2005 Nissan Frontier XE Trim Level Overview

2005 Nissan Frontier 4 Dr XE King Cab SB

Available only as a King Cab, which means a smaller cabin, jump seats for rear seats, reverse-hinged doors, and a 6-foot cargo bed, the rear-wheel drive 2005 Nissan Frontier XE King Cab gets a redesign this year, which adds more options to the base model pickup.  A 2.5-liter, 154-hp DOHC I4 engine with 173 lb-ft of torque powers the mid-sized pickup, matched to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.  The 2005 Frontier XE King Cab rides on 15-inch wheels and gets a new double wishbone front suspension.  Features are few, and even air conditioning and a radio are extra, but it does come with a tachometer, intermittent wipers, a tire monitor, 4-wheel ABS brakes, and dual front airbags.  Side impact airbags are a new option this year.

Though it seats four, the rear row is cramped.  The cargo bed can be outfitted with a sprayed-in bedliner and given an extension.  Other options include a CD player, a trailer hitch (it tows up to 3500 pounds), and cruise control.  The rear window slides open horizontally.  Drivers are disappointed with the 18/24 mpg, and say the interior plastic looks cheap and wears out easily.  They love the new styling, interior layout, and smooth performance, though the engine feels a bit labored at times.