What Is It?
2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
What's Special About It?
Nissan took the wraps off the redesigned 2005 Frontier last month in Detroit, but the Chicago show is unofficially known as the annual truckfest, so the company waited until now to show the crew cab version (the fact that both Dodge and Toyota are introducing new compacts here surely had something to do with their decision as well). Like the King Cab, the crew cab takes on the big truck swagger of Nissan's Titan full-size pickup. It also picks up a modified version of the Titan's fully boxed frame along with an available off-road package and high-performance shocks.
The Frontier Crew Cab is identical in length to the extended-cab version, but a larger rear seating area and forward-hinged rear doors make it a more flexible vehicle for family use — at the expense of some bed space. Nissan says that the cab is more spacious than that of the previous crew cab, and a 10-inch wheelbase stretch would seem to confirm this (although we don't yet have access to interior measurements). We do know that the bed measures just under 58.6 inches in length and 61.4 inches in width — gains of a couple of inches in either direction compared to the standard-bed version of the old crew cab. We expect Nissan to offer a bed extender, and likely, a long-bed version (this configuration was added to the current Frontier lineup in 2002). New conveniences include a factory-installed spray-in bedliner and adjustable tie-down points in the bed.
For power, there's a new 4.0-liter V6 with an estimated output of over 250 horsepower and over 270 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices will include both five-speed automatic and a six-speed manual gearbox. Towing capacity is said to be more than 5,500 pounds. Among the available safety features is Nissan's VDC stability control system, as well as side-impact and head curtain airbags.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With a tough new look, innovative features and at least 250 maximum horsepower under the hood, this Frontier Crew Cab should provide serious competition for the new trucks from Dodge and Toyota. This is good news for compact pickup buyers, who will have plenty of worthy candidates to test-drive when it comes time to shop. — Ed Hellwig and Erin Riches
2005 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
What's Special About It?
Nissan took the wraps off the redesigned 2005 Frontier last month in Detroit, but the Chicago show is unofficially known as the annual truckfest, so the company waited until now to show the crew cab version (the fact that both Dodge and Toyota are introducing new compacts here surely had something to do with their decision as well). Like the King Cab, the crew cab takes on the big truck swagger of Nissan's Titan full-size pickup. It also picks up a modified version of the Titan's fully boxed frame along with an available off-road package and high-performance shocks.
The Frontier Crew Cab is identical in length to the extended-cab version, but a larger rear seating area and forward-hinged rear doors make it a more flexible vehicle for family use — at the expense of some bed space. Nissan says that the cab is more spacious than that of the previous crew cab, and a 10-inch wheelbase stretch would seem to confirm this (although we don't yet have access to interior measurements). We do know that the bed measures just under 58.6 inches in length and 61.4 inches in width — gains of a couple of inches in either direction compared to the standard-bed version of the old crew cab. We expect Nissan to offer a bed extender, and likely, a long-bed version (this configuration was added to the current Frontier lineup in 2002). New conveniences include a factory-installed spray-in bedliner and adjustable tie-down points in the bed.
For power, there's a new 4.0-liter V6 with an estimated output of over 250 horsepower and over 270 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices will include both five-speed automatic and a six-speed manual gearbox. Towing capacity is said to be more than 5,500 pounds. Among the available safety features is Nissan's VDC stability control system, as well as side-impact and head curtain airbags.
What's Edmunds' Take?
With a tough new look, innovative features and at least 250 maximum horsepower under the hood, this Frontier Crew Cab should provide serious competition for the new trucks from Dodge and Toyota. This is good news for compact pickup buyers, who will have plenty of worthy candidates to test-drive when it comes time to shop. — Ed Hellwig and Erin Riches
Add A Comment »