2018 Nissan Frontier SV

The Frontier is Nissan's mid-size pickup, a simple, body-on-frame truck that competes with the Tacoma and Colorado. It's a truck that's easy to live with day to day, with a ride that's a bit firm but composed, and it handles rough terrain with confidence. The cabin is functional and straightforward, but rear-seat legroom is tight and the cloth seats can stain easily if you don't protect them. Owners report few mechanical issues, though regular oil changes are important to keep it running smoothly. The SV is the volume-trim Frontier, skipping the PRO-4X's off-road hardware but keeping the same strong V6 and a lower starting price. Its 4.0L I6 makes 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, and the five-speed automatic shifts smoothly enough that you barely notice it working. In two-wheel drive form, the SV gets a solid rear axle and leaf springs, so the ride is firm over bumps but it hauls a load without complaint.