2012 Nissan Frontier SV

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 SV is the base four-cylinder Frontier, for buyers who want a new pickup without spending Tacoma money; the V6-powered SV and PRO-4X are the ones to get if you need to tow or haul heavy loads. Its 2.5L I4 makes 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, which is fine for light duty around town but gets 19 mpg combined. The SV's four-cylinder is noticeably slower than the V6, so expect to plan merges carefully if you're carrying a full load.