It is nearly impossible to find a compact pickup truck and new vehicle showrooms because they are all but extinct. For people who are still interested in a smaller truck, but would benefit from greater utility than what the compact segment offered, there are a range of midsized trucks to choose from. In 2013, the Nissan Frontier is one of the best midsized trucks available. From a visual standpoint, the Nissan Frontier hasn’t changed very much since the new look was released in 2005. At the same time, there has been a number of important improvements mid-cycle.
Interior/Exterior
Midsized trucks like the Nissan Frontier are typically used more for commuting and leisure than they are for towing and hauling. Unfortunately for some truck buyers, the Nissan Frontier has not changed much in recent years to meet the leisure use crowd. The Nissan Frontier still has a tough, rugged look from the outside for a smaller truck. At the same time, there are car like fenders and curves at the wheel wells which make it look off. The interior is straight forward, although it is not flashy. The dash design and trends having been changed much since this generation of Frontier was first introduced in 2005. As a result it does have an older feel.
Performance
The Nissan Frontier has consistently been one of the topics among midsize and compact trucks and this doesn’t change in 2013. The V6 engine is fairly powerful, especially considering it size and the other trucks it competes against. It also offers a four-cylinder model which offers 152 horsepower. The problem is the four-cylinder engine does not do well with any type of load strain and does not accelerate as quickly as most drivers need. Ironically, the V6 engine in the 2013 Nissan Frontier offers comparable gas mileage as the four-cylinder engine. Considering how light the Nissan Frontier truck is, many people say the V6 engine offers as strong of a kick as a V8 engine offers and full-size trucks. Although there is no arguing that the torque is not comparable to a full-size truck. Fortunately, most people who purchase smaller trucks one improve maneuverability and the 2013 Nissan Frontier definitely exceeds expectations.
Quality
The 2013 Nissan Frontier is an interesting mix. Now that the Ford Ranger has been discontinued and the Frontier does not offer a standard tab or short bed version, this vehicle should now be considered a legitimate midsize truck. At the same time, it’s the right size for anyone who wants to own a truck in the city. One thing to remember is the Frontiers strengths is hauling because it had the same stout frame as the larger Titan. One thing to keep in mind is the bed is only about six feet long. While this is perfect for a normal sized garage and those living in the city, it may not be enough for someone looking for a more substantial truck.
Safety
Midsized trucks are known for sacrificing a little bit of safety in order to maximize their functionality. The 2013 Nissan Frontier is the exception to the rule. It scored well on all of the safety tests and has a laundry list of important safety features. 2013 solid introduction of a variety of new safety features on the Nissan Frontier. They include a backup camera and sonar parking sensors. Compared to other trucks it size, the Nissan Frontier is definitely one of the safest options on the road.
Overall
There is no doubt that people who are familiar with the Nissan Frontier will notice only a handful of improvements in 2013. At the same time, now that the compact truck segment is essentially gone, the Nissan Frontier can meet a variety of needs from city driving to hauling. It is a strong, stout truck with a powerful V-6 engine and it offers excellent maneuverability. On the other hand, there are some interior characteristics which make it feel a little dated from a cosmetic perspective.
