The midsize truck section and its transfer clear of the tried-and-true V6 did not occur in a single day, nevertheless it took place quicker than maximum folks learned. Inside the span of only some style years, turbocharged four-cylinders changed naturally aspirated V6 engines throughout just about each and every nameplate within the section.
The Toyota Tacoma moved clear of its V6 after the 2023 style yr, switching to a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder for 2024. Chevrolet made the similar name with its 2023 redesign of the Colorado, losing the three.6-liter V6 completely. Even supposing it introduced a three.0-liter and four.0-liter V6 for ages, when the Ford Ranger returned to the U.S. marketplace for the 2019 style yr, it introduced with a turbocharged four-cylinder from the beginning.
In case you are searching for a conventional, body-on-frame midsize truck with a rugged, naturally aspirated V6, your choices have seriously narrowed. On the other hand, the Nissan Frontier stands because the definitive holdout towards the four-cylinder wave.
As competition leaned into turbocharging to chase higher EPA numbers, Nissan caught with its 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 known as the VQ38. Paired with a nine-speed computerized transmission, it produces 310 horsepower (6,400 rpm) and 281 lb-ft. of torque (4,400 rpm). Nissan says the VQ38 and nine-speed combo give the Frontier extra usual horsepower and extra usual towing capability than the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Honda Ridgeline, and Jeep Gladiator when evaluating base fashions.
When correctly configured, the Frontier can pull as much as 7,150 lbs., which covers maximum go back and forth trailers, fishing boats, or a trailer loaded with a number of ATVs for a weekend getaway.
- Base Trim Engine
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3.8L VQ V6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-speed computerized
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Rear-Wheel Power
How turbo four-cylinders took over
The enchantment is simple, however nuanced
Smaller engines with pressured induction can ship V6-level (or V8-level) energy whilst the usage of much less gasoline, serving to auto producers hit EPA goals with out compromising on capacity. On paper, that appears like a win for the consumer, however the real-world hole is narrower than it’s possible you’ll be expecting.
|
Truck |
Engine |
EPA Town |
EPA Hwy |
EPA Mixed |
|
2026 Nissan Frontier |
3.8L V6 |
19 |
24 |
21 |
|
2026 Toyota Tacoma |
2.4L Turbo 4-cyl |
20 |
26 |
23 |
|
2026 Chevrolet Colorado |
2.7L Turbo 4-cyl |
19 |
24 |
21 |
|
2026 Ford Ranger |
2.3L Turbo 4-cyl |
21 |
25 |
23 |
The Frontier’s naturally aspirated V6 suits the turbocharged Colorado precisely at 21 mpg blended, regardless of standard knowledge that turbo four-cylinders are inherently extra environment friendly. In truth, having a look on the EPA information, the Colorado’s turbo 4 provides no gasoline financial system merit over the Frontier’s V6 in anyway.
The Tacoma and Ranger do pull forward at 23 mpg blended, however consumers anticipating a dramatic potency hole between the Frontier and its turbo-equipped competitors might to find issues are just a little extra nuanced.
Edmunds’ long-term checking out of all 3 turbo-equipped vans discovered that all fell wanting its EPA ranking over a complete yr of using, in some circumstances by way of a noticeable margin. Issue within the added complexity of turbocharger {hardware} and the upkeep that incorporates it, and the on-paper potency merit begins to appear thinner.
The EPA rankings additionally display that the Frontier edges out each the Tacoma and Ranger on general fluctuate at 441 miles in line with tank.
I ran a dealership specific lube—those 4 products and services assist your automotive final 200,000 miles
With new automotive costs at an all-time prime, I’ve resolved to stay my present car so long as imaginable.
How Nissan checks its V6 engine
Driven past all imaginable limits
Nissan does not simply construct the Frontier’s V6 and send it.
Engineers on the Decherd Powertrain Meeting Plant in Tennessee randomly pull engines off the road and run them via dynamometer checks that simulate 130,000 miles of real-world using. Essentially the most intense portion runs an engine at most load and most pace for 100 instantly hours, the similar of mountain climbing a mountain avenue at complete throttle for 4 days with out preventing.
During the check, oil and coolant temperatures are cycled to extremes no driving force would stumble upon on a day-to-day trip. The engine is likewise saved at wide-open throttle, at or close to its 6,600-rpm redline.
The objective of such intense checking out is to catch production problems ahead of they depart the Nissan facility, a technique that displays up within the possession information. In line with S&P International Mobility, 92% of Frontier vans bought during the last 10 years are nonetheless at the avenue.
- Radar Band Detection
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X, Okay, Ka
- Spouse App
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Power Smarter
The Escort MAX 360c MKII is the follow-up to the usual MAX 360c radar detector. This enhanced model options longer-range detection with its up to date dual-antenna platform and greater false alert filtering via Blackfin DSP integration.
New Nissan Frontier Game Version
Dynamic distinction to the Darkish Armor choice
The dialog round V6 engines and midsize vans is well timed as a result of Nissan is increasing the Frontier lineup with a brand new Game Version package deal for 2027.
Constructed at the SV grade, it provides 17-inch off-road-style wheels, all-terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, fog lamps, and entrance accessory lighting fixtures, at the side of distinctive graphics and a two-tone inside with yellow accents. Nissan expects the Game Version to be to be had at sellers later this summer season.
The Game Version follows the Darkish Armor choice presented for 2026, which introduced a blacked-out glance to the similar SV grade. The place the Darkish Armor leans towards a stealth glance, the Game Version is going in the other way, particularly with its extra dynamic blue release colour, pictured right here.
The case for a V6 truck in 2026
Turbo four-cylinders have their position, and for consumers who most commonly trip and infrequently tow, they may be able to make sense. However the Nissan Frontier makes a distinct argument. Its naturally aspirated V6 suits or comes on the subject of the section’s turbo engines on EPA estimates, tows as much as 7,150 lbs., and has been stress-tested to excessive ranges ahead of it ever reaches a broker lot.
As well as, 9 out of 10 Frontiers bought within the final decade are nonetheless at the avenue. For a truck purchaser who loves an old-school V6 and is considering long-term, that is a troublesome quantity to forget about.
