Nissan Frontier video test drive.

Why don’t you join me in watching this short (but sweet) video about my experience with the Nissan Frontier pickup?

The current Nissan Frontier came out in 2020 and received a mid-cycle facelift (as they call it) last year. It is powered by a big 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On paper, that sounds like a solid and capable setup, especially for a midsize truck that’s meant to balance everyday usability with real workhorse credentials. The numbers certainly suggest strength and durability, and there’s no denying that it has plenty of power on tap when you press the accelerator.

That said, I am definitely not a truck person, and to me, it doesn’t make much sense to drive something like this on a daily basis. While cars seem far more refined than they were decades ago—smoother, quieter, and more responsive—pickup trucks often feel stuck in time, at least as far as the driving experience is concerned. The steering is very heavy, with almost zero feedback through the wheel. Instead of feeling connected to the road, I often felt like I was guiding a large machine rather than actually driving it.

The ride quality didn’t win me over either. It jiggles sideways and bounces up and down, no matter how smooth the road appears to be. Even on well-paved streets, there’s a constant sense of motion that never quite settles. For some drivers, that rugged, body-on-frame feel might add character and reinforce the truck’s tough image. For me, however, it takes away from the sense of comfort and control that I look for in a daily driver.

But who am I to judge? Clearly, pickup trucks have a massive and loyal following. Many people appreciate their practicality, towing capacity, off-road capability, and commanding driving position. Maybe the Frontier simply caters to a different kind of driver—someone who values strength and utility over finesse and refinement.