2012 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X

The Frontier is Nissan's mid-size pickup, a straightforward workhorse that's been around for years and still holds its own against the Tacoma and Colorado. The cabin is simple and functional, with comfortable front seats and a high driving position, though the rear jump seats are tight for adults. The bed is a practical size with handy tie-downs, and the available crew cab gives you room for passengers and gear. The PRO-4X is the off-road specialist, with Bilstein shocks and skid plates that the SV lacks, but it's still a capable daily driver. Its 4.0L I6 makes 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, routed through a five-speed automatic and four-wheel drive that gives you real traction on loose surfaces; expect 16 mpg combined around town. Only the PRO-4X gets an electronic locking rear differential, which makes a difference when you're crawling over rocks or through mud.