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Review: The 2023 Nissan Versa is the lowest-priced new car, but is it cheap?

Fri, 12 May 2023 13:47:48 -0400

The average price paid for a new car is around $50,000 these days, which means the updated 2023 Nissan Versa is way below average, but only on cost.

The subcompact sedan is one of just three new cars left priced under $20,000, along with the Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage, and it is the cheapest of the trio with a starting price of $16,925.

To be fair, that is for a Versa with a manual transmission, while the others come standard with automatics and optioning the Nissan with one bumps it to third at $18,595.

The Versa is the largest of the bunch, however, and most powerful with a 122 hp four-cylinder engine, so the comparison is a bit of an apples-to-crabapples proposition.

REVIEW: THE 2023 NISSAN PATHFINDER ROCK CREEK WAS BUILT FOR ROUGH ROADS

It is spacious enough for four six-feet-tall adults without having to squeeze too much, has a huge 15 cubic-foot trunk and is nicely appointed overall for the price.

Even the manual model comes standard with automatic emergency brakes and a lane departure warning system, while smartphone integration, heated seats, an excellent audio system, wireless charging pad, automatic climate control and radar adaptive cruise control are added as you step up through the three available trims levels.

Even a fully-loaded Versa SR with the automatic transmission checks out at $20,215 and gets 40 mpg on the highway. It is very much an economy car on both points, but it is not a penalty box.

The interior is price appropriate and not a bad place to spend the day, despite the lack of leather or power seats. My teen child did ask if it was a "new" car, as in recently introduced, because it "doesn’t seem like it is," but, to be fair, this Versa generation did originally launch in 2020.

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It is not a fast car, but it can accelerate to 60 mph in just over 10 seconds, which does not feel dangerously slow while merging into traffic, just a little leisurely. The response of the shiftless CVT (continually variable automatic transmission) is a little sluggish when you hit the gas pedal, but it helps keep the engine speed low when you’re cruising along.

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When you are, it is surprisingly quiet and ride quality is very nice. The Versa’s suspension is on the soft side, and it soaks up potholes and ruts well. I have been in fancy SUVs that have done a worse job on NYC’s streets.

As far as a car for commuting into the city on a budget is concerned, you could do much worse than the Versa. Consumer Reports predicts it will delivery average reliability, and it has a five-star crash test rating from NHTSA to boot.

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I did not expect much when I picked up the Versa to test, but after a few days in it, I honestly would have been fine with many more.

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2023 Nissan Versa

Base price: $16,925

Type: 4-door, 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive sedan

Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder

Power: 122 hp, 114 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic

MPG: 32 city/40 hwy.

AI-powered cruise control can stop 'phantom traffic jams' before they start

Thu, 04 May 2023 02:00:53 -0400

The only thing worse than being stuck in a traffic jam is being stuck in a traffic jam that shouldn’t be there.

"Phantom Jams" are those backups that occur on highways for seemingly no reason, then dissipate as mysteriously as they appeared.

They’re usually started by drivers who suddenly brake or change lanes in dense traffic, which is followed by a wave of bad decisions made by the drivers behind. It escalates as more cars arrive at high speeds and have to slow down abruptly.

The accordion effect is frustrating for drivers, potentially unsafe and leads to more fuel being burned than when traffic is flowing smoothly.

AI CAN IDENTIFY AND DESIGN GOOD-LOOKING CARS BY ITSELF NOW

So, what if computers were doing the driving instead of humans?

A group of universities, government agencies and automakers has set out to try to address the issue by developing smart cruise control systems that can mitigate traffic using artificial intelligence.

The project is called the Congestion Impacts Reduction via CAV-in-the-Loo Lagrangian Energy Smoothing Consortium, which has conveniently been shortened to CIRCLES. It’s centered around a stretch of Interstate 24 near Nashville, Tennessee, that is equipped with cameras and linked to a computer center that can analyze traffic patterns.

The team developed software that could collect and compile live traffic data and use it to predict when a traffic jam ahead would let up, then adjust the cruise control speed to avoid getting caught in it.

"We installed custom hardware in the cars that would automatically do that," Vanderbilt civil engineer Dan Work told ӣ��Ƶ Digital. "Feeding all of those things into a human is going to drive them crazy."

The equipment was installed into a fleet of 100 Nissan Rogues that were driven constantly in the course of a day, along with a few Toyota Rav4s and Cadillac XT5s.

"An AI program developed with our partners worked with that system to make sure that if you were driving up to traffic, you would slow down before you got there to give that traffic a chance to dissipate," Work said.

The team used inexpensive Raspberry Pi project computers to run the software, which doesn't require a lot of processing power to operate.

Testing found that adding just one car with the system to the road could positively affect 20 cars being driven by humans around it, leading to less traffic and a 40% increase in fuel efficiency across the group.

"If you can make a few cars drive better, they can make traffic better for everyone overall," Vanderbilt computer scientist Jonathan Sprinkle said.

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Using traffic data processed by the I-24 Motion’s AI system allowed the cruise control to be improved.

"Looking at how cars seem to be driving, how they speed up and slow down, that allowed AI to close the loop using reinforcement learning to say, ‘You know what, I’m just going to catch up to that car in two minutes. Why don’t I just slow down and catch up to him when he starts to speed up again?’ That kills the traffic wave," Sprinkle explained.

Ultimately, it comes down to pacing cars at an average speed.

"You’ll get there at the exact same time, but you’ll use a lot less fuel and be a lot less stressed," Work said.

Cameras mounted to the test cars were able to collect additional information about how the drivers in the surrounding vehicles were reacting to the test vehicles, including if the drivers stuck behind them looked like they were getting angry. This will be used to further refine the system.

Work thinks the technology is pretty much ready to go and that it’s just a matter of convincing the automakers to feel comfortable about it. But neither Nissan nor any others have put a timeline for deploying it.

"We believe this technology can substantially mitigate the effects of freeway congestion, including excess fuel use, emissions, accidents and wasted time," said Liam Pedersen, deputy general manager at the Nissan Alliance Innovation Lab in California's Silicon Valley.

"We have been working with Vanderbilt, UC Berkeley and CIRCLES team, with support from Contra Costa’s Transportation Authority to develop and evaluate this technology and how it can be implemented in our cars. At present it is still an active area of research, and not yet planned for product."

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"Traffic would just get better without anyone having to do anything intentional," Sprinkle said.

Married couple depart North Pole on attempt to drive to South Pole

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 08:08:00 -0400

And they're off.

Adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey set off from the magnetic North Pole on Thursday hoping to become the first to drive a vehicle from there to the South Pole.

The British couple is attempting the feat in an all-electric Nissan Ariya provided by the automaker that has been modified to handle all types of weather and terrain.

The planned route will take them through 14 countries and cover approximately 17,000 miles.

THE NISSAN MAX-OUT IS THE CONVERTIBLE OF THE FUTURE

The compact SUV has been modified by Iceland's Arctic Trucks with a lifted suspension to accommodate giant 39-inch balloon tires that allow it to get through soft snow. Its all-wheel-drive powertrain has been unmodified from the showroom version, however.

SOLO WOMAN FIRST TO RIDE ACROSS AFRICA ON AN ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE

They have already driven over 3,000 miles to reach the starting line off Ellesmere Island in Canada and Chris said it has performed well.

"It gives us the confidence we can tackle every driving scenario we’ll face in the coming months."

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The Ramseys will charge the vehicle off the grid when possible, but are bringing their own power station along with them.

It has both a small wind turbine and solar panels that can take advantage of the winds and long daylight hours in the polar regions.

"The Arctic is one of the windiest places on the planet. It’s second to Antarctic, which is great for us because it’s the two places we’re going," Chris told ӣ��Ƶ Digital prior to the trip.

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The Ramseys expect to take around 10 months to complete the journey, which includes an air transfer on a scheduled flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Antarctica, where they will continue overland to the geographic South Pole. The flight's emissions will be covered by the purchase of carbon offsets.

If successful, it would not be their first battery-powered achievement. In 2017, they completed the 10,000-mile Mongol Rally across Asia in an electric Nissan Leaf.

The world's best cars revealed and more autos stories

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:02:56 -0500

Welcome to the ӣ��Ƶ Autos Newsletter. To receive this newsletter in your email, subscribe here.

WHAT WILL WIN? Finalists for the World Car of the Year award revealed. Continue reading here

LIGHTNING QUICK: These are the 5 quickest American cars … ever. Continue reading here

ONE OF A KIND: The first Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda is up for auction and worth a fortune. Continue reading here

MONSTER MUSCLE CAR: Last ever Dodge V8 car teased with creepy video. Continue reading here

TOUGH LITTLE TRUCK: The Ford Maverick Tremor is an all-new off roader and we tested it. Continue reading here

XT4 GETS EV TECH: New Cadillac borrows feature from brand's electric model. Continue reading here

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Married couple reveal the electric Nissan SUV they'll drive from North Pole to South Pole this year

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 13:38:11 -0500

It's a road trip that starts and ends where there are no roads.

British adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey have unveiled the electric Nissan Ariya SUV the Ramseys will attempt to drive from the North Pole to the South Pole this year.

If successful, they will be the first people to have driven the entire route in any vehicle, let alone an electric one.

The vehicle has been modified by Iceland's Arctic Trucks for the expedition, which will cross through 14 countries and cover roughly 17,000 miles.

SEE IT: ELECTRIC SUV DRIFTS 4.6 MILES ON ICE FOR NEW RECORD

The Ariya is a compact SUV with a 389 hp all-wheel-drive system and a range of approximately 265 miles per charge in production form.

Arctic Trucks kept the powertrain intact, but updated the suspension to accommodate a set of giant 39-inch-tall tires that will allow it to ride over snow and other loose surfaces they encounter along the way.

The trip officially kicks off from the magnetic North Pole off Ellesmere Island in Canada and will include various public roads and off-pavement sections that will lead them to the tip of South America, from where they will make the crossing to Antarctica and continue on to the South Pole.

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The vehicle will be charged at stations and from the grid where its available, but will also be bringing along its own power station.

The unit combines a small wind turbine and solar panels designed to be used anywhere.

"The Arctic is one of the windiest places on the planet. It’s second to Antarctic, which is great for us because it’s the two places we’re going," Chris told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

The Ariyas roof rack also has storage for a drone that will be used to capture images, and an espresso maker has been integrated into the cabin to keep coffee aficionado Chris charged up.

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The Ramseys have previously completed the 10,000-mile Mongol Rally across Asia in a Nissan Leaf, and the automaker has partnered with them on the pole-to-pole attempt.

The Nissan Max-Out is the convertible of the future

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 20:00:36 -0500

Nissan is taking electric vehicle styling to the max.

The Max-Out is a convertible EV concept meant to offer a vision of what the brand's future models might look like.

The two-seater was previewed by a computer rendering in 2021, but has been turned into a full-size design exercise.

"The Max-Out displays Nissan’s innovation to develop a diverse range of advanced and striking vehicles, with a clear vision of how they can benefit both individuals and society," the company said.

GODZILLA LIVES! NISSAN GT-R SPORTS CAR UPDATED FOR 15TH YEAR OF SALES

The car has the look of a roadster, with a simply framed windshield.

Up front it appears to have a large grille, but it is a flow-through section covered by bodywork bridging the gap, similar to the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT electric muscle car.

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Three-dimensional lighting units are used on the nose and tail, and the wheels are covered in illuminated caps.

The interior is equipped with a full-width digital display that features holographic elements at each end.

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The Max-Out isn't destined for production as-is, and technical details were not released, but the concept was envisioned with a lightweight platform powered by solid state batteries.

The vehicle will be on display through February at the automaker's headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, as part of the Nissan Futures event, which will highlight the company's work toward transitioning to electrification.

Shoe-tility Vehicle? Nissan and New Balance collaborate on new sneaker-style Kicks SUV

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:28:28 -0500

Old Mother Hubbard, your new car is here.

Nissan and New Balance have collaborated on a new type of mobility.

The auto and footwear makers designed a Nissan Kicks to look like a New Balance 327 running sneaker (ha ha, "kicks," get it? Ugh.)

The shoe-tility vehicle is wrapped in materials that echo the colors and textures of the sneaker, including its oversized N logo and thick white midsole.

GODZILLA LIVES! NISSAN GT-R SPORTS CAR UPDATED FOR 15TH YEAR OF SALES

Its rooftrack even carries a giant collar, tongue, eyestay and laces, with the black grille mimicking the way the 327's black sole rolls up the toe.

Nissan will not be selling it, but will have the car on display at the Aeon Mall in Tokyo and is running a social media contest where people can enter to win a pair of the sneakers or a real Kicks, sans the unique style, by posting photos of themselves with it.

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The $21,285 subcompact Kicks is the smallest and lowest priced SUV Nissan sells in the U.S., but the custom car is designed around the hybrid e-power AWD model offered in Japan.

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The New Balance 327 launched in 2020 just as the latest version of the Kicks came to market and has become one of the brand's most popular styles at a list price of $99.99 in the U.S.

Godzilla lives! Nissan GT-R sports car updated for 15th year of sales

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:20:58 -0500

It's a quick dinosaur.

The 2024 Nissan GT-R sports car has been revealed, which will mark its 15th year on the market.

First introduced for the 2009 model year, the GT-R is the second-oldest "new" sports car on sale, the Dodge Challenger having been launched in 2008.

The coupe has been updated with new styling, particularly up front where its grille has been significantly modified compared to the outgoing car.

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It is still powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that is capable of accelerating it to 60 mph in less than three seconds, helping to earn it the nickname "Godzilla" among enthusiasts. That performance is thanks in part to the traction provided by its standard all-wheel-drive system and quick-shifting six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Base GT-Rs get a 565 hp version of the engine, while the top-of-the-line Nismo performance model gets one rated at 600 hp plus a unique front fascia, a giant rear wing, a limited-slip front differential and a specially-tuned drivetrain and suspension for improved track performance.

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All GT-R's have been redesigned to provide additional downforce without increasing aerodynamic drag. A mid-range T-Spec model combines the lower-power engine with the Nismo's wider front fenders, wheels and carbon ceramic brakes for performance and a more aggressive look.

Pricing has not been announced, but the 2023 GT-R starts at $115,435 and the Nismo at $212,635.

Nissan sold just 57 GT-Rs in the U.S. last year, down from 228 in 2021.

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The 2024 GT-R is expected to start arriving in dealers this spring and will take the mantle of senior sports car next year as the Challenger is set to be discontinued and replaced by the all-new electric Charger Daytona SRT.

The Toyota Tacoma trounced the midsize truck competition in 2022

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 06:31:31 -0500

It's an oldie, but a goodie … for sales.

The Toyota Tacoma was the best-selling midsize truck in the U.S. last year with a bullet, despite having last been refreshed in 2016.

Toyota delivered 237,323 Tacoma trucks to customers in 2022, a 6% drop from the prior year due largely to the ongoing supply shortages affecting the automaker and the industry.

It has held the top spot now for 17 years straight.
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The Chevrolet Colorado was a distant second at 89,197, which looks a little better if you add the mechanically identical GMC Canyon's 27,819 result, for a grand General Motors total of 117,016. The redesigned Nissan Frontier finished third overall at 76,183, followed by the Ford Ranger at 50,302.

The GM twins and the Ranger are all set to be replaced by all-new trucks this year.

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Ford was also competing with itself with last year's introduction of the smaller, compact Maverick, which beat the Ranger with 61,035 deliveries.

The unibody-based Honda Ridgeline rounded out the midsize class at 42,762, posting the model's best result since 2007, while the Ranger-sized Hyundai Santa Cruz racked up 36,480 sales.

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Just how long Toyota will be resting on its laurels is not clear, but there are indications that the much-anticipated next-generation Tacoma will debut in the 2024 model year.

Review: The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek was built for rough roads

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 13:00:11 -0500

The newest version of the Nissan Pathfinder was designed to help it better live up to its name.

The all-wheel-drive Pathfinder Rock Creek is an off-road focused model that follows the new trend of rugged three-row crossover SUVs like the Honda Pilot TrailSport, Kia Telluride X-Pro and Ford Explorer Timberline.

When the Pathfinder was redesigned for 2022, Nissan instilled it with more of the off-road spirit of the early Pathfinder trucks, but the Rock Creek takes that to the next level.

It features standard all-terrain tires and an updated suspension that increase its ground clearance from 7.1 to 7.7 inches, tougher front and rear bumper styling, a trailering kit and a tubular roof rack with a 220-pound capacity for carrying gear.

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It also gets water-resistant leatherette upholstery with Rock Creek badging, heated front seats -- but not a heated steering wheel -- second-row captain’s chairs and a 360-degree camera system with a variety of views to make it easier to negotiate tight trails … and parking spaces.

Prices start at $44,145, and it comes pretty much fully loaded with only accessories available on the options list.

The Pathfinder’s 3.5-liter V6 also gets a boost in power from 284 hp to 295 hp and from 259 lb-ft of torque to 270 lb-ft, with the Rock Creek rated to tow trailers at the model’s maximum 6,000-pound limit.

The effect of the changes is a Pathfinder with an overall sturdier feel in all conditions and a definite improvement in its rough road capabilities. It’s still not a rock crawler, but you can spend all day driving the Rock Creek over ruts and gravel, no worse for wear.

CLASSIC NISSAN COMPACT PICKUP REBOOTED AS EV

It’s only slightly nosier and stiffer on pavement, thanks mostly to the chunky tires, but not so much to be a turn-off. The Rock Creek also features Nissan’s ProPilot Assist advanced electronic driver aid suite with lane-centering adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.

Fuel economy does take a hit from the all-wheel-drive Pathfinder’s top rating of 23 mpg combined and 27 mpg highway to 21 mpg combined and 23 highway as a result of the increased rolling resistance of the tires and extra aerodynamic drag caused by the lift and styling changes.

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It otherwise carries over features found in the reset of the Pathfinder lineup, including a removable console between the second-row seats, a third row suitable for adults and a roomy cargo area behind them with a deep underfloor wheelbarrow storage compartment.

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It may still not be a true off-road truck like its forebears, but the Pathfinder Rock Creek is enough of a "truck" for most people and a lot more useful as a family car than any of them ever were, and the most useful model available today.

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2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek

Base price: $44,145

Type: 4-door, 7-passenger all-wheel-drive SUV

Engine: 3.5-liter V6

Power: 295 hp, 270 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

MPG: 20 city/23 hwy

Classic Nissan compact pickup rebooted as EV

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:50:42 -0400

The new Nissan Frontier is only available with a V6 engine, but the automaker has a sneak peek at what electric power can do in a small truck.

Nissan has rebuilt a 1987 Sunny compact pickup with the powertrain from a Leaf electric car for November's SEMA auto show in Las Vegas.

The right-hand-drive Japanese market truck is owned and was converted by Tommy Pike Customs in South Carolina in collaboration with Nissan for the show.

"I bought the Sunny Truck because I thought it was such a cool piece of Nissan history and heritage – especially when I saw it was a right-hand-drive model," shop owner Tommy Pike said.

TEST DRIVE: THE 2023 NISSAN Z IS SPORTS CAR HISTORY

"Taking the unexpected step of converting the Sunny to electric power while wrapping it with the Brock Racing Enterprises livery felt like the perfect way to pay homage to Nissan's heritage and modern innovation."

Peter Brock's Brock Racing Enterprises was one of the first and most successful racing teams to field Datsun cars.

The build combines a 147 hp/236 lb-ft Leaf electric motor with the Sunny's original four-speed automatic transmission through a custom bellhousing adapter.

It is also been equipped with a 40 kilowatt-hour battery pack, widebody kit, the front suspension from a Nissan 240SX sports car, a heavy-duty rear suspension, modern Rotiform AeroDisc wheels and other upgrades to improve its street performance.

THE 2023 NISSAN PATHFINDER ROCK CREEK IS READY FOR THE ROUGH STUFF

Pike also turned one of Nissan's upcoming Ariya electric SUVs into a retro surfwagon with a wood paneling-style wrap, a lowrider suspension, whitewall tires on "smoothie" wheels and a rack equipped with two surf boards.

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A very different Ariya will be driven to the literal polar opposite of a California beach next year as adventurers Chris and Julie Ramsey attempt to be the first to drive from the North Pole to the South Pole in one converted by Iceland's Arctic Trucks.

These are the only new cars left for under $20,000

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 06:18:38 -0400

New car prices hit another record in August, with J.D. Power estimating average transactions at $46,259.

Monthly payments also set a new high mark at $716 as demand continued to outstrip the supply of new cars and trucks, with many paying over list to get their hands on vehicles that are also becoming more expensive due to inflation.

Things are particularly tough for budget shoppers looking for an economy car, because they are a quickly dying breed.

The cheapest car in America today, the $14,595 Chevrolet Spark, has been discontinued for the 2023 model year, along with the $17,740 Hyundai Accent.

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There are now just three models priced under $20,000, including destination fees, but you can call it five if you're being generous.

NISSAN VERSA

The Nissan Versa sedan is priced at $16,675 for 2022 and expected to return next year. It is roomy for the price and has a relatively potent 122 hp four-cylinder under the hood and a standard 5-speed manual transmission. You will have to step up to the $19,485 SV trim to get the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however, but it also includes an automatic transmission.

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MITSUBISHI MIRAGE/MIRAGE G4

The Mitsubishi Mirage was the second-cheapest car for 2022, but the 2023 model has been revealed with a higher price and standard automatic transmission. It now starts at $17,290 and remains the least powerful car in the U.S. with a 76 hp three-cylinder engine, but is also the most-efficient non-hybrid at 39 mpg combined. You do get power windows, air conditioning and an AM/FM radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

For $18,290 it is available as a sedan called the Mirage G4, which has the same powertrain and features but a 37 mpg combined rating.

KIA RIO/RIO 5

Kia has not officially confirmed the Rio's return for 2023, but it has registered it with the EPA for next year, so it is looking like it will be hanging around. For $17,545 in 2022 it is equipped with a 120 hp four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, plus the wirelessly connected version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Fancy.

Unlike with the Mirage, a five-door hatchback version called the Rio 5 is offered at a higher price than the sedan that starts at $18,485.

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If you want something else for under $20,000, you will have to buy a used vehicle, but you might not have much luck with that, either. The average price paid in July for second-hand cars and trucks less than six years old was $34,291, according to iseecars.com.

Subaru Outback tops new IIHS crash test that crushes other midsize vehicles

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:01:20 -0400

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has sent seven 2022 model year midsize vehicles through its latest crash test procedure, and only one of them was good at it.

The Subaru Outback received the top possible score of Good in the updated side impact test, which simulates a 4,200 pound vehicle traveling at 37 mph T-boning the vehicle.

Those numbers are up from 3,300 pounds and 31 mph in the previous version of the test and results in 82% more energy being applied to the vehicle being struck.

The Hyundai Sonata and Volkswagen Jetta both received Acceptable scores and the Honda Accord Marginal, while the Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry were all rated Poor. Every one of the vehicles scored Good on the previous test.

IIHS President David Harkey suggested that the high-riding nature of the Outback, which some would classify more as an SUV than a midsize wagon, helped its performance. In fact, during a round of side impact testing last year that involved 18 midsize SUVs, 10 received Good scores and none were rated Poor.

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"With vehicles that sit lower to the ground, the striking barrier hits higher on the door panel, he said.

The Altima and Malibu were specifically called out for allowing significant cabin intrusion, while the Camry fared better in this regard.

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However, the side curtain airbags in all three vehicles allowed the head of either the driver or rear passenger dummy, or both, to slip beneath the airbag and strike the windowsill.

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The tests are just preliminary at this point and meant to give automakers a benchmark, but starting next year a Marginal score will be required to earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick award and a Good score to get the highest Top Safety Pick+ designation.

American cars? You might not know these models are made in the USA

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 02:00:06 -0400

There's no telling where "American" cars come from these days.

Buick imports the Envision from China.

The Jeep Renegade is built in Italy.

And the Ford EcoSport took the long journey from India to showrooms before it was discontinued this year.

But there are also plenty of cars that are made in the USA that might not be so obvious.

Here are a few that are hiding in plain sight:

SUBARU OUTBACK

It may have an Australian name and come from a Japanese company, but the Subaru Outback is built right in the heartland in Lafayette, Indiana, alongside the Ascent, Legacy and Impreza.

The Outback is the brand's best-selling car so far in 2022.

ACURA NSX

The Acura NSX has the sleek lines and technology of an exotic machine, but the mid-engine hybrid sports car was designed in the USA and has been built at Honda's Performance Manufacturing Center in Marysville, Ohio since 2016.

Production is slated to end later this year with a limited run of 600-horsepower NSX Type S cars that start at $171,495.

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VOLVO S60

Swedish automaker Volvo is owned by China's Geely these days, but the S60 sedan is built its factory in Charleston, South Carolina.

It'll be joined there soon by the Polestar 3 three-row electric SUV from Volvo's all-electric sister brand.

NISSAN LEAF

Nissan's first electric car was launched a decade ago at its factory in Smyrna, Tennessee, and is still being built there in its second generation.

The Leaf is currently the cheapest electric car to buy in the U.S. at $20,925, but only after the $7,500 federal tax credit is deducted.

THIS IS THE BEST SELLING AMERICAN MUSCLE CAR SO FAR IN 2022

MERCEDES-MAYBACH GLS 600

The $166,150 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is one of the most luxurious SUVs in the world, but the full-size flagship is very much made for the American market at the brand's factory in Vance, Alabama.

It's also the most expensive SUV built in the USA, just ahead of the Texas-made $149,990 Cadillac Escalade-V.

EVERY TESLA SOLD IN THE U.S.

Tesla has factories in China and Germany — but every one of the four models it sells in the U.S. are made either at its Fremont, California, or Austin, Texas, assembly plants.

That'll also be true when the Cybertruck pickup debuts next year and is exclusively manufactured in Texas.

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"Hardly anyone knows this," Elon Musk tweeted when the company dominated the Cars.com's Most American-Made list this year.

Electric Nissan Ariya SUV to attempt first North Pole to South Pole trip

Wed, 25 May 2022 15:02:11 -0400

Nissan is sending its newest electric vehicle to the ends of the Earth. That is to say, from one end to the other.

British adventurer Chris Ramsey will attempt to drive a Nissan Ariya from the North Pole to the South Pole next year.

The midsize SUV is being modified by Iceland's Arctic Trucks for the trip, which will begin at the magnetic North Pole on Ellesmere Island in Canada in March and continue through 14 countries in the Americas before making the crossing to Antarctica, where it will continue to the geographic South Pole.

If successful, it will mark the first time a vehicle of any type has completed the 17,000-mile journey.

The all-wheel-drive Ariya e-4ORCE is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. this fall with a driving range of 265 miles per charge, which will surely be reduced by the oversized off-road tires and other changes to Ramsey's vehicle.

He is also expected to encounter temperatures ranging from around -20 deg F to 90 deg F along the way, the extremes of which will negatively affect the battery's performance.

What he hasn't revealed is exactly how he plans to charge it in the remote areas he'll be visiting, although solar power options do exist.

TEST DRIVE: THE 2023 NISSAN Z IS SPORTS CAR HISTORY

Ramsey previously entered a Nissan Leaf electric car in the 10,000-mile Mongol Rally across Europe and Asia and had to find charging where he could due to the lack of infrastructure, including using outlets at businesses and private homes.

While they didn't go pole to pole, actors Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman rode electric Harley-Davidson Livewire motorcycles from Patagonia to Los Angeles for their Apple TV+ series "Long Way Up" and found themselves needing to find similar creative solutions.

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Arctic Trucks was behind the first successful attempt to drive to the magnetic North Pole, which was featured on the TV show "Top Gear" and is currently planning a separate expedition in its new North American market Ford F-150s where a team will try to drive from from Canada to Greenland across the frozen waters of the Baffin Bay during the winter of 2023-2024.

Test drive: The 2023 Nissan Z is sports car history

Fri, 20 May 2022 08:56:02 -0400

As the global car industry moves closer toward a future of electrification, Japan’s major automakers are fighting the good fight for customers who still want to drive an old-school sports car. And I mean drive.

Toyota has rebooted the Supra, Acura the Integra, and they’re both available with manual transmissions. The Mazda Miata has never wavered from this course.

The shift-it-yourself category also includes the Toyota GR86 and GR Corolla, Subaru WRX and Honda's Civic Si and Civic Type-R, but the new Nissan Z may be the most retro of the bunch.

The 2023 Nissan Z is a fully updated version of the 370Z that it replaces and is styled as a tribute to the history of the model line, which began with the 1970 240Z.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, of course, but you can order it with an optional nine-speed automatic, if you must.

The Z’s long hood/short deck profile, rectangular grille and flower petal-shaped headlights are all direct callbacks to the 240Z, while its oval taillights are borrowed from the rad 1990s 300ZX.

Nissan even added a turn of the century touch – so to speak – by modeling the shape of the steering wheel off of the one in the 1999 Skyline featured in the film "2 Fast 2 Furious," because many enthusiasts think it is the most perfect user interface ever created.

The entry-level Z Sport comes with a 400 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that Nissan borrows from Infiniti, but tweaks for duty in a dedicated high performance car. At a starting price of $41,015, the Z is among the lowest-priced 400 hp sports cars available today and about 10 grand less than the most powerful version of its archrival, the Supra, which tops out at 382 hp.

For $10,000, you can also upgrade to the Z Performance trim that adds stronger brakes, a limited-slip differential for improved traction under acceleration, 19-inch "super lightweight aluminum alloy wheels," a Bose audio system and additional trim.

A limited run of 240 Z Proto Spec cars are also being offered at $54,015 to celebrate the launch. They’re painted bright yellow with black roofs like the Z show car was and have gold wheels, yellow brake calipers and yellow interior accents. This is the model I tested, but good luck finding one at list price when the Z goes on sale this summer.

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The Z’s chassis is an evolution of the 370Z’s, as evidenced by an identical wheelbase, but has been stiffened up and equipped with a re-engineered suspension aimed at improving both the handling and ride comfort.

The cabin has a digital instrument cluster and two power seats that Nissan says were designed to accommodate drivers up to 6-feet, 3-inches tall perfectly. At two inches shy of that height, I found the exact position I wanted for attacking a track or mountain road, but could’ve used a little more legroom to stretch out on long trips. A package of electronic driver aids with automatic emergency brakes, a blind spot monitoring system and adaptive cruise control is included, even on stick-shift cars.

Nissan hasn’t released an official 0-60 mph acceleration time because it wants you to think about the Z’s performance in a more holistic way, but it’s easily under five seconds according to my Mississippis.

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The turbocharged engine delivers power like a steamroller compared to the 370Z’s naturally aspirated V6 and its smooth, deep voice is almost too refined for a Z. Don't worry, I’m sure the Dom Torettos of the real world will find a way to crank it up.

Curves are where the Z really finds its groove and proves it is one of the most responsive cars at any price. You can take it from cornering on the proverbial rails to drifting with just a jab at the throttle and hang the tail out all day long with relative ease.

Doing that isn’t the fastest way to get from point A to point B, but that’s the point of a car like this. Making the trip as much fun as possible, whether you're in the moment or nostalgic for the past.

----------

2023 Nissan Z

Base price: $41,015

As tested: $54,015

Type: 2-passenger, 2-door rear-wheel-drive hatchback

Engine: 3.0L turbocharged V6

Power: 400 hp, 350 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual

MPG: TBD

Alleged drug trafficker's seized sports car collection up for auction

Mon, 09 May 2022 13:26:10 -0400

An amazing car collection with a notorious past is up for auction in Massachusetts.

The sports cars were seized by the Northwestern District Attorney's Office in 2020 following the arrest of Cory Taylor, who police found with 138 pounds of marijuana in a van he was driving during a routine traffic stop.

A follow-up investigation turned up evidence suggesting that Taylor, 41, was running a massive drug trafficking operation and had used the proceeds to purchase over two dozen classic sports cars from the 1990s and early 2000s. Weapons and over $4 million in cash were also discovered at two properties he owned in New Salem and Holyoke.

Taylor posted bail, but skipped an arraignment and disappeared until his body was found several weeks later in an abandoned building. The cause of death was officially listed as "undetermined" and the Holyoak clerk's office has confirmed to ӣ��Ƶ Autos that remains true today.

Twenty-nine of the 37 cars that were discovered have now made their way to Stanley J. Paine Auctioneers, which handles many of the district attorney's seized vehicle auctions.

Among them are 13 examples of the fourth-generation Toyota Supra, which was made famous by "The Fast and the Furious" film franchise and has risen in value dramatically in recent years.

One custom Supra that was used in the film was auctioned last year for $550,000 and a customer Supra with 7,000 miles on it was auctioned a few weeks later for a non-film car record $200,000.

Online bidding is currently open on the seized cars ahead of an on-site event at the Orange, Massachusetts, municipal airport on June 4, and the early bidding suggests new records could be set.

A 1996 model with 22,962 on the odometer has seen a flurry of activity pushing the high bid up to $170,000, as of this writing, while a 1997 car was at $155,000 and offers on a 1993 car that's been driven just 8,169 miles had reached $130,000. Stanley Paine told ӣ��Ƶ Autos that bidders must provide a $5,000 deposit to show they are serious.

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The Supras are the most highly-sought after cars at the auction, but there are also several BMW M3s and a pair each of the Honda S2000, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Nissan 350Z.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is readier for the rough stuff

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 13:28:38 -0400

The newest Nissan Pathfinder will help you find more paths.

The 2023 Pathfinder Rock Creek is a new extra-rugged version of the three-row SUV.

It's still far from a 4x4 truck, but the crossover features an off-road tuned suspension, a 5/8-inch increase in ride height to over 7.8 inches and 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.

Standard equipment includes a 360-degree camera system, tow hitch and a tubular roof rack that can carry 220 pounds of gear. The Pathfinder's 3.5-liter V6 engine has also been tuned to boost power from 284 hp to 295 hp when running on premium fuel.

Rock Creek badging, orange interior accents and unique leather and fabric seating upholstery rounds out the package.

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Pricing hasn't been announced, but the seven-passenger Pathfinder Rock Creek will be on display at the New York International Auto Show and is scheduled to go on sale this summer.

Nissan's new camping vans are too cool for the USA

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 13:50:55 -0500

Nissan is living its best #vanlife … in Japan.

The automaker has revealed two camping van concepts it will be debuting at January's Tokyo Auto Salon show.

The Mountain Base and Myroom are based on the NV350 Caravan minivan that's not sold in the U.S.

The Mountain Base has a rugged look with off-road wheels and tires, protective bumpers and wood paneling along with a massive deployable solar panel on the roof. The interior is equipped with a built-in bench and table that can be used as a very remote workstation and a widescreen TV it demonstrates with a fireplace display.

The Myroom is more of a chic hotel on wheels, with a light wood-trimmed interior, couch, mattress, storage under the floor, drawers and, oddly, a magazine rack-style bookshelf.

The designs follow the Office Pod van Nissan created for the virtual show held last January, which has a slide-out desk section and rooftop sundeck.

There are no plans for production of the vehicles, but they do offer ideas for potential custom builds.

The cheapest new cars you can buy in 2022

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:29:30 -0500

It's been a rough year to buy a new car and 2022 doesn't look much better.

Average transaction prices hit a record above $46,000 in October due to low inventories and its going to be a while before the situation returns to normal.

The increase is also the result of a market shift toward trucks and SUVs and many customers buying high end models, but there are still a few economy cars being offered with low suggested retail prices. That's not to say dealers won't try to squeeze a little more out of the sale. We've found examples of the three cheapest cars on sale with markups ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, but there are plenty listed at sticker price.

NISSAN VERSA

The Nissan Versa sedan's price increased by just $100 for 2022 to $16,055, which gets you a 122 hp four-cylinder engine, manual transmission and a surprisingly roomy cabin for the segment.

MITSUBISHI MIRAGE

The Mirage's 76 hp three-cylinder engine makes it the least powerful car on sale today, but the stick-shift subcompact makes up for it with a $15,290 starting price and 41 mpg highway fuel economy rating.

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CHEVROLET SPARK

With the Fiat 500's discontinuation, the Chevrolet Spark is now the smallest new car in the U.S. and it comes with the smallest price. At $14,595 it's the only vehicle available for less than $15,000, but manages to stuff four doors and 98 hp four-cylinder into its tiny package.

Nissan reveals electric pickup with transparent grille

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 08:00:51 -0500

Nissan's current spokeswoman is "Captain Marvel" actress Brie Larson, but it might want to get Wonder Woman lined up for its next campaign.

The automaker has revealed an electric pickup concept that incorporates a transparent "grille" in its design.

The Surf-Out is envisioned to be built on an vehicle platform being designed to use energy-dense, quick-charging solid state batteries it hopes to have in production by 2028.

The two-seat pickup features a cabin that opens to the bed, floating seatbacks, a single pedal for accelerating and braking, and a window in the body providing a forward view that's enabled by the entire powertrain being located beneath the beltline in a skateboard-style chassis.

Nissan also depicted the vehicle equipped with an aerodynamic cover that would slip into the bed rails and create an enclosed space.

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The Surf-Out is one of several vehicles Nissan has previewed for the platform, which is being developed as part of a new $18 billion investment that also includes an SUV designed to be used as a room.

The Hang-Out has sliding doors that create a large opening to the cabin and four swiveling captain's chairs that can be rotated to face each other, or the rear of the vehicle where a widescreen TV can be installed.

Electric Nissan Ariya priced from $47,125 and Brie Larson chose this one

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 11:48:15 -0500

Nissan has opened the order books for the electric 2023 Ariya ahead of deliveries scheduled to begin in fall of 2022.

The compact SUV is initially available in four trims with starting prices ranging from $47,125 to $60,125 before electric vehicle incentives are factored in.

The entry-level Ariya Venture+ features a 238 hp front-wheel-drive powertrain and an estimated 300 miles of driving range per charge, while the top of the line Platinum+ comes with a 389 hp all-wheel-drive system and 265-mile range.

The Ariya is set to become Nissan's second all-electric model after the Leaf and is sized to compete against an array of vehicles including the Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X.

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Nissan says the FWD Ariya will be able to accellerate to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and the AWD model in 4.8 seconds.

Nissan spokeswoman Brie Larson reserved an entry level Venture+ with Boulder Grey Pearl and Black Metallic exterior and the standard Charcoal Grey interior as part of a social media campaign announcing the launch of the program.

Nissan 'can't be alive' without the Z sports car, designer says

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:35:10 -0400

The 2023 Nissan Z isn't just a new sports car, it's the result of an introspective journey the automaker has been on since former CEO Carlos Ghosn was arrested on allegations of misconduct three years ago.

The incident threw the company into disarray right around the time design work on the coupe was kicking off, and helped lead to its retro-modern look inspired by the 1970 Datsun 240Z.

"We had a few issues at that time, and you think ‘why is the company going to put so much investment, so much of our manpower [into a sports car] when we’re transitioning to a new portfolio?’ It’s because somehow, we needed to find our soul as a company and, on the journey of finding yourself, the 240 is our soul," Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's senior vice president of global design, said during an appearance on "The Fox Garage."

The 370Z it's based on and replaces is far from Nissan's most popular car, with fewer than 10,000 sold annually in the U.S. since 2011, but like Mazda's Miata or Ford's Mustang, it is one of the brand's icons.

"I don’t think you can be alive without your heart, so that’s how it fits, it’s our soul, it’s our heart," he said.

The car's long "ironing board" hood and roofline strongly resemble the 240Z's, while the rectangular grille and silver, faux rain gutters also call back to the seminal sports car.

Its rounded rectangular taillights are cribbed from the 1990-2000 300ZX, however, which is one of Albaisa's favorite Z-car generations.

Its not an all-new car, however, and uses an evolution of the platform the 370Z is built on, but Albaisa said the engineers "were in love with the project" and put in the effort to bring his vision to fruition, including lengthening the vehicle by five inches.

Getting it done "was surprisingly easy, no resistance," he said.

One major upgrade is the switch from a naturally-aspirated V6 to a 400 hp turbocharged V6 that drives the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or 9-speed automatic, making it nothing like the electric cars Nissan is starting to transitioning to.

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Albaisa thinks the spirit of the Z as an affordable alternative to high-end sports cars will live on even if it switches to battery-power someday.

"I don’t think the drivetrain defines the Z, before this one starts selling there's already 1.5 million Zs out there," he said.

"The Z represents a different thing. It’s the democratization of greatness."

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH ALFONSO ALBAISA ON "THE FOX GARAGE" AND FIND OUT WHAT HIS DREAM NISSAN REVIVAL IS

2023 Nissan Z debuts with retromodern style and 400 hp twin-turbo V6

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 20:00:05 -0400

The Japanese sports car wars are getting turbocharged.

The 2023 Nissan Z unveiled Tuesday night is a heavily reworked evolution of the 370Z's platform that blends the past and the future and is set to go tire to tire with the Toyota GR Supra when it hits the street next spring.

The two-seat coupe features long hood, short deck styling inspired by the original Datsun 240Z and a redesigned interior with a digital instrument cluster and the Z's signature analog gauges on the dashboard. The taillights are a new take on the ones from the 300ZX.

Power comes from a 400 hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 borrowed from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport that also sends 350 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or 9-speed automatic, both equipped with launch control. A 15% improvement in acceleration compared to the 370Z could result in a sub-five-second 0-60 mph time.

Nissan said the chassis is more rigid but rides on a more compliant suspension which should improve ride quality, handling and refinement.

A Z Sport model with cloth seats and leather-upholstered Z Performance model with upgraded infotainment and sound systems along with wider tires and a rev-matching downshift feature for the manual transmission will be available.

A package of electronic driver aids including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control comes standard while a limited run of 240 Z Performance Proto Spec models will be offered with bronze wheels and a yellow-accented interior trim.

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Exact pricing for the Z hasn't been announced, but a Nissan spokesperson said it would be around $40,000, which would undercut the 255 hp turbocharged four-cylinder GR Supra by several thousand dollars and the 382 hp turbocharged six-cylinder GR Supra by over ten grand.

Test drive: The 2022 Nissan Frontier proves an old truck can learn new tricks

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 15:03:13 -0400

The Nissan Frontier is new for 2022. At least some of it is.

The compact pickup wears a fully-redesigned body on an updated version of the frame that's been carrying the model around since 2004 and is powered by an engine introduced last year. As it turns out, out these aren't bad things.

The Mississippi-made Frontier's boxy styling is a callback to the Nissan Hardbodies of the 1980s and moves away from the brand's ubiquitous Vmotion grille that's featured on the outgoing model, but the overall look is very contemporary.

It's available as a king cab with a six-foot bed for $29,015, or a four-door crew cab that' starts at $30,515 and can be ordered with either a five-foot or six-foot bed. It's not the cheapest truck in the segment, but its standard 310 hp 3.8-liter V6 is the most powerful and good for towing a respectable 6,720 pounds. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg combined for two-wheel-drive models and 19 mpg combined for four-by-fours.

The old frame has been beefed up and the suspension re-engineered with jounce bumpers and a rear anti-roll bar to improve the ride and handling, while the body is now attached via hydraulic mounts to further reduce vibrations.

The interior is an all-new design and, although it doesn't break any new ground, is as fashionable and functional as any in the class. There are plenty of buttons and knobs to augment its new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-equipped touchscreen infotainment system and lots of room for a midsize pickup. The seats also get Nissan's comfy "zero-gravity" treatment, but I found the bottoms on the front buckets in the top of the line 4x4 Pro-4X that I tested at a fully-loaded price of $44,315 to be a little flatter than ideal.

The Frontier comes with an electronic safety suite that includes front and rear automatic emergency braking and both adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree bird's-eye-view camera that can be used for parking and off-roading are optional.

The Pro-4X is dressed for the latter with fender flares, all-terrain tires on 17-inch beadlock-style wheels, additional underbody protection, a set of heavy duty Bilstein shocks and a locking rear differential. A two-wheel-drive Pro-X gets the flares, wheels and shocks and is aimed at tackling rough, but flat roads. The Pro-4X isn't meant to be an extreme off-roader, but puts in solid performance on rocky roads and really shines on paved ones.

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The Frontier's ride quality and refinement is unmatched and easily outclasses the best-selling Toyota Tacoma. It's quiet, doesn't wander or bounce around and is a surprising joy considering its ancient ancestry. The only disappointments are that the nine-speed automatic transmission can be busy on uphill stretches and that the wind blocker that pops up when you open the sunroof creates a deafening wind noise above city speeds that's so loud even the excellent Fender audio system that you get in the Pro-4X can't do much to overcome it.

The Frontier is far from a next-generation vehicle, but it's among the best of the current one for the everyday stuff. It may have been an also-ran on the compact pickup charts in recent years, but this one deserves to be closer to the front of your shopping list.

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2022 Nissan Frontier

Base price: $29,015

As tested: $44,315

Type: 5-passenger, 4-door pickup

Engine: 3.8-liter V6

Power: 310 hp, 281 lb-ft

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

MPG: 17 city/22 hwy

Latest Nissan News | ӣ����Ƶ

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AI-powered cruise control can stop 'phantom traffic jams' before they start

Married couple depart North Pole on attempt to drive to South Pole

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Welcome to the ӣ����Ƶ Autos Newsletter. To receive this newsletter in your email, subscribe here.

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Test drive: The 2023 Nissan Z is sports car history

Alleged drug trafficker's seized sports car collection up for auction

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek is readier for the rough stuff

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The cheapest new cars you can buy in 2022

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2023 Nissan Z debuts with retromodern style and 400 hp twin-turbo V6

Test drive: The 2022 Nissan Frontier proves an old truck can learn new tricks

Latest Nissan News | ӣ��Ƶ

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