As compact pickups continue to dwindle into extinction, Nissan still holds the mantle of the class it created. With some trim shifting and rumors of impending discontinuation, the Frontier enters 2011 at the top of an increasingly short pile as the Ranger and Dakota both bow out this year. Available as the Crew or King Cab with front- and rear-hinged doors respectively, the Frontier comes in an entry S trim, new SV, off-road PRO-4X and top-tier SL trim, which is available only in the Crew Cab configuration.

Despite the name, the King Cab is the lesser of the two options, demonstrated by trim and option availability. For instance, all Crew Cab trims are powered by the larger 4.0-liter V6 engine, while you can get an S or SV King Cab with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder. Bed-length options play out the same, with the King Cab being stuck with the 6.1-foot length, while Crew Cab trims can opt for a smaller 5-foot bed. Even this sounds confusing, but it’s a world of simplicity compared to most pickups, which are available in a wealth of bed and cab and trim combinations that read like a Chinese menu.

Regardless, both engines are capable powerplants, even if the 4-cylinder feels a bit sluggish at times. Remember, we’re not racing here. With 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, it’s not a powerhouse, but it’ll get the job done with a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. However, the 4.0-liter V6 is the most powerful in the class, with traction and stability control, 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. It’s not skull-slamming power, but it’ll up the towing capacity to 6,500 pounds, and that’s what counts in a pickup. A 5-speed automatic is standard in the SL trim and optional in other models, which have a choice of a manual as well. 4-cylinder trims get a 5-speed, while the V6 gets paired with a 6-speed.

The S trim is about as bare-bones as a truck can get these days, with a power package not even bothering to make an appearance until the more livable SV. In King Cab configuration, the S isn’t even available with four-wheel drive. The SL on the other hand offers plenty of features you wouldn’t expect in a small pickup, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for the Rockford Fosgate satellite-ready stereo, heated power mirrors and the appropriate visual cues like side steps, roof rack, foglights and a bedliner. But special attention must be paid to the PRO-4X trim, with its stiffer off-road suspension, knobby tires, skid plates and locking center differential. It makes the Frontier handle rough terrain capably, but makes it a chore on smooth pavement with its rigid suspension and noisy tires. Best to shy away unless you’re planning to eat trails.

My first car was a truck. It was a little green pickup with a 4-cylinder engine, a 5-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It certainly wasn’t the best vehicle I’ve ever owned, but as is typical with firsts, it still manages to outperform everything I’ve had since, if only in memory’s fuzzy view. I’ve always assumed I’d get another one someday, and the Frontier has been high on my list lately. It’s sad to think this too may go away soon, leaving the Tacoma to man the top of the pile alone. Until then, Nissan and the Frontier can bookend the compact pickup story.