Step up a level in the 2012 Nissan Frontier lineup to encounter the Frontier SV trims. This compact pickup trim level is delivered in both Extended, 4-seat King cab versions with back doors that open in tandem with the fronts and in the standard-length, 5-passenger, 4-door Crew cab variant. King Cab versions come only with the standard 6-foot bed and sport rear under-seat storage that’s handy for smaller items. SV Crew cab editions, meanwhile, sport a standard 5-foot bed, and each cab configuration comes with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or with available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive (4WD).
Outside, this compact pickup, among the last of a dwindling breed, boasts 16-inch alloy wheels and power-adjustable mirrors, while the inside is adorned with cloth upholstery, a fold-flat front passenger seat, full power accessories and air conditioning. Cruise control and tilt-wheel steering are each standard, as is a single-CD player, with 4 speakers in King cab configurations and 6 speakers in Crew cab versions.
Options for this mid-level mini-truck, meanwhile, include the new-for-2012 Sport Appearance Package, with 18-inch upgraded wheels, added exterior chrome and graphics, additional manually adjusted driver’s seat positions, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a 6-CD changer. Additionally, all of the above plus a spray-in bedliner and adjustable tie-down points can be included in the optional Premium Utility Package. Finally, an adjustable bed extender is a standalone option.
Standard power for the 2012 Frontier SV King cab trim level is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine (I4) that’s under the management of a standard 5-speed manual transmission. This combo puts out 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, will haul up to 3,500 pounds of trailer and gets 19 mpg city/23 highway. Choose the available 5-speed automatic transmission and mileage drops to 17/22, with performance numbers staying the same.
This mid-level Frontier can also be delivered with a VVT 4.0-liter V6 that’s under the management of either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or the available 5-speed automatic. In any case, look for 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque out of the six-banger, not to mention 6,500 pounds of towing capacity. Mileage in the RWD-equipped stick-shift SVs runs 16/20, in the 4WD with automatic, 14/19, and in the stick-shift 4WD edition, 15/20. Of course, the available 4WD system, which comes only with the V6, continues to flaunt electronic hi-lo gear selection and auto-locking hubs.
Finally, standard safety features aboard Nissan’s compact 2012 Frontier SV lineup include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) and traction and stability control. Additionally, this pint-size pickup sports front and rear head airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection and front side mounted airbags. Optional safety equipment, meanwhile, includes front fog/driving lights with the Sport Appearance Package.
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