2018 Nissan Frontier SV V6 Crew Cab Midnight Edition 4×4 Review & Test Drive

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4

In recent conversations at local automotive shows, networking events, and even my own Cars & Coffee event held here in Jacksonville, FL, I tend to overhear a statement that reiterates how expensive vehicles are nowadays. There isn’t much getting around the higher pricing of cars, crossover vehicles, and trucks. However, weeks like this past week are refreshing times to get a vehicle like the latest Nissan Frontier when it comes to its pricing, which continues to acclaim its position as the most affordable truck in America.

>> Get the best price on the Nissan Frontier from a network of local dealers now. <<

The 2018 Nissan Frontier hasn’t changed much, and in fact, it feels as if you’ve stepped into a time warp to take you back 10 to 15 years once you take a first glance at the traditional and aged interior of the Frontier. Having such a traditionalist theme has allowed Nissan to keep the Frontier’s pricing low but suffers to win over those who want to enjoy today’s tech or at least a comfortable cabin, which the Frontier is devoid of.

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 side

Fortunately, the 2018 Nissan Frontier and its well-aged exterior stands up to the test of time and Nissan attempt to assure consumers that they still do care by offering what I experienced this week, a new Midnight Edition trim. The Midnight Edition package offers blacked-out exterior styling where the grill is glass-black as are the 18-inch alloy wheels, step rails, outside mirrors, door handles, bumpers, and even the badging receives a semi-gloss black treatment. Available in the Crew Cab SV guise in either 4×2 or 4×4 configurations, the Frontier Midnight Edition as a valid effort to keep Nissan’s midsized truck relevant and attractive.

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 rear

As a workhorse for those who demand the rugged capabilities of a midsized truck, the Nissan Frontier keeps on pace to deliver admirable off-roading traits. On the road, the Frontier performs well with a surprisingly compliant and smooth ride. Though, the steering remains to add a bit of uncertainty to the driving ability of the Frontier with a slow steering rack that requires quite a few turns from lock to lock, certainly more than most would like. The off-roading prowess of the Frontier is a welcomed characteristic that has remained intact for as long as the current second-generation truck has been in existence. The 4×4 system on my test vehicle with a limited slip differential and a hill descent control proved to be quite the trooper over impacted wet sand dunes that I decided to tackle in small inclines.

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 engine

Powering the 2018 Frontier is Nissan’s proven 4.0-liter V6 engine with 261 horsepower and 281 ft-lbs of torque permitting the ability to tow just over 6,200 pounds and haul from 1,040 pounds to over 1,400 pounds depending on the trim level. My Frontier Midnight Edition at the Crew Cab SV trim level can haul 1,350 pounds and tow 6,370 pounds.

The V6 engine in the Frontier has the option of having a 6-speed manual transmission or an older 5-speed automatic unit that was part of the reasons in getting poor fuel economy numbers. EPA estimates for the Frontier remain to be far behind the competition with 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined on my Frontier V6 4×4 Midnight Edition Crew Cab test vehicle. Making due with a 4×2 setup and a 6-speed manual transmission will yield slightly better efficiency to get 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 dashboard

Not to dwell on compromises made in many areas where a midsized truck is supposed to shine, but the latest Frontier far from the most comfortable truck in its class. Part of such a compromise is left in the somewhat antiquated interior featuring a plethora of hard plastics and a simplistic layout and set of basic features.

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 front seats

Over the years of the same Frontier formula, a few tech items have been added, such as the standard review monitor, Bluetooth hands-free integration, heated front seats, and a 5-inch color infotainment system with Siri Eyes Free. Otherwise, the Frontier’s bonus remains to be in its simplicity and low-cost pricing.

As Nissan retains an old formula in the Frontier midsized truck, they can continue to offer the most affordable option (starting at $18,990 before any fees for the base King Cab S trim) for those who seek a basic yet capable truck. With the addition of the Midnight Edition package testing at a price of just over $33,000, the Frontier gets a newfound lifeline to at least keep it “attractive” for those who don’t want to look the part of an aged truck.

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4
2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4
2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4
2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 side
2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 rear
2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 wheel tire


2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 front

2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 dashboard



2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 front seats




2018 nissan frontier v6 midnight edition 4x4 engine

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Price: Base Frontier King Cab S $18,990 / As-Tested Frontier V6 Midnight Edition 4×4 $34,000 (estimated)
  • >> Get the best price on the Nissan Frontier from a network of local dealers now. <<
  • Engine: 4.0 liter DOHC V6 261 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm / 281 ft.lbs. of torque @ 4,000 rpm
  • Transmission: 5-speed automatic (6-speed manual available)
  • Wheelbase: 125.9 inches
  • Total length: 205.0 inches
  • Total width: 72.8 inches
  • Total height: 70.1 inches
  • Ground clearance: 8.9 inches
  • Curb weight: 4,457 pounds
  • Fuel tank: 21.1 gallons
  • Turning circle: 43.3 feet
  • Headroom: f/r-39.9/38.6 inches
  • Legroom: f/r-42.4/33.6 inches
  • EPA Mileage: 15 mpg city / 21 mpg highway / 17 mpg combined
  • 0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds

Original source: https://www.automotiveaddicts.com/67462/2018-nissan-frontier-sv-v6-crew-cab-midnight-edition-4×4-review-test-drive

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Will Look Like This

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE won’t be a multi-million-dollar supercar or a show-stealing concept, but it will be one of the most important vehicles at next month’s Paris motor show. Not only will it replace the current GLE, a car that hasn’t been redesigned since 2011, it’s also likely the only competitor the top-selling Lexus RX has to worry about. And thanks to the above sketch, we now have a pretty good idea of what the new GLE will look like.

We have to assume those wheels won’t make it to production and the teaser below shows the side-view mirrors won’t be nearly as small as they are in the sketch. But other than that, there’s no reason to believe the car shown here is almost exactly the one Mercedes will show off in October.

The design appears much softer and more round than the current GLE, but even without the badge, it would still be recognizable as a Mercedes. So far, we’ve only seen the conventional crossover version, but it’s probably safe to assume a coupe-like version with a fastback roofline will be added in the future.

While you wait, be sure to check out our first drive of the GLE prototype from early last month. Based on initial impressions, it looks like the new GLE will be a serious competitor both on- and (surprisingly) off-road. When it finally goes on sale, the rest of the segment better look out.

Source: Mercedes-Benz via Twitter

The post The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE Will Look Like This appeared first on Motor Trend.

Original source: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2020-mercedes-benz-gle-teaser-preview/

Contaminated Gasoline In your Tank

Contaminated Gasoline In your Tank

You’ve probably heard the story about BP Refinery Recall back in 2012.  During that time,  thousands of drivers in parts of Indiana and Illinois faced hefty car repair bills after a national chain sold about 2.1 million gallons of contaminated gasoline that was believed to cause engine problems. According to a release from BP, the fuel contained “a higher than normal level of polymeric residue” which contaminated 50,000 barrels of regular unleaded gasoline from its Whiting, IN, refinery. The fuel was shipped to hundreds of gas stations in northern Indiana under the BP brand, as well as unbranded to many independent stations.  According to Chicago local news outlets, scores of drivers began coming to repair shops reporting hard-starting and stalling engines, “check engine” lights, odd noises and other signs of engine trouble. source: knowyourparts.com

Although cases involving contaminated gasoline are not reported as often as before, the problem still exists.  Sediment or water contamination of gasoline is still a common problem. One reason is that fuel-quality inspections at your local gas stations are not mandated on a federal level.  Many states may test for contaminated gasoline, but if there are state cutbacks, those inspections may be the first to go on the chopping block which lead to inspections occurring less often and for less gas stations over the years.

The gasoline holding tanks underground can get contaminated simply by water runoff , dirt, and other contaminants entering the tank because of fuel caps that are worn out or simply not tightened properly.

Modern filters at the gas pump may catch large sediment particles, but they still allow some smaller particles and water which can lead to your vehicle misfiring, poor gas mileage, and a costly trip to the auto repair shop.  The Clean Fuel Screen Filter has a micron filter which stops even the smallest of particles from entering your tank.

 

Fuel Pump Failures

Fuel Pump Failures

Fuel tank contamination is the number one cause of in-tank electric fuel pump failures. This contamination is often the result of moisture in the fuel tank leading to fuel tank oxidation, causing rust to form in the fuel tank. The rust is then ingested by the fuel pump, ultimately bringing about fuel pump failure.

Rust, debris, and dirt are three common particles that can somehow enter the gas tank and be fed towards or through the intank fuel filter and possibly into the fuel pump. These particles clog up your fuel pumps filter making it work harder to pump fuel. This causes stress and accelerated wear on the dozens of small components inside the fuel pump eventually leading to fuel pump failure. When filling up with gas, make sure no loose particles are being pushed by the gas pump into the gas tank or onto your gas tank cap. source: fuelpump.com

According to a document by Federal Mogul, “dirt can get into the vehicles fuel tank through contaminated fuel pumped from service station tanks. These tank pick up tubes are located toward the bottom of the tank. Small light particles tend to float on the surface and heavier particles tend to sink to the bottom of the tank. If the storage tank fuel level is allowed to drop too low it will increase the possibility of contaminated fuel, even if a filter is used at the pumping facility.”  So keeping your gas tank filled along with the new technology from the Clean Fuel Screen Filter can help decrease fuel pump failures over time.

Fuel Injector Problems

Fuel Injector Problems

If you are experiencing a loss of power, poor fuel economy and hard starts, there’s a good chance that you may have fuel injector problems that may have come from contaminated fuel.

According to an article in Underhood Service Magazine,  when fuel injectors get dirty, the engine may experience a variety of drive-ability and performance problems such as hesitation or stumble when accelerating, loss of power, rough idle, reduced fuel economy and increased emissions.”

Fuel injection problems encompass everything from hard starting, stalling and misfiring to hesitation, surging and no-starts. Dirty injectors, for example, will restrict the amount of fuel that is sprayed into the engine with every pulse of the injector resulting in a leaner-than-normal fuel mixture. This, in turn, can cause lean misfire, hesitation, poor performance and an increase in hydrocarbon (HC) emissions.  source: aa1car.com