Nissan Frontier

The Frontier is Nissan's mid-size pickup for the US market — a Tacoma rival. The D40 generation (2005-2021) ran for 16 years without a full redesign, the longest-running pickup generation in modern US history. The D40's longevity was unintentional — multiple planned replacements were cancelled or delayed, leaving Nissan selling a 2005-platform truck against fully-redesigned Tacomas and Rangers through the late 2010s. Finally replaced with the D41 generation (2022-present) — the redesign was based on the global Navara platform (NP300) but Americanized at Nissan's Canton, Mississippi plant. D40 (2005-2021): VQ40DE 4.0L V6 (261 hp / 281 lb-ft) was the dominant engine through the run; QR25DE 2.5L I4 (152 hp) base earlier years. 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual on V6 4WD until 2014. RWD or part-time 4WD. D41 (2022-present): redesigned exterior on familiar bones — same 4.0L V6 swapped for VR30 3.8L V6 (310 hp / 281 lb-ft), now with 9-speed automatic (replacing the 5-speed). RWD or 4WD. Trims: S, SV, PRO-X (RWD off-road styling), PRO-4X (4WD off-road, e-locker, Bilstein dampers, all-terrain tires), SL. Hardbody Edition (2024) revival of vintage Hardbody styling. Bed: 6-foot standard or 5-foot crew cab. Towing 6,720 lb. The D40's truck-feel and durability gave it a cult following — 'last real Frontier' before D41 modernized cabin.