You asked us to pay more attention to base truck, and we got it! This is a 2017 Nissan Frontier S King Cab 2WD, our long-term test truck that we call “Final Frontier”. This is our “Top 5 Things We Love” about this little work truck.
5. Manual Transmission
The base model of the Frontier comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. Having a manual transmission in a new truck is becoming a rarity. This 5-speed has a relatively positive feel, and it makes the truck more fun.
4. Bed Access
This 2-wheel-drive pickup is so low and small, that getting things in and out of the bed super easy. The King Cab has a 6-foot 1-inch long bed. This is enough for most midsize truck jobs. Leave the tailgate down to carry longer items, and use the provided tie-downs to secure the cargo.
3. Ride Quality
The little pickup actually has a nice ride loaded or empty. We took it on a road-trip with maximum payload, and it handled rough pavement with ease. Yes, some bumps fully compressed the suspension for a harsher hit, but it was a pleasant experience in general.
2. Value / Price
The 2017 Nissan Frontier starts at $18,300 before any options or destination charges. It is the most affordable new pickup truck in the U.S. Our Frontier S model stickers at $20,735. This price is hard to argue with.
1. Usability / Honesty
This truck does not pretend to be something it’s not. It is meant to do light jobs, and it does this very well.
Bonus: Fuel Economy
While driving the Final Frontier over the Rocky Mountains at interstate speeds, loaded at a maximum payload, the truck returned 22 MPG. This is great real-world fuel economy from a small 2.5L four-cylinder engine (that makes 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque).