Salinas Nissan Shoppers First Look - 2019 Nissan Frontier

Despite the undeniable popularity of pickups, the truth is not everyone wants to or can afford to spend north of fifty thousand dollars on a new one. Plenty of buyers just want a tough, rugged, durable and capable truck with a strong engine that can be used for a wide range of jobs and activities and also represents good value for the money. Walk into a Salinas Nissan dealership, and you'll find just such a vehicle in the shape of the 2019 Nissan Frontier.

Midsize pickups were a bit of a niche vehicle not so long ago. The market has now changed, with more and more midsize offerings entering the market as the segment continues to grow. Salinas Nissan drivers know the 2019 Nissan Frontier gets lots of choices, with five different trim levels to choose from: S, SV, Desert Runner, Pro-4X and SL. All five models are available in crew cab format, and all trims other than the SL are also available as a king cab. There’s a long bed version of the 2019 Nissan Frontier crew cab, but it's only available with the SV trim.

Two different engines are available, and they offer buyers the perfect choices for a midsize pickup truck. The first is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 152 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque and comes standard in the S and SV trims. The other powerplant is an impressive 4.0-liter V6 that comes standard in the Desert Runner and higher trims. This engine puts out an impressive 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. Depending on the trim level and engine chosen, the Frontier can send its power to the rear wheels or all four wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

Although this is a midsize and not a full-size pickup truck, towing capacity and payload ratings still matter. When properly equipped, the 2019 Nissan Frontier can tow up to 6,710 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,460 pounds.

The automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book gave the 2019 Nissan Frontier high marks, writing: “With such varied body styles, powertrains and trim levels, the old-school Nissan Frontier continues to sell well, not trying to wow us with luxury and safety amenities but rather excelling as an affordable and durable work truck that shines at work or play.”

The entry-level S trim comes nicely equipped with standard features that include an infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, Siri Eyes-Free, a rearview monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, air conditioning, cruise control and two 12-volt DC power outlets.

The 2019 Nissan Frontier SV with the optional Value Truck package looks like the real sweet spot for value in the range. It comes with power windows and locks, alloy wheels, tinted windows, dual-zone climate control, an upgraded audio system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a spray-in bed liner, parking sensors and heated seats. If buyers want leather seats, a premium audio system and navigation, the Frontier SL delivers all that and more at a very attractive price.