This midsize truck is the perfect blend of pickup capabilities and manageable proportions. It offers better maneuverability in tight spaces, so if you live in the city or have specific parking limitations, a midsize pickup like the 2018 Nissan Frontier is a sensible option. The Frontier also adds new standard features for 2018, including a reversing camera and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Frontier is based on a platform first introduced in 2004. For most vehicle classes, this age is troublesome, but for midsize pickups, it makes for a sturdy foundation and rugged construction. The 2018 Nissan Frontier is available as either the extended King Cab or full Crew Cab model. The King Cab features rear-hinged clamshell doors, while the Crew Cab features four full doors. The King Cab pickup comes standard with the 73-inch long bed while the Crew Cab is available with either the long bed or the 60-inch standard bed.

The Frontier has a straightforward interior design that lends itself to getting dirty either on the worksite or on the campsite. Trims for the Frontier are S, SV, SL, and PRO-4X. Standard features include a four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-inch infotainment screen, and Siri EyesFree for iPhone users. Optional features include a 5.8-inch touch screen, navigation, a power moonroof, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system.

The base engine on the Frontier is a 4-cylinder unit making 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. This engine is the base option on the King Cab S and SV 4x2 models. All other engines come standard with the 4.0-liter V6, putting out 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels or available four-wheel drive with low-range. Power is sent through a 5-speed manual (on King Cab I4 models), 6-speed manual (on Crew Cab models), or 5-speed automatic transmission.

The most efficient configuration of the Frontier is the 4-cylinder, manual King Cab with rear-wheel drive, returning 19 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, 21 combined. The least efficient model is the V6 four-wheel drive with the automatic transmission. It returns 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, 17 combined.

The Frontier is a little short on the latest high-tech safety gear but does come standard with a reversing camera, and a full array of front and side impact airbags.

Base MSRP for the 2018 Nissan Frontier is $18,990 for the S King Cab with RWD. An SV V6 model starts at $25,900. An S Crew Cab starts at $24,550, while an SL V6 Crew Cab starts at $26,350, and an SV V6 Crew Cab starts at $28,960. For 2018, there are two special editions; the Midnight Edition, which starts at $29,235 for the Crew Cab, and the Desert Runner, which starts at $27,330. The Frontier can be had with plenty of features and options and still maintain a reasonable price, making it a fun-yet-frugal midsize pickup.