2022 Nissan Frontier: Mid-size Truck has Big Utility

 

Mid-size pickup trucks are great because they offer you the utility of a pickup truck (cargo bed, interior room for passengers) without the large size and the challenges that come with maneuvering (and feeding) a large truck. The 2022 Nissan Frontier is a formidable entrant in the mid-size pickup category. 

This light-duty truck received a redesign for this model year, featuring less chrome over the body and a more rugged look. 

You'll get plenty of choices with the Frontier, starting with cab sizes. You can choose from king, which offers seating for four, or crew, which seats five. 

The crew models also give you a choice of short or long cargo bed sizes.

Next on your Frontier decision tree comes trim levels. There are three: S, SV and PRO-4X.

Another choice to make: do you want rear-wheel drive, which comes standard, or four-wheel drive (optional)?

Decisions, decisions.

Under the hood of the Frontier you'll find a standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

On the rear-wheel drive model, fuel economy is rated at an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city, 24 highway. The 4WD model is rated at 17 and 23.

Pricing for the Frontier starts at around $28,000 and ranges to around $38,000. 

If you're in the market for a mid-size truck that can do a lot for you, check out the Nissan Frontier. 

2021 Lexus NX 300: Attractive and Sporty Crossover

 

If you're in the market for a sporty, luxury subcompact crossover, the 2021 Lexus NX 300 has got you covered. 

This sleekly designed machine is not only extremely attractive, but it has a surprising level of versatility that you wouldn't expect from a vehicle of this sort. 

Under the hood, the NX features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 235 horsepower and is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel available. 

Fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg city, 28 highway. 

The interior of the NX 300 is surprisingly roomy and comfortable. And it gives you the ability to haul some cargo if you desire, with a maximum cargo capacity of 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. With those seats upright, the NX 300 seats five. 

There are three trim levels featured: Base, Luxury and F Sport.

Pricing for the NX 300 starts at around $38,000 and ranges to around $46,000.

This good-looking, versatile, small crossover is designed to please. 

2021 GMC Terrain: Compact SUV Can Fit Many Needs

 

Compact SUVs provide motorists with some key advantages, such as the ability to haul people and cargo in a vehicle that is relatively small and gets pretty good fuel economy. Those traits are all present in the 2021 GMC Terrain.

The Terrain offers seating for five passengers. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 81 cubic feet with the rear seat and front passenger seat folded down.

Under the hood, the Terrain has a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Standard drivetrain is front-wheel, with all-wheel optional. 

The FWD Terrain posts fuel economy numbers of an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city, 30 highway and 25 and 28 for the AWD model. 

The Terrain is available in four trim levels: SL, SLE, SLT and Denali. 

Interior room for the Terrain is about what you would expect, meaning that if you have a large family or need to haul a lot of gear, you should select something a little larger. But for small families or modest hauling needs, the Terrain is up to the task. 

Taller passengers or drivers might feel a little cramped in the Terrain on longer trips, so that might be a consideration as well. 

But overall, this is a quality small SUV that offers a nice appearance and a solid ride.

The Terrain starts at around $26,000 and ranges to around $38,000.

If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the Terrain deserves some attention.