The Nissan Frontier is a class leader in the compact pickup truck category, and the SE is its mid-level trim line.

The King Cab SE seats four with its two rear jump seats. Reviewers, although satisfied with the front seats, felt the King Cab's jump seats were not really fit for the human bum or adult-length legs. The King Cab comes with the long truck bed, which measures 73.3 inches.

The King Cab SE's engine is a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 261 hp and 281 pound-feet of torque. Kelley Blue Book commented that the engine "might be the smoothest, strongest V6 ever put in a pickup." The standard rear-wheel-drive configuration couples it to a six-speed manual transmission that received reviewers' praise. The optional five-speed automatic also received favorable reviewer comments as a sophisticated unit. Overall performance is brisk, and handling is exceptionally well mannered.

Gas mileage is the only drawback. The EPA rates the SE with the V6, rear-wheel drive, and manual transmission at 16/20 mpg, while the five-speed automatic is rated for 15/20 mpg.

The SE trim line adds a front tow hook and voltage and oil pressure gauges. The truck bed comes equipped with Nissan's Utili-track Channel System and a factory-applied spray-on bedliner with bed rail caps.

The SE King Cab with the V6, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive can carry 1,593 pounds, and with the automatic it can carry 1,440 pounds. Its maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.