our 4x4 Pro Frontier King Cab started around $28,500, before adding options. The vehicle can easily go over $30,000, when fully equipped. Here are some factors one should to take into consideration before buying a midsize truck over a full size truck: towing capacity, payload, Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, horsepower and cargo space. This could determine if should select a midsize truck or upgrade to a full size truck.

Competition: Chevy Colorado (off-road package), Dodge Dakota, GMC Canyon (off- road package) and Toyota Tacoma (off-road package)