Engine: 4.0-liter dohc V6

Engine Options: 154-hp 2.5-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 265-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 (with LATCH lower anchors and tethers for children child seat anchor system on Crew Cab), adjustable active head restraints for front seats

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 Nismo Crew Cab 4WD 5A ($26,850)

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 BFGoodrich 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 includes Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Vehicle Dynamic Control ($500); air bag package includes side-impact and curtain airbags ($500); floor mats ($80); alloy spare credit (-$100)

Destination Charge: 580

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: four-wheel drive

Horsepower: 265 @ 5600

Torque: 284 @ 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: 43.3 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: 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: 6500 pounds

Tires: 265/75R16

Brakes: disc/disc w ABS

Fuel Capacity: 21.1 Gallons