2015 Nissan Frontier SV

The Frontier is Nissan's mid-size pickup, the one you cross-shop with a Tacoma or Colorado if you want a simpler, more old-school truck. It rides like a proper truck, with a solid feel and a suspension that's happiest on dirt roads or hauling gear. The bed is genuinely useful with tie-downs and a spray-in liner, but the back seat is tight and the cabin feels dated. Owners say it's durable and dependable, though a few mention the ride being rough and the base trims feeling sparse. The SV with the 2.5L I4 is the base work truck, skipping the V6's power for a lower starting price and simpler operation. Its 2.5L I4 makes 152 horsepower and pairs with a five-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, so it's adequate for around-town duty but struggles on the highway. Fuel economy is 19 mpg combined, which is honest for a body-on-frame truck, and the ride stays firm whether the bed is loaded or empty.