Engine: 4.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 152-hp 2.5-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 261-hp 4.0-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: anti-lock brakes (ABS), dual front airbags, 3-point harness for all seating positions, adjustable active head restraints for front seats; LATCH lower anchors and tethers for children child seat anchor system come on Crew Cab

Optional Safety Equipment: side-impact air bags, roof-mounted curtain airbags, vehicle dynamic control, active brake limited slip traction system

Basic Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles

Assembled In: Smyrna, Tennessee

Model Tested: Nissan Frontier Crew Cab 4WD automatic Nismo ($27,350)

Standard Equipment: chrome front bumper and grille, front tow hook, fog lamps, power exterior mirrors, rear-window defroster, spray-in bed liner, Utili-Track C-channel system with cleats, locking tailgate, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows/locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD audio, tilt steering wheel, driver-seat lumbar support, locking rear differential, active brake limited slip traction system, 16-inch off-road design alloy wheels, P265/75R16 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail OWL tires, alloy spare wheel, Bilstein off-road performance shock absorbers, skid plates (for oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case), first aid kit

Options as Tested: Traction Package ($500) includes Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Vehicle Dynamic Control; Side Airbag Package includes side-impact and side-curtain airbags ($550); floor mats ($90); alloy spare credit (-$100)

Destination Charge: 650

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 261 @ 5600

Torque: 281 @ 4000

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 15/20

Wheelbase: 125.9 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 205.5/72.8/70.1 inches

Track Front/Rear: 61.8/61.8 inches

Turning Cycle: 43.2 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 40.0/55.6/42.4 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 38.7/58.0/33.6 inches

Trunk Volume: 27.1 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, upper and lower A-arms, coil springs over gas-charged shocks, anti-roll bar

Ground Clearance: 10.1 inches

Curb Weight: 4502 pounds

Towing Capacity: 6100 pounds

Tires: 265/75R16

Brakes: disc/disc w ABS

Fuel Capacity: 21.1 Gallons