Nissan's Frontier Pro-4X has what off-road explorer needs

Available in either King Cab or Crew Cab body styles, with a choice of two bed lengths, the Frontier has standard rear-wheel drive, with a highly capable four-wheel-drive system is offered on all models.

Besides our Pro-4X tester, other trim levels for 201 include the base S model, the SV, the Desert Runner, and the top-of-the-line SL.

In between are the SV, Desert Runner and Pro-4X models in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, with either rear- or four-wheel drive, four-cylinder (S and SV only) or V-6 (SV, Desert Runner, Pro-4X and SL) engines, and either five- or six-speed manual transmissions or the five-speed automatic.

Engine choices are either a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 171 foot-pounds of torque (available only on base two-wheel-drive King Cab models) or a great-performing 4.0-liter V-6 with 261 horsepower and 271 foot-pounds of torque.

Transmission include a five-speed automatic with either the four- or six-cylinder engine; a six-speed manual with the V-6; and a five-speed manual with the four-cylinder.

The best fuel economy is provided by the two-wheel-drive models with the four-cylinder engine and the manual gearbox - EPA estimated at 19 mpg city/23 highway.

Standard amenities on our Pro-4X included a tinted front window, rear privacy glass, a hitch-ball slot on the rear bumper, a cargo-bed light, fog lights, automatic headlights, electronic-locking rear differential, and 16-inch alloy off-road wheels with B.F. Goodrich Rugged Trail T/A tires.

[...] included were cruise control, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 10 speakers and satellite radio, 60/40 split-fold-up rear seat, a 5.8-inch color touch screen for the audio and navigation (including rearview camera system), dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.