With the
new 2005 Frontier, Nissan adapted the Nismo badge to its off-road packages
for both 4x4 and 4x2 models. This follows similar moves by other manufacturers
who have been successful in creating brand awareness for rugged off-road
equipment. The trend is so profitable that off-road packages are no longer
options; they’re now distinct models or trim levels. In recent years,
the Nismo team earned solid credentials in strengthening the performance
attributes of Nissan’s sporty cars. But increasing grip on the skid
pad requires far different engineering than maintaining control over desert
whoop-de-doos.
After a torrential
Texas thunderstorm cancelled any off-road excursions during my first ride
in the new Frontier, I was eager to get a properly equipped Nismo model
for a week-long test that would include a day in the dirt. My test model
was a King Cab 4x4 Nismo equipped with an automatic transmission. I would
have preferred a 6-speed manual to better compare the Nissan to the Toyota
Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 with the TRD Off-Road package that I recently tested
in the desert.
Briefly,
the new Frontier is clean-sheet design based on the Titan’s F-Alpha
platform with no major parts carried over from the previous generation.
It comes only in King Cab and Crew Cab configurations, both nestled on
a 126-inch wheelbase. That’s about 10 inches longer than the old
model, and the truck also widened to nearly 73 inches. The King Cab gets
a 73.3-inch bed while the Crew Cab shortens up to 59.5 inches. Overall,
the Frontier is roomier and certainly more powerful with a 265-horsepower
4.0-liter V6 engine.
Most off-road
packages are a blend of increased durability products, protection equipment
and cosmetic upgrades. The Nismo package follows that strategy and also
includes a host of available technological innovations. These additional
features can improve safety but also make off-roading more manageable
to mainstream driving abilities. Here’s what the Nismo package includes:
Off-road
tuned Bilstein shock absorbers
Skid plates
for oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case
Electronic
locking rear differential
16-inch
alloy wheels
P265/75R16
BFGoodrich Rugged Trail tires
4-wheel
active brake limited-slip traction control
Nismo
exterior badges and interior floor mats
My test vehicle
came equipped with Hill Start Control (HSC), Hill Descent Control (HDC)
and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which is an electronic stability control
system. All are available only with the 5-speed automatic transmission
and all work as intended, but that doesn’t mean you want them engaged
all the time. My first move as soon as I left the pavement was to switch
off the VDC. There’s no doubt that this feature would be a blessing
in the snow or on icy roads, but when you want to have fun in the dirt
it’s an annoyance. It was hitting the brakes and cutting back on
the throttle at the least little wheelspin and slowing down any progress
through loose conditions. With the VDC off I could use the throttle to
control the skids and maintain momentum when desired. Again, this would
not be a concern if I had the 6-speed as these controls are not offered
with the manual.
