Examination Drive: 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone in Chill White
2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone 4WD Course: Large SUV Traveler ability: 7 Miles driven: 200

CG Report Card Area as well as Comfort B + Power and also Performance B + Fit and also Finish B + Fuel Economy B Value B
Report-card qualities are originated from a consensus of test-driver assessments. All qualities are versus various other vehicles in the exact same course. Value quality is for specific trim level evaluated, as well as may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impacts of the entire model lineup. Big & & Tall Comfort Big Guy A Tall Guy B Big & & Tall convenience scores are for front seats only. “Big” ranking based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” ranking based upon 6’6″-high male tester. Drivetrain Engine Specs 437-horsepower 3.4 L Engine Type Turbo crossbreed V6 Transmission 10-speed automatic Drive 4WD

Real-world fuel economy: 17.8 mpg

Driving mix: 50% city, 50% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 19/22/20 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base rate: $78,300 (not including $1595 destination cost)

Options on examination automobile: Special color ($425), dash web cam ($499), sphere install ($87)

Price as checked: $80,906

Quick Hits

The excellent: Ample power, roomy as well as comfy cabin

The excellent: Big touchscreen, basic control layout, strong feeling

The not so great: Complicated cargo-area arrangement, overly strong ride

CG Says:

In a lorry category in which every version goes to the very least respectable, it takes a little something extra to stand out. That’s specifically real in the huge SUV section. Now in its third generation, the completely redesigned 2023 Toyota Sequoia recently comes with two functions that should help this large SUV capture the focus of buyers: a new luxury trim level, and a class-exclusive crossbreed powertrain. We’ll get to the powertrain a little later.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone The new Sequoia is offered in 5 trim levels: entrance SR5, midline Limited, high end Platinum, off-road-ready TRD Pro, and also brand-new topline Capstone. Note that though Capstone is the most-luxurious variation of the 2023 Sequoia, it is not the most-costly. That distinction mosts likely to the TRD Pro, which out stickers the Capstone by $700. And also, starting at $79,895, the Sequoia Capstone is priced just somewhat above the Chevrolet Tahoe High Country and GMC Yukon Denali. Unlike the Chevy and also GMC, or the Ford Expedition and also Jeep Wagoneer as well as Grand Wagoneer, the Sequoia is only used as a standard-length version that is just slightly shorter in general size than the other lorries in the abovementioned affordable set. For a full failure of the Sequoia lineup, check out our First Look article right here.

Test Drive: 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Customer Guide invested a week in the new Tundra Capstone, as well as came away mainly amazed. We do have a few grievances, however. Allow’s begin inside. Very perfectly finished, the Capstone cabin does not come off as Lexus-light, not fairly. That said, there’s something concerning just how most Toyota interiors look well created. There’s a fussiness to the fits as well as finishes that somehow guarantees us that the auto or truck you’re in will quickly go 200,000 miles. The Tundra Capstone cabin feels in this manner; it’s neat, meticulously thought about, as well as appropriately upscale feeling.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone As this vehicle driver has actually mentioned on Twitter, the brand-new, massive, touchscreen is not just easy to check out, but all the available space is put to outstanding use. The” media “screen, for example

, displays a huge album cover or podcast logo, with all of the relevant program info readily available adjacent to the picture. It’s tidy, it’s straightforward, it behaves. As for comfort, there’s ample space in the very first as well as 2nd seats rows, though the 2 nd row no longer glides fore as well as aft, yet the 3-rd row now does. When it comes to the 3 rd row, there’s a sensible quantity of leg space, yet adults will certainly want for clearance. The “legs-forward” seating setting in the back row will likely show fatiguing for bigger owners on long journeys.

What’s New For 2023: Toyota

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone, 3rd row,

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone As well as, right here’s a bummer: due to the hybrid drivetrain– the battery particularly– the 3 rd -row seats do not fold level into the flooring. Instead, because the battery lives down below the tons flooring, the seatbacks simply fold up down over the seat bottoms. To make up for this– sort of– the Sequoia is equipped with an adjustable freight rack that can be transferred to permit a continuous lots floor. This feels like an undue trouble, as well as isn’t something buyers of $80,000 SUVs will certainly want to handle. This arrangement may show to be a bargain breaker for consumers seeking to do a great deal of cargo hauling.

However about that drivetrain …

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Cargo Area, folding rear seat,

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Obtained from the lately redesigned Tundra huge pick-up, Toyota’s i-Force Max engine supplies lots of power, as well as considerably better fuel economic climate than the previous-generation Sequoia. Mated exclusively to a 10-speed automatic, the intermixed, turbocharged, 3.4-liter V6 drain a stout 437 horse power. We didn’t obtain close to the EPA 20-mpg consolidated price quote, our 17.8 mpg observed fuel economic situation is concerning 15 percent far better than we reported seeing throughout our last assessment of the less-powerful previous-generation Sequoia. It’s also much better than we’ve seen in affordable SUVs.

On the road we found the Sequoia enjoyable enough, however not rather as fine-tuned as various other lorries in this class. Mostly we were let down yet the quantity of wind as well as road sound at highway rate, as well as the overly firm ride. No issues concerning the power, as the i-Force Max powertrain made easy job of passing and combining operations. That stated, we observed a lot of abrupt transmission downshifts throughout deceleration, which we presume were connected to the hybrid-battery regeneration system. Not extreme, the shifts were obvious, as well as rather at chances with the Capstone’s luxury goal.

Quick Spin: 2021 GMC Yukon AT4

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone As well as though not exactly sports, we discovered our examination truck to be a proficient handler, with much better steering feel and also less cornering roll that the other vehicles in this class. There are so few access in this sector that significant buyers owe it to themselves to evaluate drive all the offered trucks. We think the cargo-area situation will be a trouble for many buyers, as may the Toyota’s freeway flight top quality. But like the previous-generation Sequoia, this newest example looks strong, and also really feels simply a little sportier than the competition. Does the brand-new Capstone trim level or hybrid powertrain offer Sequoia a side in the segment? Possibly not, but they do maintain Toyota’s biggest rig interesting enough to stay on customers’ radar.

Examination Drive: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series II

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Listen to the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast Follow Tom on Twitter 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Gallery (Click listed below for enlarged photos)

Test Drive: 2022 Hyundai Kona N

2022 Hyundai Kona N

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2022 Hyundai Kona N in Phantom Black

2022 Hyundai Kona N Class: Subcompact Crossover Miles driven: 243 Gas Used: 11.0 gallons
CG Report Card Area as well as Comfort B-
Power as well as Performance A Fit as well as Finish B Gas Economy B-Value B+Report-card grades are originated from a consensus of test-driver assessments. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same course. Value quality is for details trim level assessed, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s perceptions of the entire model schedule.
Big & & Tall Comfort
Huge Guy B+
Tall Guy B+
Big & & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats just. “Big” rating based upon male tester considering around 350 pounds, “Tall” ranking based on 6’6″-high male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs 276-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine Type Turbocharged 4
Transmission 8-speed automatic
Drive Wheels Front-wheel drive

Real-world gas economic climate: 20.3 mpg

Driving mix: 60% city, 40% freeway

EPA-estimated gas economic situation: 20/27/23 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel kind: Premium gas

Base cost: $34,200 (not consisting of $1225 destination cost)

Options on test car: None

Rate as checked: $35,445

Quick Hits

The terrific: Great steering feel, sports demeanor, great deals of enjoyable to drive

The excellent: Functional package, relative very easy on the gas, practical rate provided the efficiency

The not so great: Extremely firm ride, never ever feels relaxed, fatiguing on lengthy freeway drives

John Biel:

It appears that Hyundai’s solution for packing lots of performance into a subcompact SUV that it can still sell for $35,445 (with shipment) to begin is to hold the line on deluxe. The Kona N comes with a weighty leather-wrapped N steering wheel as well as seats with microfiber inserts that help to provide travelers a little far better chance at staying in area during lateral hijinks. There’s brilliant pedal trim, too. The majority of the cabin isn’t any type of less low-buck plain than tamer Konas that are in themselves great offers.

2022 Hyundai Kona N

2022 Hyundai Kona N The Kona N is ready to fly with its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s actually nothing menacing concerning the powerteam in “Comfort” mode; it’s fairly manageable around community. Picking “Sport” noticeably transforms the aural landscape and also liven up launches. The red “N Grin Shift” switch on the steering wheel is supposed to unlock an added 10 horsepower– to 286– for 20 secs. It didn’t specifically make this chauffeur grin ear to ear when he pressed it but the tachometer made it clear the test automobile was operating in a greater (and also louder) rpm range than before. Suggested gas mileage at the end of a 61-mile stint was 22.5 mpg. That’s 0.5 mpg timid of the EPA’s combined-mileage price quote for the Kona N, and also tolerable thinking about 69 percent of this reviewer’s miles were in city-type driving,

Ride is solid, even comfortably setting, and also near to hard in Sport. There’s included suppleness to the well weighted steering when opting for Sport, as well. The front-wheel-drive N appears to enjoy being pushed through fast corners, which it can do without much lean. Braking from the bigger 4-wheel discs is outstanding.

Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Audi RS3

2022 Hyundai Kona N

2022 Hyundai Kona N As in any kind of Kona, guests delight in shocking roominess– there’s reputable area for four” average-size “grownups. Storage for their individual things originates from a good-sized handwear cover box, small-capacity console box, a net bag on the back of the front traveler seat, small map pockets in all 4 doors, as well as cup owners in the console and the pull-down back armrest. Standard-issue Hyundai infotainment as well as climate-control systems are simple to make use of. Fold the 60/40-split second-row seats and 19.2 cubic feet of freight location expands to 45.8 cubic feet.

Tom Appel:

Back when I was in my mid twenties, I lived concerning 15 mins from my task. My commute included a fast highway sprint that required vehicle driver attention, and lots of engagement, as I was always running late. Normally extremely late. I discuss this since my loyal and also receptive Volkswagen Scirocco was always being pushed hard. Recalling, it seems feasible I unconsciously wanted to run late, giving me pretense for driving like a man that was– well– running late for work.

2022 Hyundai Kona N

2022 Hyundai Kona N I’m old now, as well as not sure I would certainly appreciate everyday fiery sprints to the office. More likely, I would certainly simply permit myself a little bit even more

time and catch up on one of the six podcasts I try to stay on top of. The Kona N advised me of my mighty ’85 Scirocco. Not because the Scirocco was quickly– it had not been– however because the Kona is taking part in all properlies, though it demands a lot in return, and also I am no longer going to make such compromises.

You can read a lot more concerning what the Kona N is everything about below, but allow me summarize my time in the vehicle. Of course there’s plenty of power, as well as of course there’s lots of side hold, however the two things that really make an aggressive commute extra enjoyable are steering feel and also effective, firm-feeling brakes, as well as the Kona N has both in spades.

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2022 Hyundai Kona N

2022 Hyundai Kona N My primary problem with this tiny crossover is with flight high quality– as well as”top quality”might be a misnomer below. Also in Comfort, the mildest of the Kona’s readily available drive settings, the automobiles extra pounds over road blemishes as well as signs up every surface irregularity. Twenty-something me would certainly have described the unrefined ride as “road feeling,” now I simply discover it fatiguing.

In addition, the exhaust note gets on the severe side, and a lot of roadway sound filters right into the cabin. But once more, these are affordable concessions made for fun– at least to the right chauffeur. I completely enjoyed my time in the Kona N, as well as was additionally thankful to switch right into another vehicle when my turn finished. My commute is as well long, as well as I got a little too center aged.

But man, if you’re still in the state of mind for a hostile sprint to the office– or Best Buy, or Starbucks– the Kona N will compensate you with lots of edgy snark. Just don’t get also old while you have the ‘N, due to the fact that there’s no drive mode for cranky.

Examination Drive: 2022 Toyota GR86

2022 Hyundai Kona N

2022 Hyundai Kona N Pay attention to the Car Stuff Podcast 2022 Hyundai Kona N Gallery Click listed below for bigger pictures.

Track Day: 2022 Hyundai Elantra N and Kona N Auto Stuff Podcast

Examination Drive: 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex Lover in Vesta Blue

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex Lover AWD Class: Compact Crossover Miles driven: 159 Fuel made use of: 4.7 gallons
CG Report Card Room and Comfort B+ Power and Performance B+ Fit and also Finish B + Fuel Economy A Value A Report-card grades are originated from a consensus of test-driver analyses. All grades are

versus
other vehicles in the very same course. Worth grade is for details trim level assessed, and might not reflect Consumer Guide’s perceptions of the entire model schedule. Big & Tall Comfort Huge Guy A-High Guy B Big & Tall convenience ratings are for front seats only.”Big”rating based upon male tester weighing approximately 350

extra pounds,”Tall “score based upon 6′ 6″-tall male tester. Drivetrain Engine Specs 226 horsepower Engine Type 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbo charged Hybrid Transmission 6-speed automatic Drive Wheels AWD Real-world fuel economy: 33.8 mpg Driving mix: 50%city, 50%freeway EPA-estimated fuel economic situation: 38/38/38(city, freeway, integrated) Fuel kind: Regular gas Base price:$30,990(not including $1215 destination cost)Options on examination lorry: EX Premium Package ($1500) , carpeted floor mats($ 150)Price as evaluated:$33,860 Quick Hits The fantastic: Peppy crossbreed powertrain, superb fuel economic climate, phenomenal dollar value The great: Roomy and also functional cabin, improved ride and managing The not so excellent: Avant-garde
styling except everybody Damon Bell : A total redesign for 2023 brings the Kia Sportage its first-ever crossbreed and plug-in-hybrid powertrains. We checked a mid-line Hybrid ex lover version geared up with the ex lover Premium Package. I was charmedby its pleasant driving behavior, vivacious 226-hp

gas/electric powertrain, and generous level of typical equipment. I can’t state I’m

totally comfy

with the outside designing– I’m a little weirded out by front ends in which the fronts lights are overpowered by the daytime running lights and various other design aspects– however I assume the Sportage’s appearances are expanding on me. 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse And also, the Sportage’s inside is excellent– in maintaining with the non-traditional exterior, it’s obtained cool style touches such as the unusually designed door pulls as well as HVAC vents, yet I discovered the control layout to be ergonomically reasonable total. I also liked the slim strip of touch-sensitive virtual buttons that toggles between sound and also environment controls at the touch of a switch. Both passenger space and cargo room go over for the Sportage’s reasonably tidy exterior measurements– I had better legroom in the Sportage’s rear seats than I performed in the Lexus LX 600’s. The” SynTex”faux-leather upholstery had a respectably upscale look and feel, and the ambiance was additionally improved by the standard fully electronic scale collection, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, warmed leather-wrapped steering wheel, and also warmed pole positions. I’ve driven lots of mainstream-brand compact SUVs in the past pair years that approached(or perhaps gone beyond)the$40K mark, so this Sportage’s bottom-line sticker price of$33,860 struck me as a particularly good deal. Test Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex Lover John Biel: Now that Kia has a hybrid version of its Sportage portable SUV, just how does it act? The gas/electric powerplant provides efficiently perky acceleration around community. It likewise cruises the highway conveniently– however rather noisally. Responsiveness of the 6-speed automatic transmission is pretty good. This chauffeur videotaped 33.97 mpg after placing 94 miles– with 31 percent in city-type operation– on the examination vehicle.

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex Lover In terms of on-road dynamics, the ’23 Sportage deals with easily, with a little lean in edges, and it flights pleasantly. Nonetheless, braking deals with a little of the sluggishness that frequently afflicts crossbreeds as they capture power for battery regrowth during stops. Travelers will certainly discover the bigger, new-generation car extremely roomy in both seating rows. There’s excellent back legroom as well as good headroom even under the sunroof when so equipped. Back seats have some backrest adjustment. Examination Drive Gallery: 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex Lover The Sportage’s brand-new dimensions also have an impact on the cargo location. It’s large and also obtainable through a vast tailgate

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX

opening. The 60/40-split seats fold nearly

flat. Under the flooring there’s some unguarded perk room around the extra tire, however there are a pair cubbies for incidentals in the much edges down there. Examination Drive: 2022 Ford Escape Titanium PHEV 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse As for environments, the EX features perforated SynTex furniture that has a nice look. Soft surfaces adorn the upper dashboard, armrests, door centers, and also tops of the front doors. Unified screens for driving control and infomercial have an innovative high-tech look but there’s nothing overwhelming regarding them. Audio inputs are very easy to make on the touchscreen. Climate controls exist on a separate touchscreen however with handy physical knobs for temperature level choice. Examination Drive: 2022 Chevrolet Equinox RS 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX Cabin storage is just all right. There’s a halfway decent sized handwear cover box yet the console box is tiny; front-door pockets are moderate and back pockets are barely bottle owners; bags are discovered behind both front seats; and bag hooks sprout from the front seats. Mug holders are offered in the console as well as pull-down center armrest. Overall, the 2023 Sportage ex-spouse crossbreed looks like a good value for the price. Spin: 2023 Mazda CX-50< img course="wp-image-98690"

src=” https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/20220725_170530-1024×526.jpg”alt=”2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid EX” size =”725″height =”373″ srcset =”https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/20220725_170530-1024×526.jpg 1024w, https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/20220725_170530-300×154.jpg 300w, https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/20220725_170530-768×395.jpg 768w “sizes =” (max-width: 725px)100vw, 725px”> 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast Kia Sportage Hybrid Ex-spouse Gallery Click below for bigger pictures. Test Drive: 2022 Ford Escape Titanium PHEV Cars And Truck Stuff Podcast Composed by: The Daily Drive team on September 22, 2022.

Test Drive: 2020 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab

2020 Nissan Frontier

2020 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab in Gun Metallic

2015 Audi Q52020 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab

Class: Compact Pickup

Miles driven: 170

Fuel used: 10.8 gallons

CG Report Card
Room and Comfort C+
Power and Performance B
Fit and Finish C+
Fuel Economy B-
Value B-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big Guy B
Tall Guy B
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs 310-hp 3.8-liter
Engine Type V6
Transmission 9-speed automatic
Drive Wheels 4WD

Real-world fuel economy: 15.7 mpg

Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 15/21/17 (city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base price: $37,490 (not including $1095 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: none

Price as tested: $38,585

Quick Hits

The great: Peppy new V6 engine; competitive pricing with a decent amount of standard equipment

The good: Simple, straightforward control layout; off-road capabilities of PRO-4X model

The not so good: Basic design is 15 years old; smaller rear-seat area than some class competitors; jittery ride; lots of hard plastic in the interior

More Frontier price and availability information

John Biel

We won’t say it’s old, but the Nissan Frontier compact pickup currently on the market could serve as its own retro special edition. The 2020 truck is fundamentally the 2005 model as visually refreshed for 2009. Yeah, 2009.

Of course, in all that time the Frontier was improved as much as was practical for what had been the bargain buy in a vehicle class that nearly evaporated before staging a strong comeback in the last couple of years. Even now, on the eve of a next-generation Frontier (which is slated to arrive as a 2021 model), it gets a completely new powerteam and some added standard equipment.

2020 Nissan Frontier

As the off-road-focused model of the Frontier lineup, the PRO-4X comes standard with Bilstein off-road shocks, a rear-differential locker, and skid plates to protect underbody components. The beefy roof rack is also standard.

Consumer Guide tried out the new 3.8-liter V6/9-speed automatic Frontier in an off-road-oriented PRO-4X Crew Cab. With the SL trim cut from the line—S and SV models remain—the PRO-4X sits atop the price hierarchy in 2020, starting at $38,595 with delivery. That‘s an increase of about $4500 from ’19, mostly attributable to the change in engine and transmission and the addition of a leather-covered shifter knob and push-button starting as standard equipment. (The base S, which gets all those features plus a manual tilt steering wheel, power windows, and power door locks with driver-side auto-down, jumps approximately $7800 to $27,885 for the price-leader rear-wheel-drive King Cab.)

Test Drive: 2020 Nissan Titan PRO-4X Crew Cab

2020 Nissan Frontier

The Frontier’s aged basic design is especially apparent in its dashboard layout. Some pickup buyers might appreciate the straightforward, old-school design, but others will likely be turned off by the copious amount of hard plastic and the small infotainment screen.

The 3.8 V6 with automatic is the only way to go in 2020. The engine replaces both a 152-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder and a 261-horse 4.0-liter V6. The trans steps in for the formerly used 5- and 6-speed manuals and a 5-speed automatic. Despite its smaller displacement, the 310-horsepower 3.8 makes nearly 20 percent more power than the old V6 thanks to direct injection and new cylinder heads with integrated exhaust manifold. (However, maximum torque is unchanged at 281 lb-ft.) The new powerteam makes this a pretty quick and responsive truck that’s really eager off the line, and acceptably quiet.

The additional go should go further, too. EPA fuel-economy estimates are slightly increased for the ’20 Frontier. Models with the part-time 4-wheel drive that’s standard on the PRO-4X are tagged for 17 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 19 mpg combined. Still, this driver averaged just 16.5 mpg after covering 59 miles, 45 percent of which was in city-type use.

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2020 Nissan Frontier

Legroom is a bit tight in the back seats, and the seat backs sit at an upright angle. Headroom is quite good, however. There are no HVAC vents for rear-seat passengers, but dual cup holders flip down from the center console.

The name may read like an athlete’s-foot remedy, but the PRO-4X is the Frontier representative to the “off-road-special” caucus within the pickup market. It comes with specific 16-inch machine-finish alloy wheels; white-letter all-terrain tires; a locking rear differential; Bilstein high-pressure off-road shock absorbers; and skid plates to shield the undersides of the oil pan, fuel tank, and transfer case. Visual distinctions come down to white-faced gauges ringed in satin-chrome accents and “tire-tread” graphics on the sides of the 5-foot cargo bed. Ride isn’t too bad for this type of truck. In commuting, it came across as a little jittery at highway speeds, but not badly damped, and road cracks and joints didn’t upset it too much. Steering is pretty easy, too. Even for its age, this is not a truck you have to manhandle to get it to do anything.

Quick Spin: 2020 Ford Ranger Lariat SuperCrew

Nissan 3.8-liter V6

The Frontier itself may be old, but it gets an all-new powertrain for 2020: a 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 that’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels on all-terrain tires are standard on the PRO-4X.

Passenger space up front room is pretty good and the seats are comfy. The rear seat has less legroom than you might expect from a crew cab (yes, it’s a compact, but still . . .), and the seat back is kind of upright and not lushly padded. Three friendly adults might be able to occupy the rear seat—an almost flat floor helps—but the middle passenger ought to wear a hardhat because the dome light is directly above. Windows are big, so the driver enjoys excellent vision all around.

The selector dial for driveline settings is within easy reach of the driver’s right hand low on the instrument panel. Convenient dials are used to set temperatures for the PRO-4X’s standard dual-zone climate system; all else is managed by buttons clustered in between them. Outboard passengers have an A- or B-pillar handgrip for when terrain might get rough and bumpy, or to assist entry because step-in is a little high.

Quick Spin: 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Frontier Taligate

The PRO-4X comes only as a crew cab with the short bed; maximum payload capacity is 1020 pounds.

A big glove-box lid belies a narrow box behind it. There’s not much space in the console box, and the only seat-back pouch is on the back of the driver’s seat. There is a pull-down central armrest in back, but cup holders pop out of the back of the console. All four doors have decent storage pockets with bottle holders. Rear seat backs fold flat, and the cushions fold up to reveal storage bins.

In terms of features and appointments, the Frontier is pretty basic. Hard plastic is everywhere, and little effort is made to hide the fact that it’s plastic. The only soft stuff is on the seats, steering-wheel and shifter wraps, console-box lid, and as little of the door armrests as Nissan could get away with. Displays for things like the climate-system temperature readouts and odometer are old-school stick-figure numerals on a lighted orange background. The touchscreen for audio and navigation is small, and controls are simple. Menus? This is a compact pickup truck, not a restaurant. The tailgate is not damped—let it go and it just drops with a clunk.

Despite of its cost, perhaps this is appropriate for the PRO-4X’s image. It is supposed to be the model for rugged, outdoorsy Nissan buyers whose idea of a good time is jeux avec Frontières (you’re welcome, Peter Gabriel fans). Oddly, then, there is some charm in all this—and it will probably disappear when an all-new model comes around.

Forgotten Concept: Nissan Alpha-T

2020 Nissan Frontier

The 2020 model year is set to be the last for this long-running Nissan Frontier generation, but its new V6 engine will live on under the hood of the next-generation Frontier, which is slated to debut as a 2021 model.

Check out the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

2020 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab Gallery

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