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See the Nissan Frontier Pro-4X on the top of the desert

While the Frontier may not have a lot of fancy-pants features, it still looks good out in the open desert.

Emme Hall
I love two-seater, RWD convertibles and own a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata for pavement fun and a lifted 2001 Miata for pre-running. I race air-cooled Volkswagens in desert races like the Mint 400 and the Baja 1000. I have won the Rebelle Rally, seven-day navigational challenge, twice and I am the only driver to compete in an EV, the Rivian R1T.
Emme Hall
2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
1 of 14 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The 2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x easily climbed up "Starter Ridge" in the high desert outside Barstow, California.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
2 of 14 Emme Hall/Roadshow

A locking rear differential and a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system make the Nissan Frontier an adventurous midsize pickup truck.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
3 of 14 Emme Hall/Roadshow

The Pro-4x comes standard with off-road tires for better traction in the dirt and rocks. A more stout Dana 44 rear axle is available in the Pro-4x but curiously only in the king cab, not the larger crew cab configuration.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
4 of 14 Emme Hall/Roadshow

If you're not looking for off-road capability, the Frontier is available in a variety of different trims and with a rear-wheel drivetrain.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
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The Pro-4x has skid plate protection on the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case. So go ahead, tackle those rocks.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
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The Frontier Pro-4x is only available with a 4-liter V6 engine, good for 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque.


2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
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Other trims are available with a smaller 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with 152 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
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The Pro-4x can tow up to 6,100 pounds and has a payload of just over 1,000 pounds.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
9 of 14 Emme Hall/Roadshow

You can also grab the Frontier as a crew cab, as pictured here, or with the smaller king cab. The Pro-4x comes with a 5-foot bed, but a 6-foot bed is also available on other trims.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
10 of 14 Emme Hall/Roadshow

EPA fuel ratings are 15 miles per gallon, in the city, 21 mpg out on the highway and 17 mpg combined. During my time with the truck, which included a 600+ mile drive on the pavement, a few hours toddling around town as well as some off-road hijinx, I came out with a combined rating of 17.8 mpg.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
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The 2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x starts at $33,390. The total of my test truck with destination and the Luxury off-road package is $36,525.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
12 of 14 Emme Hall/Roadshow

Buyers have their choice of eight colors, but this forged copper is a great look for the Frontier.

2016 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x
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While the cabin is comfortable, it lacks many features that consumers have come to expect. A small touchscreen can make it difficult to manipulate, and the whole design is due for a refresh.

2016 Nissan Frontier
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Still, the cabin has most everything you need including bluetooth, iPod connectivity, voice recognition and a premium sound system. Just don't expect any frills.

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